Struggling with a Small Space? Avoid These Common Decor Mistakes!

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When it comes to small living spaces, they're great on your pocketbook but can be a challenge to decorate, especially if there's not enough storage space, and honestly, there never is. 

You have to get creative and find ways to store your items in places that can work as multiple-purpose pieces so you get aesthetics along with functionality.

It's a good idea before you move in to make a plan to create a space that not only looks good but also works for you. I would suggest taking pictures and measurements of the space. That way, you can decide before you move in what you can take and what you need to let go.

Dont make the mistake of moving all your stuff in and realizing it doesn't work and then having to sell it or give it away.

With that being said, I have some tips and tricks I've learned along the way that can help keep your small space feeling more open and airy.

Let's get into it!

Common Small Space Decor Mistakes

1. Overcrowding with Furniture

This is one of the most common decor mistakes for a small space, and the one I also made when moving into my first small abode. 

The overcrowding of furniture makes the space feel cluttered and disorganized, and in turn will make your space feel even smaller and claustrophobic.

I quickly learned about dual-purpose furniture, which can help your place stay organized but also has a stylish quality. So you get both aesthetics and functionality.

Examples of dual-purpose furniture would be a coffee table or an end table that has storage. A wooden trunk works great as a coffee table and has plenty of storage inside. Ottomans and benches that open for storage inside are another great option. 

You can also find a closed shoe cabinet that doubles as a console table that you place by your entrance.  

2. Vertical Space

Don't ignore the use of vertical space; if you're only decorating at eye level, you leave half your space unused. Small spaces demand a vertical mindset.

You can use wall-mounted floating shelves for books, pictures, and niknaks; a tall bookcase is also a good option, and dont forget a hanging plant. 

Using the vertical space creates a stylish aesthetic look while taking up less space and creating the illusion of higher ceilings.

3. Say No to Dark Colors

Dark colors absorb light, so this will make a small room feel even smaller, particularly if there isn't much natural light.

You should use lighter, neutral colors such as whites, beiges, pale grays, or soft pastels because these colors bounce light and make a room feel open and airy.

You can always add pops of color with pillows, throw blankets, rugs, and wall art.

4. Poor Lighting

Lighting is an important detail to be aware of because good lighting allows you to customize brightness and warmth, letting you create a warm and cozy environment.

Whereas poor lighting casts shadows, which tend to make the space seem smaller and darker.

I prefer more light and less shadow in my space. An excellent solution

that I found is to have multiple sources of lighting.

You can use floor lamps and table lamps with adjustable brightness, which will aid in creating the perfect ambiance.

Sconces are another fine lighting accessory because they offer a versatile and space-saving solution. You can install them in entryways, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even outside on your porch or patio.

5. Blocking Natural Light

Natural light in a small space is essential; it helps to create a more open, spacious feel. More importantly, natural light helps to improve mood and well-being.

Avoid blocking natural light with furniture or heavy curtains. Instead, use sheer curtains or blinds to allow as much light as possible to enter.

6. The Wrong Rug Size

Ideally, the rug should ground the furniture and create a cohesive look. One must consider the size of the rug and how it will suit the room.

A rug that is too large can overwhelm a room, making it feel even smaller and destroying the room's balance. It can also impede the visual flow, creating a disjointed feeling rather than a cohesive one.

Now, a rug that is too small for the space will fail to anchor the furniture because the furniture sits entirely off the rug; this lacks cohesion, making the layout feel disconnected and diminishing the overall aesthetic of the room.

7. Skipping Mirrors

Mirrors are a great small-space trick because they reflect light and make the space appear larger than it is.

You can place the mirrors opposite the windows to give the space a brighter and airier feel.

8. Over-Decorating

If you have a lot of decorative items and you're moving into a small space, it's best to bring only what you love and what is important to you and let go of the rest.

The best attitude to adopt is that less is more because too many items will create a cluttered look and feel.

9. Not Defining Separate Zones

When one room serves multiple purposes, such as living, dining, and office, it’s essential to define each area clearly. Without boundaries, it can all blend into a confusing mess.

You can use rugs, lighting, or furniture arrangements to create zones.

Even if you live in a studio, you can still designate a bedroom area with a rug and nightstand, frame your workspace with a desk lamp and plant, and create a dining area with a small table.

10. Forgetting Storage Solutions

This is critical to get a handle on before you move in. If you dont, then more than likely, when you move in, you are going to have boxes stacked up, and that is going to feel cluttered, disorganized, and claustrophobic.

Utilize hidden storage: wall racks, under-bed containers, and multi-purpose furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans that can open up for storing items, storage benches, and coffee tables with hidden space for remotes and other knick-knacks.

This will keep your space clean and neat.

Conclusion

You can avoid these mistakes by making a plan before you move in. It might be a little extra work, but you'll be glad you did. A little strategic decorating goes a long way.

Be sure to take pictures and measurements beforehand so you know what will work because with a little planning, you won't have to sacrifice style, comfort, or personality.