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Small Space Design: Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of Your Space

Are you looking for ways to make a small space look and feel larger? If so, you're in luck! There are a number of interior design tricks that can help you create the illusion of space in even the smallest of rooms.


This blog post will discuss some of the most effective ways to design a small space. We'll cover everything from choosing the right colors and furniture to using mirrors and other optical illusions. By following these tips, you can create a stylish and functional space that feels larger than it is.



Living in a small space can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. You can create a comfortable and stylish home with a little effort.

Here are some tips for making a small space feel bigger:

Use light colors. Light colors reflect light and make a space feel larger. Choose light colors for the walls, furniture, and flooring.

Barbara Barry Design and Photograph

Add mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Hang mirrors in strategic places, such as across windows or opposite walls.

Robert Couturier Design found in 1stDIBS

Use vertical space. If you have high ceilings, use the vertical space to your advantage by hanging shelves or artwork. This will help draw the eye up and make the space taller.

Design and photo by Willow Homes Design

Declutter. Clutter can make a space feel smaller and more cramped. Get rid of anything you don't need or use.



Create the illusion of depth. Use rugs, curtains, and other accessories to create the illusion of depth. This will help to make the space feel larger and more spacious.


Use natural light. Natural light makes a space feel brighter and more spacious. Let as much natural light into your small space as possible.



Choose furniture with slim profiles. Furniture with slim profiles takes up less visual space, making the room look larger.

Photo by Raymond and Flanagan

TIP: Exposed slim furniture is a great way to make a small space feel larger and more open. The exposed legs allow the eye to see the floor, which creates the illusion of more space. Additionally, slim furniture takes less visual space, making the room feel less crowded.

Hekman Napa Valley Collection Pedestal Side Table





Here are some examples of exposed slim furniture that work well in small spaces:

Anderson Kenny Architecture / Designed by Lindsey Bond / Photo by Tim Lenz

  • Sofas with exposed legs

  • Coffee tables with hairpin legs

  • Dining tables with trestle bases

  • Bookshelves with open shelves

  • Chairs with slender profiles

  • Nightstands with slim bases

When choosing exposed slim furniture for a small space, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • The size of the furniture: Make sure the furniture is not too large for the space.

  • The shape of the furniture: Choose furniture with a slim profile to minimize visual bulk.

  • The furniture’s material: Light-colored materials will reflect light and make the space feel larger.

  • The furniture style: Choose furniture that complements the room’s overall style.

  • Keep the walls and floors light-colored to reflect light and make the space feel larger.

  • To avoid clutter, store items in baskets or boxes.

  • Use furniture for multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a coffee table that can be used as a desk.

If you live in a small space, you should do the things that make it feel luxurious.
— Emily Procter



Here are some additional tips that you can follow:

Use furniture that is built-in or can be tucked away when not in use. This will help free up space and make the room more open.

Design and Photo by Willow Homes

Use light-colored sheer curtains or blinds to let in natural light. This will also help to make the room feel larger and brighter.

Restoration Hardware

Add plants to the space. Plants can help to add color and life to a small space, and they can also help to improve the air quality.


Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This will help to make the ceiling appear higher, and the room feel larger.


Use a variety of textures to add visual interest and depth to the space. This could include things like rugs, pillows, and artwork.


Don't be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules for decorating a small space. The most important thing is to find what works for you and your style.


You can absolutely choose bold black in a small space such as a bathroom.

Trick: Paint or tile only one wall in black and leave the other walls a light color.

Photo by US Bath Store

Black is often seen as a color that makes spaces look smaller. However, when used correctly, black can actually make a small space look larger.

Here are a few tricks to using black in small spaces:

  • Use black as an accent color. Don't paint all the walls black, but use it as an accent color on one or two walls. This will help to create a sense of depth and make the room look larger.

  • Pair black with light colors. This will help to brighten up the room and make it feel more spacious. For example, you could paint the walls white and add black furniture, curtains, or artwork.

  • Use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, making the room look larger. Hang mirrors on walls opposite windows to let in more natural light.

  • Use glass or reflective surfaces. Glass and other reflective surfaces can also help to bounce light around the room, making it look larger. Use glass tables, mirrors, or even mirrored tiles.

  • Keep the space uncluttered. Clutter can make a room feel smaller. Declutter your walls by removing unnecessary artwork, mirrors, and photos. Declutter your floors by storing items under beds, in cabinets, or in closets.

found in 1stDIBS “Reflections on Marvelous Mirrors”

This is a beautiful example of the use of mirrors reflecting light, which can help make a space feel larger. There are several layers of natural light, the open Door and the light REFLECTING off of the mirrors ILLUMINATING the space. The designer also used very high gloss paint allowing for a glass-like sheen. This is a great way to capture and allow the light to reflect off of the walls. The white and black floor lightens up the space by bringing in beautiful polished tile. The reflection of the light also is seen in the tile.

Mirrors are a surefire way to bring light and opulence to any interior and a designer’s go-to solution for rooms too small, too dark, or just too bland.
— 1stDBS Introspection

Following these tips can make your small space feel larger, brighter, and more organized. Remember to use your space wisely and to choose furniture and accessories that are the right size for the room. With some planning and effort, you can create a stylish and functional space you will love to call home.

May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows.
— Anonymous

As with everything I post on my blogs, please feel free to comment, or if you have any questions, please email me through my contact page. I welcome it anytime!

Design with your heart™️

Happy designing, my friends!

Mary

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