Small spaces are often the most difficult to work with, but they don't have to be impossible. With just a little time and planning and a few very simple items, you can bring your small space to life. No matter what the space is, organization is key. Deciding exactly what you want to accomplish and how best to achieve your goals before you start will save both time and energy and ensure that you enjoy decorating your space as much as you will enjoy living in it.
1 Decide how best to get the job done before beginning your project. Small spaces are a tight fit, so select your furniture, wall hangings, window treatments, lighting and accessories and decide how each thing will fit in the small space first.
2 Select paint for the room that will brighten the space. You can open up small spaces with bright, clean colors and make them smaller by using dark, rich colors. Colors such as white, light blue and pale yellow are ideal for small rooms, and you should avoid dark accent walls, as this can make a small space appear smaller or more cluttered. Accent walls in small spaces should be a light, complementary color that brightens the space.
3 Remove everything from the room, lay down drop cloths, tape the baseboards, and be certain the space is appropriately ventilated before beginning. Ventilation can be a problem for small spaces, so make use of oscillating fans and open windows. Apply paint to the walls in even strokes, adding a second layer when necessary. Give the paint at least 24 hours to dry completely before adding furniture to the space.
4 Add furniture one piece at a time to ensure a good fit. Small spaces can be deceptive, and furniture for small spaces should include only one or two heavy pieces, such as a bed and dresser or sofa and loveseat. Too much heavy furniture in a small space will make the room cluttered and difficult to maneuver.
5 Include storage solutions that will make use of unconventional spaces. Don't let excess closet or under-the-bed space go to waste. Small spaces can be deceptively good storage spaces. Consider floor to ceiling, wall-hanging shelves with wicker or plastic baskets for storage.
6 Apply window treatments that will brighten your small space. Consider roman shades, in light colors, in lieu of mini blinds or drapes. Roman shades provide privacy without robbing a space of light, as light will often penetrate the shades to brighten a space. Drapes are heavy and can make particularly small spaces feel closed off. Window boxes and valances protrude into the room and are not ideal for small spaces.
7 Bring the space together with lighting, accessories and wall hanging art that accentuates the style of your space. Utilize track lighting, fixtures that hang on the wall or ceiling fans with lighting to save floor space. Take care not to include too many accessories or hang too many things on the wall, as small spaces can feel easily cluttered. Rugs are nice final touch, bringing character to small spaces.
