10 Small Space Decorating Tips

Have  a small space that needs some sprucing up, but aren’t sure what to do?  HGTV recently posted a list of 10 tips for decorating any small space, specifically apartments, but I think most of them apply to any small space.

Here are these 10 decorating tips, with a bit of a twist aimed at owners versus renters:

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment.  Unless you plan on selling or leaving soon, why not make the space undeniably yours?
2. Don’t be afraid of color.  Many people are afraid to experiment with color, but using color can really help a small space come alive.
3. Don’t push everything against the wall.  According to Mark McCauley, ASID, a Chicago-area designer, most people don’t spend enough time thinking about furniture arrangement.  “People use the old standby of pushing the sofa against one wall with a chair on each end — all pushed against the wall because they think it provides more room.”  He suggests creating angles with the furniture, much like a city skyline.  This create movement in the space and actually helps the area appear bigger.
4. Don’t neglect the overhead light fixtures.  This is a quick, inexpensive way to inject some excitement and personality into any small space.  The part is, it doesn’t take away from the floor space but still has the ability to add a great deal of interest.
5. Divide up the different living spaces.  When you divide spaces up into functional boxes, it actually helps the mind to integrate everything together.  Instead of sticking with the large rectangular shape common in most small spaces, create seperate living spaces using furniture, plants, or decorative elements such as tables or shelves.
6. Remember, you don’t have to grow up just yet.  Small spaces are your chance to experiment and find out what your likes and dislikes are before you move up to a bigger house.  Give yourself a chance to find out your decorating style so that when you do find yourself in a larger home, you’ll be better prepared to decorate things to your liking.
7. Don’t buy furniture that’s too small.  Many people living in small spaces get ‘doll house syndrom’ and they end up buying furniture that’s too small for even a small space.  A good way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to map out the footprint of the furniture you’re considering buying on the floor with tape.  That way you’ll at least be able to see where things will lay and how it will fit in the space.
8. Don’t hide your bed.  Unless you have a Murphy bed, or are able to block it with drapes, consider using your bed to help accentuate the overall feel of your space.  With a little creativity, some color, and a few decorative accessories your bed can really add a look of character and appeal to the smallest of spaces.
9. Don’t worry, you can take it with you.  One concern people have when living in small spaces, especially rented ones, is that they’ll be wasting money by buying accessories.  Not true.  Keep in mind that as you experiment with your likes/dislikes and as you find things you like, you’ll absolutely be able to take those things with you as you much up in size.  As long as you’re buying things that fit your taste, you shouldn’t have any problem taking them with you to your next home.
10. Don’t confuse clutter with personality.  Nothing makes a space feel smaller than clutter.  A good rule of thumb is that if it’s smaller than a football, you need to ask yourself if it’s really adding to the decor.  Fortunately, there are lots of furniture options these days that have hidden storage compartments so if you do have a lot of clutter, consider either hiding it with a storage solution or just get rid of it all together.

So, if you have a small space that needs a little sprucing up and some personality, consider these 10 decorating tips to help create a space that’s warm, comfortable, and most importantly, reflective of your personality.