Decorating Small Spaces
How to Make Less into More
When it comes to decorating, small spaces (such as an apartment or small room) can be a bit of a challenge. Designing a comfy looking environment without cramping what little space is available takes an extra dose of creativity.
Let's start with the walls. Light walls are more reflective than dark and will also help to open up the room. They don't have to be stark white; you can select pale, soothing colors, such as light mint, soft peace, or cream beige. Paint moldings and trims in a lighter, coordinating color. This is another effective way to make the room appear larger than it really is.
Don't be worried that the room will look too bland. Rely on furniture, pictures, curtains, and accessory choices to warm and brighten the room.
Soft, even lighting will eliminate shadows, which tends to make rooms look smaller. Incandescent lighting is a good choice. Avoid using ceiling lighting, because this will make the ceiling appear lower.
Another trick of the trade to use when decorating a small living room is to select smaller, more compact styles of furniture. Over-stuffed chairs and cumbersome hutches are unwise choices.
A love seat with exposed legs, a few side chairs, and a small round or oval glass top coffee table are much more practical than a bulky, regular-sized sofa with matching love seat, and a large, solid wood coffee table.
When it comes to small room decor, large patterns should be left to accessories, not furnishings. A light, solid color love seat with large print throw pillows, for instance, is much more attractive than a sofa with big, floral print.
In the family room, inflatable sofas and love seats, or bean bag chairs are fun, colorful and handy. Bean bag chairs can easily be stacked. Inflatable items deflated and stored when extra space is needed; as dancing space at parties, for tree decorating at Christmas time. Both can easily be transported from one room to another for additional seating when extended family and visitors stop by.
When arranging furniture, select low pieces for placement near the room's entry. Taller furnishings should be placed at the end of the room opposite the entry, to keep the eye level unobstructed.
Create a conversation area by placing conventional or bean bag chairs turned slightly inward, on each side of the love seat. Even if the room is carpeted, the addition of an area rug with colors that blend in with the room's color scheme will help to set the area apart, and make it feel more cozy and inviting.
When arranging furniture, always be aware of traffic patterns. Traffic should flow uninterrupted throughout the room.
Less is more when it comes to making a smaller room look larger, so go easy on accessories. Those used should have reflective surfaces. This will help create the illusion of more space. Inflatable pillows add bright color as well as a shiny, reflective surface. Several in contrasting colors can add a nice touch.
Mirrors are also great when it comes to an effective, low-cost way to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. A mirror placed on a wall facing the entrance will really open the room up. A large oval mirror is especially attractive for this purpose; select one with a frame that will compliment the rest of the decor.
Last but not least, use plants, mirrors, and vases to fill in the spaces and bring balance to the room. Now light a scented candle, sit back in a chair, look around, and compliment yourself on a job well done!
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