Beautiful things can come in small packages. When it comes to small rooms, thoughtful décor can help you make the most of the space you have and enjoy it to the fullest.
Here are some small room ideas to transform your tiny living room, bedroom, or any other compact are to save space:
1. Choose a Focal Point
Select a standout piece or feature to draw attention, give the room a sense of purpose and add visual interest to the space.
This could be an accent wall painted in a bold color, a striking piece of wall art, or a unique piece of furniture. The focal point anchors the room and can have a more cohesive look.
For instance, in a living room, the focal point around which the rest of the décor is centered can be a colorful sofa or a sizable picture above the mantle.
2. Adding Light
Light plays a crucial role in making small spaces feel larger. Use light, sheer curtains in pale shades to let in as much light as possible. Avoid heavy drapes that block sunlight.
Additionally, use large mirrors to reflect natural light and make the space seem larger. Position mirrors opposite windows to maximize the amount of light they reflect. Consider using glass or acrylic furniture to allow light or natural light to pass through and create a sense of openness.
3. Thinking Larger Scale
Avoid filling the space with lots of smaller pieces. Keep the room clutter-free and put in only a few larger pieces. This will create a larger sense of space and keep the room from feeling cramped.
Play with scales on floors, too. Instead of tiny tiles or thin slats of wood on your floors, choose wide plank flooring. Wide plank flooring in small spaces makes your space look larger and will create plenty of visual interest on your floors—without making it seem too busy.
Wide planks draw the eye along the length of the room, creating an impression of greater width and depth. This technique works especially well in living rooms and bedrooms, where floor space significantly impacts the room’s visual appeal.
4. Get Creative with Storage
Maximizing storage in a tiny bedroom is important to maintain a tidy and organized space. Look for furniture pieces with built in storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments, beds with drawers underneath, or coffee tables with shelves.
Wall-mounted shelves can also provide built in storage without taking up space. Use decorative boxes and baskets to keep smaller items neatly tucked away, adding a touch of style and minimizing awkward spaces.
5. Add Texture
Texture adds depth and interest to a tiny space without overwhelming it. Incorporate a variety of textures through soft furnishings like rugs, throw pillows, and throws.
For example, a plush rug, a velvet cushion, and a knitted throw can create a rich, layered look.
Texture can also be added through wall treatments, such as textured wallpaper or wood paneling, which can make the room feel more dynamic and inviting.
6. Play with Color
Color significantly impacts how spacious a room feels. Choose pale colors to make your room look larger. Dark colors can shrink a space, while pale colors can expand a room.
Don’t forget to go pale on the floors, too. With the right, easy-to-clean flooring, you can make use of lighter-colored floors without having to worry as much about scuffing and cleaning.
Light, pale colors make a room look larger, while dark colors make it feel smaller. Choose light shades for walls, ceilings, and floors to create an airy, open atmosphere.
7. Create the Illusion of Larger Floor Space
Create the illusion of larger floor space to make your room feel less cluttered and more open. Big rugs and corner seating create a larger area in the center of the room, which can make it appear less cluttered.
For example, push a sectional sofa against two walls to free up the center of the room for other activities.
8. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
You can’t place as much in a small room, so you may need to have some furniture do double-duty.
Ottomans that work as coffee tables or tiny coffee tables that can be whisked away can help you keep more control over valuable floor space—a storage bed or a dining table that doubles as a workspace. Multi-purpose furniture maximizes functionality without overcrowding the room
9. Go High
Utilize vertical space to offset limited square footage. Tall bookshelves, vertical storage solutions, and hanging plants draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller.
Tall ceilings can offset small square footage. If you are lucky enough to have high ceilings, accent them with striped wallpaper, tall accents or bold curtains that draw the eye upward.
If your ceilings aren’t high, create the illusion of more space horizontally by choosing lower seating options.
10. Hang Your Lighting
Lighting plays an important role in a small room.
Use hanging lighting to free up floor space that floor lamps might take up. Just be sure not to scrimp on lighting, since a darker space can feel tinier. Accent lights, pendant lights, wall scones, alcove lights, and an extra hanging lamp can add dimension to a small space.
For example, combine a central pendant light with wall-mounted reading lights and under-cabinet lighting to create a well-lit, inviting space.
11. Consider Seating Carefully
In a small room, seating needs to be both functional and space-efficient. Use smaller pieces like hammock seating or two small armchairs instead of a large sofa, which means your furniture leaves less of a footprint.
This leaves you more area to move around and makes your tiny room more usable. These options take up less space and can be arranged to suit different activities.
12. Go Minimalist
Minimalism is key to making a limited space feel larger. This approach helps maintain a clean, streamlined look that enhances the sense of space.
Carefully consider how you will use a tiny space and make sure you only include décor items or furniture you need for the space and things you love.
Small living rooms, small bedrooms, and other spaces simply can’t handle lots of extra items and can feel cluttered quickly. Keeping things tidy is important.
13. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
If you love dark colors, patterns, art gallery walls, or busyness, give it a try. Much of the advice for tiny rooms is aimed at helping you make the space seem larger. If you love coziness, though, embracing the dimensions you have might be right for you. It’s worth a try!
These elements can add personality and make the space feel uniquely yours. Experiment with different layouts and styles to find what works best for you and makes the room feel cozy and inviting.
Do You Need New Flooring for Your Space? Trust 50Floor
Few things transform your area as much as a new floor. If you’re ready to play with different flooring ideas, schedule a free appointment with 50Floor.
Our professionals can bring flooring samples to your home, so you can try out different options directly and see how they look with your typical lighting conditions. That way, you’ll be able to create a space and residence you love.