Apr 19 2010
Decorating Tips To Make Tiny Spaces Appear Airy And Open
For many, a small home, apartment, mobile home, or condo is home. Although an intimate feeling is nice, sometimes things can get too intimate. A room with too many things in it can start to close in on you so that you feel you’re always climbing over things to get where you are going.
If you’re looking for solutions for opening up those small spaces, fortunately there are tons of them. You can make your tiny room appear twice as big by simply following the tips below.
Create a Balance of Large and Small
A common mistake people make is believing that small accents and accessories belong in small rooms. Although some tiny decorating pieces aren’t a problem, if you use too many, it will just add to the small, cluttered look. The best approach to use here is to create a balance of large and small. This will eliminate that messy, cluttered look, all while helping to create interest in the décor.
Light Up the Room!
If your small room is also dark and dreary, then by all means light it up! If you have any heavy curtains or other window coverings in there that are blocking the light, then remove them. Venetian blinds or another style of window covering allow you to open up the window completely, so you always have the option of letting sunshine spill in and brightening the mood. Make sure your lamps are placed strategically around the room, and choose lampshades light in colors so you get the maximum amount of light in the evenings. If you like the look of curtains, choose something sheer.
Remember—Less Is More
If you have a small room, go with large, oversized furniture and large paintings for the walls. Remember, you want large pieces like an tv stand or entertainment center, just less of them. A large sofa and recliner, for instance, won’t overcrowd the room but will give you plenty of seating space. Go for a single large portrait or painting for the wall, rather than grouping together multiple smaller pictures. Then you’ll end up with a room that, although small, feels airy and spacious.
Make Good Use of What Space You Have to Work With
You’ll often see wood bookcases, lamps, and other items placed in the middle of the wall. If you can, use your corner space instead! By freeing up more area in the middle of the room, you’ll make it appear larger. Unless the layout just doesn’t work, use the corners. Another great accent for those corners is plants.
Mirrors Double the Size of a Room
Mirrors help create visually larger rooms—a trade secret that’s been known for decades. You might place mirrored tiles across an entire wall or use one large mirror on a wall instead to create a focal point. Basically, the reflection of the room in the mirror makes that space look double the size.
Don’t Forget Color
Color is an important part of making those tiny spaces look bigger. Don’t be afraid to go beyond white and use bright greens, blues, and peaches. As long as the shades are kept light, the added color will give the space more interest and depth. Another option is to paint a single wall a bright, vibrant shade that will either blend or contrast with colors in your furnishings and accents.
When it comes to a small space, it’s always important to remember that less is always more. So do away with those collections of small knick-knacks and use singe items instead in your décor. By mixing and matching a few small pieces with several large ones, your room will open up right before your eyes.
