Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With the right approach, even tiny areas can feel open, organized, and beautiful. As an interior designer, I love helping people make the most of their homes with easy, practical solutions.
In this blog, I’ll share quick tips and smart design ideas you can use to transform any small space into a functional and stylish haven. Let’s make your space work for you—no matter the size!
A word from the experts
Small spaces are like blank canvases for creativity—they challenge us to think smarter and design better. With the right techniques, you can turn even the coziest corners into functional, stylish areas that reflect your personality.
Remember, it’s not about the size of the space but how you use it. Let’s reimagine your small space together and make it truly shine!
Visual Perception Through Paint Placement
Guide to color your space effectively
|
60% of the room
should be the dominant color. |
30% Should be
secondary color or texture |
10% Should be
an accent |
The placement of dominant paint colors on your walls
1. To Widen a Room:
· Dominant Color on Longer Walls: Painting the longer walls in a lighter or neutral shade makes them recede visually, creating an illusion of width.
· Darker or Contrasting Color on Shorter Walls: Using a deeper hue on the shorter walls can enhance the sense of breadth by drawing attention outward.
2. To Make a Room Feel Deeper:
· Darker Shade on the Far Wall: Painting the back wall of a room in a bold or dark color creates depth, making the space feel elongated.
· Lighter Colors on Side Walls: Keep the side walls neutral or lighter to maintain openness.
3. To Make a Room Feel Taller:
· Light Paint on Upper Walls and Ceiling: Using lighter colors near the top of the room encourages the eye to look upward, giving the illusion of height.
· Vertical Stripes: Painting vertical stripes or using dominant colors in vertical patterns enhances this effect.
4. To Shorten or Cozify a Room:
· Darker Ceiling and Upper Walls: A deep color on the ceiling or the upper third of the walls brings them visually closer, creating a more intimate feel.
· Same Color on All Walls: Painting all walls in the same darker hue can envelop the space, making it feel snug and contained.
5. Highlighting Focal Points:
· Accent Walls: A dominant color on one wall, typically the one behind a bed, fireplace, or key piece of furniture, draws attention and anchors the room without overwhelming it. This technique works well in both small and large spaces.
Add a mirror to your space
Placement and size of the mirror
Reflect Light: Place mirrors across from windows or near light fixtures to brighten the room.
Add Depth: Use a large mirror or lean a full-length one to create the illusion of extended space.
Double the View: Reflect key elements like furniture or doorways to trick the eye into seeing more space.
Decorate Smartly: Try mirror clusters or mirrored panels on cabinets for style and function.
Perfect Placement: Keep mirrors at eye level and avoid reflecting clutter.
Go Big: Floor-to-ceiling mirrors make rooms feel spacious and luxurious.
Add vertical elements
Adding vertical elements draws the eye upward, making a room feel taller and more spacious. Here’s how to do it:
Vertical Stripes: Use wallpaper or paint with vertical stripes to create the illusion of height.
Tall Furniture: Choose bookshelves, cabinets, or headboards that extend toward the ceiling.
Curtain Placement: Hang curtains high above the window frame to visually lift the room.
Artwork Arrangement: Display art in a vertical layout or choose tall pieces to emphasize height.
Lighting: Use tall floor lamps or pendant lights that hang closer to the ceiling.
Plants: Add tall indoor plants like fiddle leaf figs or bamboo for a natural vertical element.
Avoid cluttering
1. Declutter Regularly
· Keep only what you use and love—adopt a “less is more” mindset.
· Use organizing bins or boxes to group and hide items neatly.
2. Multi-Functional Furniture
· Opt for furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans, beds with drawers, or nesting tables.
· Choose pieces that serve dual purposes, like a bench that doubles as seating and storage.
3. Vertical Storage
· Use wall-mounted shelves or hooks to free up floor space.
· Install pegboards or floating shelves for an organized and modern look.
4. Hidden Storage
· Use under-bed storage or furniture with hidden compartments.
· Store lesser-used items in stackable bins tucked in closets or corners.
5. Open Shelving with a Twist
· Open shelves can display items, but keep them minimal to avoid visual clutter.
· Use baskets or boxes on shelves to conceal smaller items.
6. Maximize Unused Spaces
· Utilize the back of doors, under the stairs, or corners for storage solutions.
· Hang organizers on closet doors for shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies
Use liner lighting
Linear lighting is a powerful tool to visually expand small spaces. Here's how to use it effectively:
1. Highlight Ceilings
· Install linear lights along ceiling edges to draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of height.
· Cove lighting works well for adding soft, upward illumination.
2. Use Wall Washers
· Linear lights directed at walls spread light evenly, reducing shadows and making the room feel wider.
· Place them at the top of walls or corners for the best effect.
3. Illuminate Pathways
· Add linear lighting along baseboards or under furniture to create a sense of depth and direction.
· This subtle glow makes the floor area appear larger.
4. Focus on Mirrors
· Combine linear lighting with mirrors for a doubled reflection effect, enhancing both light and space perception.
· Install lights along the mirror’s edges for a clean, modern look.
5. Opt for Minimal Fixtures
· Choose recessed or surface-mounted linear lights for a seamless, uncluttered appearance.
· Keep the design simple to avoid overwhelming the space.
6. Go for Neutral Tones
· Warm-to-neutral white linear lights keep the room bright without feeling harsh, adding to the open, airy feel.
By strategically placing linear lighting, you can brighten the room, reduce visual barriers, and make the space feel significantly larger
Conclusion
Learnings to Take with Us
· Designing a small space to feel bigger isn’t just about clever tricks—it’s about creating a balance between functionality and aesthetics. From choosing the right paint and mirrors to incorporating vertical elements and linear lighting, every detail contributes to the overall perception of space.
· By embracing smart storage solutions and avoiding clutter, you can ensure your room feels open and inviting, no matter its size. Remember, small spaces have big potential when designed thoughtfully. With these tips, you can transform your compact room into a spacious, stylish haven that feels just right for you!
Reach Out
For questions, comments, or suggestions, email the team at sales@feebo.in
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