Cozy. The word may bring to mind images of curling up on wool area rugs in front of a crackling fire, but instead it’s a word real estate pros often choose to use when it comes to describing rooms that are on the small side. And while “cozy” might correctly define a lot of these diminutive dwellings, many of us don’t have a clue when it comes to decorating these small spaces.
How do you keep the place from feeling closed in? What are my options for area rugs and other flooring? And where the heck is all that furniture supposed to go? Fear not, reader, because we’ve got five easy-to-follow tips that will have any small space in your home proving once and for all that size really doesn’t matter.
First, get organized
Those of us who live in small spaces can’t afford to have a lot of clutter lying around. Clutter will instantly zap your room of any feeling of spaciousness it might have had and – if you’re like me – just leave you feeling frustrated. A tall bookshelf, preferably in the same color as your wall (more on why that’s important below), will help organize not just books and magazines but DVDs, CD’s, and favorite photos and knick knacks. Instead of a traditional coffee table, opt for a large chest that can quickly hide children’s’ toys, blankets, pillows, and anything else that tends to collect on the floor.
Pick a color, any (lighter) color
Wall color is key when it comes to keeping a small room from feeling claustrophobic. Dark or deep-hued tones of any color will instantly make the room look and feel smaller because darker colors absorb light. Choose a lighter shade in a color you love and paint to your heart’s content. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you have to stick with white or beige – pale yellow, soft baby blue, or even a very light orange will all still look good and reflect as much natural light as possible. If you still love that dark color or the idea of just one color bores you, move your desire for bold to the floor with blue area rugs or red area rugs.
From the floor up
The good news when it comes to small rooms is that your floor-covering options are virtually endless. Even those on a budget can enjoy the focal point of decorative area rugs that might otherwise look lost in a larger space. Be sure to choose light, neutral rug and flooring colors that will give the visual feel of openness. Creams and icy blues in any type of rug shape or weave will help reflect light while, again, darker colors absorb the light and thus make it feel smaller. If you need to divide up your space into a number of purposeful areas – as many apartment dwellers often have to – you can also utilize area rugs to give each space its own separate feeling.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall
As the saying goes, “it’s all done with mirrors”. Mirrors are often the magician’s hidden helper when it comes to pulling off an optical illusion. You can put this same idea to use in your home by using a mirror or mirrors to help your room appear to have more depth. The mirror’s reflection naturally redirects light around the room, giving the appearance of more space. Place a mirror with a slim frame near a window to instantly open up your space by reflecting both the view and natural light. Opt for mirrored closest or cabinet doors to turn dead space into a room-widening focal point. Even a mirrored table top will help make spaces with furniture feel uncluttered.
Furnish with care
Speaking of furniture, there are a multitude of tricks you can use to keep your furniture from overtaking your small space. Furniture in the same or similar colors to your walls will help give the illusion of more space. Just be sure to choose furnishings that work with the scale of the room. For example, a large antique bureau might overwhelm a small bedroom while a pair of bed-height dressers feel more at home on either side of the bed. If you can’t spring for new furniture, work with what you’ve got by pushing your pieces against the walls to give as much walking space as possible.