Savvy Tips for Decorating Small Spaces

Decorating a small space can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're living in a cozy apartment, a tiny studio, a narrow mobile home, or a college dorm room, creative solutions can help maximize your space and showcase your personality. 

To help you get started, we've compiled the best tips on how to decorate small spaces and make the most out of every square foot. 

Clear the clutter 

Odds and ends quickly accumulate when you lack storage space. Spend a few moments every day taking inventory of your belongings. Hold each item and ask yourself whether it's a keepsake. If not, when did you last use or display it? Frequently used items can stay — but if the item hasn't crossed your mind in a year or two, sort it into one of these three piles: 

1. Sell. List these items on an online marketplace or take them to a local consignment or pawn shop. If you have enough items in your sell pile, consider holding a yard sale or setting up at a flea market. 
2. Donate. Offer these items to local nonprofit organizations that can either use or resell them for a good cause. 
3. Toss. Items in this pile are typically broken or worn beyond use. Throw them away. 

Once you've purged the clutter, it's time to find space for what's left. That leads us to. . . 

Maximize storage 

In a compact space, every inch counts. Making the most of your available storage requires a little creativity and planning. 

Think vertically 

Use tall shelves and bookcases to take advantage of vertical space. This can free up floor area and give you more room to store and display items. 

Stackable cube storage is an easy, versatile solution that’s perfect if you’re on a budget. Each cube bin holds a surprising amount of stuff, and they come in a wide variety of colors and textures. If you’re not sure what to do with the clutter, dump it in a “doom box” and slide it into a cubby. Problem solved (for now). 

Other smart options for vertical storage include floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, pegboards, and hanging hooks. 

Utilize door space 

Over-the-door hooks and organizers can be a lifesaver in small spaces. Hang them on closet, pantry, or bedroom doors to store shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies. 

Door-mounted cabinets can be the perfect solution for organizing toiletries with virtually no bathroom storage space. And don’t discount over-the-toilet shelving units. They’re renter-friendly and available in various styles, allowing you to choose the best option for your storage needs. 

Leverage the space under beds 

You can store all types of things under the bed. This space is ideal for off-season clothes, extra linens, and shoes. Just be sure to use flat storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep items protected and dust-free. 

In dorm rooms, use bed risers to create extra storage space. Depending on the type of dorm room furniture you have to work with, you may even be able to create a lofted bed setup with your desk underneath. 

But loft beds and risers aren't just for college students. Any studio, small apartment, or tiny home can benefit from the same design principles. 

Lighten up 

Since it reflects light and gives the illusion of a larger space, white paint is ideal for maximizing small spaces. Choose lighter tones and colors when decorating to keep the space airy. 

Mirrors direct natural light from windows, giving the illusion of an extra window or extended room. Hang a mirror near a window to instantly brighten up a confined area or place them strategically in windowless rooms. 

Storage bins that hide clutter are nice, but transparent containers can help you keep track of your belongings and make a room feel more spacious. By the same token, open shelving feels less cramped than closed cabinets. Just be sure to keep any open shelves clean and well-arranged so they don't look disorganized. 

Invest in multi-purpose furniture 

When buying furniture, choose pieces that serve more than one function. For example, if you don’t have the square footage for a dining table, consider a lift-top coffee table. When adjusted to maximum height, the tabletop serves as a laptop desk and dinner tray. 

Multifunctional furniture includes: 

• Beds with built-in drawers. 
• Ottomans that open to reveal hidden storage. 
• Floor lamps with shelves and USB charging ports. 
• Compact dining tables with chairs that nest underneath. 
• Convertible sofa beds with built-in storage. 

Functional pieces are available at every price point and can provide the extra storage you need without sacrificing style or comfort. 

➢RELATED: Renovating Your Home on a Budget

Create distinct zones 

Defining areas for different activities can maximize functionality in a small space. You can use rugs, lighting, or furniture placement to create distinct sections within a room. For example, you might divide a studio apartment into sleeping and living areas by strategically using a bookshelf or dresser as a room divider. This approach helps make the space feel more organized and purposeful, allowing you to enjoy each area to its fullest. 

When I lived in a college dorm, my roommate and I hung a curtain to create a nook where we could talk on the phone in private. With comfy floor pillows and snacks, our makeshift phone booth was a cozy oasis of privacy that served a specific purpose. And when friends visited, the floor pillows doubled as extra seating! 

Add personal touches 

Above all, your home should reflect your personality and taste, no matter its size. Display personal photos, art, and keepsakes that have meaning to you. Create a gallery wall or a small vignette on a shelf to showcase these items. 

Even in small spaces, a pop of color can add much-needed personality and style. Don’t be afraid to incorporate bright cushions, throws, patterns, or artwork to inject color into a neutral room. Using accents in moderation can create a focal point and draw the eye, making the space feel dynamic and well-designed. 

Make your small space your own 

Decorating small spaces can be fun and rewarding. When you clear the clutter, rethink storage, and get organized, you can transform any compact living area into a functional and inviting home. 

Need a little financial boost to help with your home makeover? Our personal loans may be able to help. Whether you’re looking to purchase furniture or invest in creative storage solutions, we're here to support you in creating a space that reflects your personality and meets your needs. 

FAQs on decorating small spaces 

How much space is under a dorm bed? 

Measurements vary, but the average dorm bed has about 20 inches of clearance underneath the bed frame. Risers can add 3 to 8 inches. 

What size rug fits in a dorm room? 

It depends on the size of your dorm room, but 4-by-6 rugs are the most common choice. If your dorm room is on the larger side, you might prefer a 5-by-8 rug. 

How do I arrange living room furniture in a small space? 

Choose multi-functional pieces and keep the layout open by pushing larger furniture against the wall. Use area rugs to define different zones and incorporate vertical storage like shelves or wall-mounted units. 

How do I arrange bedroom furniture in a small space? 

Place your bed against the largest wall to maximize floor space. Use under-bed storage containers to stow away clothes or linens and cut down on clutter. Keep other pieces of furniture, like dressers and wardrobes, along the walls to maintain a clear pathway. 

How can I save space in a small kitchen? 

Maximize your kitchen’s potential by using wall and ceiling space with shelving, pot hooks, and magnetic strips for utensils and knives. Choose stackable or nesting kitchenware to save cupboard space, and opt for small-capacity appliances, like a mini microwave or a compact toaster oven. 

What are the best lighting options for small rooms? 

Choose wall sconces, floor lamps, and fixtures that can be mounted or hung to avoid cluttering surfaces. Maximize natural light with sheer window treatments and strategically placed mirrors that reflect light and make the space feel larger.