7 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
In small spaces, it’s all about making the most of what you have. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Square footage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Living in a small apartment or house means you’ll have lower heating and cooling bills, fewer rooms to clean, and less furniture and stuff — so you can spend your hard-earned cash (and time) on other things. In high-density cities, well-planned small spaces are even a hot commodity. But how do you squeeze maximum function into a minimal footprint? These what-not-to-dos will help you steer clear of the most common pitfalls.
1. Too much furniture
(Photo: TrenDecoration.com)
If you can’t walk around without bumping into something, it’s time to step back and take stock. Take a page from that crazy popular decluttering book: Keep only what you use and love, and ditch or donate the rest.
2. No separation of spaces
(Photo: Johannes Kleske/Flickr)
Your new studio doesn’t need to feel like your old dorm room. Desks, cabinets, and bookshelves can do double duty as storage furniture and room dividers. Position them to create a sleeping nook and to carve out niches for eating, working, and other activities.
Related story on Yahoo Makers: Don’t Downsize…Declutter
3. No drop zone near the entry
(Photo: Design Public)
No coat closet? No problem. A simple row of hook or a wall-mounted organizer next to your front door will let you hang up outerwear and bags. If you have a bit more space, you can add a narrow shelf, a bulletin board, wall-mounted cubbies, or a mirror to pack more function into this spot.
4. All-white walls
(Photo: HomeSpirations)
Yes, light walls can help make a space look bigger, and sure, an all-white pad can look great in pictures. But in real life, these spaces often feel cold and generic and well, blah. Instead, paint walls and even ceilings a deep or bold shade instead — you’ll be surprised how much personality it adds.
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5. Furniture that’s too big
Comfy as it may be, that hand-me-down overstuffed couch hogs a lot of living room real estate. Furniture that’s flexible and reconfigurable — a sectional sofa and ottoman, stackable storage cubes, a drop-leaf table — gives you more options for rearranging and evolves with you as your needs change.
6. Wasted walls and dead spaces
(Photo: Trendir)
As the saying goes, when space is at a premium, go vertical. Hang pegboard, floating shelves, and wall hooks to corral your gear for a clutter-free look. And don’t forget the spot beneath a staircase or above windows and doors—they’re unexpected places for stashing some extra necessities.
Related story on Yahoo Makers: Entertaining Hack: Big Parties in Small Spaces
7. Bed without a frame
(Photo: DecorsYours.com)
Nothing says “I give up” like a mattress and box spring on the floor. Instead, loft your bed and reclaim the square footage underneath it. Or invest in a storage bed, or a simple frame and some under-bed boxes, so you can tuck clean linens and off-season clothing out of sight.
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