8 Tips from an Interior Designer for Decorating Small Spaces
Nearly one in four Americans update a room to make it feel bigger* – here are eight tips to maximize the capacity of any area
Small areas come with a special set of decorating dilemmas. Less square footage means less storage, so rooms get cluttered quickly. Then, there’s the test of displaying your style in an awkwardly shaped space while still trying to maximize functionality. But sometimes, these challenges make the design process even more fun, which is why we’ve turned to interior designer Taniya Nayak to reveal her tips for making your less-than-spacious home feel as big as possible.
“Decorating a small space shouldn’t be an insurmountable challenge – the right furniture choices, lots of light and loads of creativity can go a long way,” said Taniya Nayak, celebrity interior designer and FrogTape® brand painter’s tape spokesperson. “Whether you live in a studio apartment or want to get the most out of a cramped room, these design ideas are sure to make it feel so much larger.”
1. Be Realistic
Before purchasing furniture, consider your daily routine. Do you actually eat at the dining table or do most meals take place on the couch and coffee table? Do you often work from home or would a desk see minimal use? Keeping these things in mind will help reduce the clutter of unused bulky furniture.
2. Size Matters
It’s tempting to opt for a small floor rug when decorating, especially in a tiny area, but in reality, a larger rug that fills most of the room draws the eye wider and makes the space appear bigger than it really is. Small rugs accentuate the lack of square footage and visually break up the floor.
3. Double Duty
When selecting furniture, ensure it serves multiple purposes. Nesting tables are a great example as they can be used as end tables or to hold drinks and food, and are built to neatly stack together, taking up less space when you’re not using them. Ottomans are another great multi-purpose piece as they offer additional storage, provide hideaway seating for guests or can be used as a coffee table.
4. Color Coding
Give each area or room in your home a distinct color palette so the transition from space to space is more noticeable, further defining each area. When painting walls and trim, Taniya recommends using her go-to tool, FrogTape® brand painter’s tape. This premium painter’s tape makes it easy to achieve the sharpest paint lines possible and get professional-looking results.
5. Go Vertical
If you’ve been blessed with high ceilings, take advantage! Install floor-to-ceiling curtains to create the illusion of taller windows and a bigger space. You also should stack storage units and shelving to combat the lack of floor square footage.
6. Let There Be Light
Small rooms can feel dark due to tiny or nonexistent windows. To combat this, add plenty of light sources to brighten up the space. Prevent cluttering the floor with cords and end tables with lamps by installing sconce lighting that’s mounted on the wall.
7. Mirror, Mirror
A well-placed mirror is a small room’s best friend. It can amplify light, make your area feel larger and can even replicate another window if placed across from the real deal.
8. Embrace Your Size
The sooner you accept that you have a small space, the quicker you can start taking steps to make the most of it and craft chic surroundings!
*According to a 2019 FrogTape survey conducted in partnership with independent research firm Survata.
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