Design Inspiration - Decor for Small Spaces

Posted on June 11, 2015

Use two small coffee tables instead of one.

In this mountain home, two studded leather coffee tables provide flexibility in arrangement without sacrificing table space—and match perfectly with the antique Oushak rug, which ties the whole room together. Or, use two tufted ottomans—like in Hammer & Heels living room—to add storage space.

Rustic Living Room by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators Robert Brown Interior Design

Source: Hammer & Heels

Or try a clear- or open-bottomed coffee table.

Do you absolutely need the space one unified coffee table provides? Don’t choose chunky or bulky furniture. Instead, pick a sleek table—like this iron-framed wood-topped coffee table designer Sarah M. Dorsey used in her living room. The open-air bottom makes the room feel roomy and large.

Source: Sarah M. Dorsey Designs

Create a small reading nook for a sense of seclusion.

Just because your house isn’t huge doesn’t mean you can’t have a space all to yourself. You may not have room for your own office or lounge, but transforming a corner into an itty-bitty reading nook—just add a comfy chair and a small side table—creates a peaceful space that’s all your own. Need inspiration? Check out this calm, beautiful nook from Love Grows Wild.

Source: Love Grows Wild

Contrasting brights with whites opens up a small room.

Adding a pop of a vivid color, like bright yellow—see this half bath from Mrs. Fancee—can add drama and personality to a small room. There is one caveat: Using too much of a bold color can feel claustrophobic, especially in a tight space, so make sure to contrast with white, which makes rooms feel bigger and airier.

Source: Mrs. Fancee

Use wicker baskets as both storage and shelving.

Wicker’s all the rage—and we’re so thankful. Not only is it chic and in-style, but it can serve dual-duty as storage and shelving. In this Park Hill house, featured on Houzz, two stacked baskets create an attractive makeshift nightstand. Inside, store extra blankets, pillows, or books.

Traditional Bedroom by Brooklyn Photographers Francis Dzikowski Photography Inc.

Divide your room with a rug.

Bemoaning your lack of walls? If your home’s layout means you’ll be stuffing multiple rooms into one (like this Vancouver home where the kitchen and living room share a small space), use rugs to divide your living, working, and eating spaces into visually separate areas. Try a vintage kilim rug to add extra visual interest to your floors.

Eclectic Living Room by Los Angeles Furniture & Accessories Danish Design Store

Don’t be afraid to go eclectic.

Don’t feel like you have to stow away your personal style just because your space is small. A lively apartment can feel large, even when it’s not—for example, check out this colorful apartment from Freckle & Fair. It may be small, but the tasteful arrangement of quirky, vintage items means there’s always something to draw the eye.

Source: Freckle & Fair

Use large-scale artwork.

Big art works well in small spaces: Scaling up anchors the room and adds drama. Don’t use too many large pieces—otherwise you’re risking crossing the line into cluttered—but a few larger pieces bring major personality to your living room. Try hanging three side-by-side, like these family photos hung behind the couch, as seen on Daffodil Design.

Source: Daffodil Design

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