10 Tips for Decorating/Staging Small Spaces

 10 Tips for Decorating Small Spaces in the South Bay

The smallest home I’ve ever lived in was less than 800 square feet.  It was fine for my husband and me, but when children started coming along, we looked for bigger digs and moved way up to 1100 square feet! 

Some people, however, have even less space to call their own, or at least have small rooms to deal with.  Here are ten helpful tips to make the most of your space-lessness.

1)  Make a list of everything you need that room to do……on paper…..in writing.  Think function, function, function.

2)     Plan for necessary furniture (try arranging on paper or computer first – many furniture stores have an online program you can use to try variations).  Some rooms need furniture pulled away from walls – others need it up against walls.

3)     Think double-duty for furniture – ottomans that will hold blankets, tables that have fold-down sides or can moved against the wall when fewer seats are needed – even used as a desk if absolutely necessary.  Armless furniture will also make a space feel larger.  Chairs can be pulled around where necessary.

4)     Glass tables will make a room feel less hemmed-in.   Speaking of glass – keep all reflective surfaces sparkling clean, whether on windows, TV screens, dishwasher, artwork or tables.  Your eye glides over and it creates the illusion of more space!

5)     Keep contrast low.   This means that walls, floors & furniture should be in similar tones.  For instance, if walls are a very pale blue (more on that in a minute), the sofa can be white or other light color & the window treatments similar to walls.  Higher contrast will bring drama, but will also make your space feel smaller.  You can still bring color in with your accessories – artwork, pillows, throws, vases, etc.

6)     Speaking of walls….don’t think that white is always your best bet.  White really only works great in a few instances.  Add some personality with color.  Cool colors tend to recede, making a space feel larger.  That means choose a light “clean” color as opposed to a “muddy,” muted, warm tone.

7)     Keep window treatments on the simple side, using the same type within a visible area. Consider adding texture with woven blinds, simple panels or even roller shades with fabric. 

8)     Go up!  Since floor space is limited, use your vertical space.  Narrow bookcase and cabinets can make a world of difference both for practical storage and for display.

9)     Keep clutter to a minimum.  Few larger accessories will work much better than many small ones.

10)    And finally, an oldie but goodie, hang those mirrors, especially large ones or a group of small ones.  Try to make them reflect something attractive, however.

Hope you’ve enjoyed these tips.  Let me know how they work for you or if you have found other ways to make your small spaces live large!