The Biggest Mistake People Make When Decorating Small Spaces

Small spaces can be a challenge to decorate, but with a few simple tips, you can create a stylish and functional room.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Choosing Too Many Small Furniture Pieces

It might seem like filling your room with small furniture will make it feel bigger, but that’s not always true. Instead, go for a few statement pieces. A comfy couch or a bold coffee table can anchor the room and make it feel more cohesive.

2. Underestimating Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend in small spaces. Make sure you’re not blocking it out! Consider using light, sheer curtains or woven blinds instead of heavy drapes, and place mirrors strategically to reflect light and brighten the room.

If your space is limited in natural light, opt for lighter paint colors to keep things feeling open.

3. Not Using Mirrors

Mirrors can help to make small spaces feel larger. Place a mirror on a wall to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.

4. Choosing Dark Colors

If you’ve always wanted to paint a room black or install dark navy wallpaper, your minuscule living room might not be the place for that. While dark colors can add drama to a room, in some cases it can make it feel smaller and more cramped. Opt for lighter colors on the walls and furniture to create a sense of space and openness.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to light colors for every element. A rich hunter-green accent chair or a maroon throw blanket can add a hint of drama without closing in the room.

While popular, dark wood can make a small kitchen feel even smaller. So, if possible, try to stain dark wood cabinets a lighter shade (you’ll need to stand them down first) or go with white, light green, or even light blue paint.

5. Embrace Your Room’s Size

Instead of squeezing in more furniture, embrace your room’s size. If your space doesn’t have room for a full desk or a large nightstand, downsize with functional alternatives like a small stool or a wall-mounted shelf. It’ll feel much more spacious without sacrificing style!

Choose furniture and accessories that are the right size for the room.

6. Choosing the Wrong-sized Bed

In a shoebox-sized room, a four-poster bed takes up too much precious real estate. Instead, think smaller scale. For example, a headboard still makes a statement without crowding the room.

If you’ve got low ceilings, try a platform bed. Or, combine bedframe and dressers with a captain’s bed for a ton of extra storage.

7. Ignoring the Ceiling

Don’t forget about the ceiling! A fresh coat of paint or some decorative molding can make a big difference in a small space.

You can refer to this article on making ceiling look bigger.

8. Cluttering Every Surface

It’s easy to let clutter pile up, but in a small space, this can make the room feel cramped. Keep surfaces like vanities and shelves neat and purposeful. Use storage solutions to tuck away items, and keep only what you need out in the open.

9. Not Utilizing Negative Space

Negative space is the empty space around objects in your room, and it’s crucial to making a room feel more open and less cluttered.

In small spaces, it can be tempting to fill every corner with furniture or decor, but leaving some areas empty can create a sense of balance and breathability.

For example, instead of overcrowding your kitchen counters with decorative bowls, hang utensils or install shelves to free up counter space. In the bathroom, opt for wall-mounted storage over bulky shelves.

10. Hanging Bulky Curtains

Heavy, blackout drapes shrink a small space, so opt for lighter material instead, or drapes with a subtle pattern—especially in spaces where you want to take advantage of natural light, like the living room.

11. Forgetting About Storage

Small spaces need plenty of storage. Otherwise, you’ll end up with clutter everywhere. Look for furniture with built-in storage, or add some shelves or cabinets to the room.

12. Not Using Rugs or Using Small Rugs

A rug can help to define a space and make it feel more cozy. Choose a rug that’s large enough to extend beyond the edges of your furniture.

It sounds counterintuitive, but a larger rug will help open up a space better than a smaller one. Plus, several small rugs will end up dividing an already petite space.

13. Forgetting About Plants

Plants can add life and color to a small space. Choose plants that are low-maintenance and that will thrive in your home.

14. Interrupting Visual Flow

If your home has multiple small adjacent rooms, help it feel larger by visually connecting the rooms through a unified color palette, material story, or overall style. This will help the entire space seamlessly flow together. We love how the neutral-toned walls provide continuity throughout the space pictured.