Interior Design Styles for Small Spaces

Interior decor for a small space can be a challenge, but you can create a space that seems spacious and meets all your needs if you keep a few guidelines in mind. Considering the scale of your space as you choose your furniture pieces – in general, small spaces need small pieces – will help your space feel bigger. Keeping the space clean and clutter-free is another way to create the illusion of more space. When you have a place for everything and keep everything in its place, you won't feel overpowered by your stuff.

Choose a Neutral Palette

Neutral palettes remain popular for a variety of reasons, and their ability to give you the illusion of space is just one of them. Avoiding dark colors will make your space appear larger, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. A predominantly neutral palette makes the flow of a house feel less choppy. Paint the space a soft white or cream to open it up and let it breathe, then choose a bolder color for an accent wall, such as versatile sage, a taupe-y white, or a medium gray. You'll end up with a space that is comfy but not cramped.

For small spaces, a casual sofa, such as the Fillmore Sofa by Lexington provides just the right amount of seating as well as a punch of color. If your room is neutral, you can add a punch of color by choosing from the numerous upholstery options available.

Choose Multipurpose Pieces and Spaces

When space is limited, sometimes a multipurpose space is unavoidable. Every home needs a space dedicated to collecting mail, paying bills, and basically doing the business of running the home. Consider an office nook for this purpose.

You can tuck an office nook in anywhere it will fit in your home. It can easily become part of the family room by adding a desk with shelving and a simple chair, such as the Ed Ellen DeGeneres Somera Desk/Game Chair by Thomasille. This chair takes the art of multi-tasking to a new level by combining luxurious comfort with function. Plus, you can easily turn it around and use it for additional seating.

Think Floor-to-Ceiling

Here's a quick design tip that you may or may not have heard before: floor to ceiling curtains are a great way to make a room feel more spacious. Hang a drapery rod close to the ceiling, approximately 2 inches below the molding. Extend it about 4 inches or more on each side if you can. The window will seem wider and more light can get in. This same principle applies to shelving. Going vertical and using the space all the way up to the ceiling with shelves and storage will give you tons of extra storage in a small space.

Look for Creative Storage Options

Consider underused storage spaces, such as under the bed or stairs, if you have a two-story apartment or townhouse. A shelving unit under the stairs takes advantage of an awkward and potentially wasted space. When I had a small, two-story townhouse, I put my T.V. and media center under the stairs, and used baskets in the excess space behind it for hidden storage. Under the bed is another often overlooked storage area. Use baskets or small canvas bins to keep thing easily accessible and organized.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Adding a mirror to visually expand a space is another tried-and-true design tip. A tall mirror surrounded by neutral drapes can add dimension and make any small room look bigger. A simple floor-to-ceiling mirror can add depth to a hallway, and also adheres to the floor-to-ceiling tip above -- that's two design tips in one. But don't just limit this trick to the bedroom, living room, or dining room, a mirrored backsplash can also make a small kitchen seem bigger.

Occasional Tables and Ottomans

And lastly, consider small pieces you can easily move around. If a coffee table seems too big and clunky for your space, try an ottoman or small occasional table. Choose a table with shelves or drawers for extra storage or an ottoman with hidden storage. Your ottoman can also be used as extra seating when you are entertaining in your small space.

If you need help designing your small space for maximum comfort and impact, contact the Baer's Furniture showroom near you. Check out our collection of fine furniture perfect for small spaces and take advantage of our complimentary design service.