5 Tips for Designing for a Small Space

Many people believe that they need to have a large home to flaunt their unparalleled interior decorating tips, but the good news is that simply isn’t true—the sky is the limit when it comes to interior design, even when you have a small space. In fact, having a tiny area requires much more creativity and thought than having more room to work with, which means truly innovative minds can shine when thinking of ways to personalize a space. Although the focus will be slightly different when working with limited square footage, most design principles remain the same. The key is to focus on organizing while maintaining functionality, helping you make the most of your small apartment or home. That way, you won’t have to worry about decluttering to make enough space to walk around your place. Here are 5 small space design tips to keep in mind:


1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINT COLOR

It can be tempting to choose dark colors for your space, but they actually make rooms look even smaller. Instead, opt for light shades, which make rooms look more spacious. Avoid a bright white and go for a warm white, a pale blue, or a light grey, which is softer and more appealing. If you’d like to add contrast elements, paint the wall alcoves or back of shelving units with a darker color, instantly adding more depth and interest.

2. OPT FOR SMALLER, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE

While it seems like a no-brainer, it’s important not to stuff your space with oversized furniture, as doing so will make it feel more cramped. Instead of a full-size sofa, choose a loveseat. Compact pieces like side tables and kitchen carts that you can move around quickly for better navigability will also be instrumental in a tight space. Additionally, furniture with chrome or glass accents or light colors will also add the illusion of more space. Furniture that can do double duty will be invaluable to your tiny house or apartment. Convertible sofas with extra storage will help you keep clutter under control, and a dining table that also functions as a desk will make you realize you don’t need as much space as you initially thought to move around comfortably. You can even opt for a wall unit with a Murphy bed.

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIDDEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Hidden storage solutions are excellent for tidying up your home and keeping it organized. Use your imagination to take advantage of each inch of your home for storage. For instance, you can store bulky clothing like winter wear into empty suitcases or rolling bins, which will go under your bed. Install wall-mounted shelves for more storage space and get tall glass-fronted cabinets and storage ottomans. Instead of putting your shoes and cleaning supplies in bins, consider hanging them in shoe bags behind closet doors. You can also use a custom closet organizer to add more functional space to a tight home.

4. USE VERTICAL SPACE

You may have limited horizontal space, but if you have a tall ceiling, use that to your advantage. Get floor-to-ceiling shelving to display your artwork, photos, books, glassware, and other kinds of décor. If you want your windows to look taller, drape extra-long curtains and put them several inches above the frame.

5. ADD A MIRROR

Installing a mirror will make your space look even bigger, especially when well-placed. Since it also reflects light, it instantly brightens a room, offering the illusion that you have more square footage than you actually do. Consider putting a large mirror beside an entryway or across a window.


Small spaces don’t mean you have to give up on exploring your interior décor ideas. Less real estate invites even more creativity and originality, challenging you to make the most of your limited real estate. By following these tips, you’ll have a small, cozy, yet excellently organized space you’d love to show off and wouldn’t need ever to declutter. Rescue My Space is a team of home organization consultants that can help you put order to your home. Apart from decluttering services, we also provide interior enhancements to make your space more comfortable. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you!