Making the Most of a Small Room

Small rooms present their own special set of challenges when trying to design a functional space.  I've seen that challenge lead to some of the best and worst designed rooms I've seen. Entire industries have been built around space saving furniture and equipment to varying degrees of practicality and functionality. With a few tips, planning, and a some creativity, small spaces can be some of the most interesting and coziest places in a home.

1. Increase floor space in a small room by removing unnecessary pieces of furniture. Remember, the main function of a room and allow that function to dictate the largest piece of furniture in the room.

2. Use furniture with feet that will show the floor below the furniture. This will visually increase the floor space of the room.

3. Get as many items off the floor as possible. If you want to keep them in the room, reposition them on shelves and pieces of furniture instead of on the floor.

4. Increase usable space by removing clutter, leave just a few (1-3) of any one type décor room accessory; such as magazines displayed on an end table, vases, throw pillows, etc.

5. Consider the use and choice of decor on wall space wisely. Too many objects and too many prints will make the room appear smaller, stuffy, and closed in; instead of open, airy, and relaxing. Although using wall space can be helpful for creating more floor space, too many things on the wall will make the room appear overcrowded and smaller.

6. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall..... A decorative mirror, especially a large wall mirror, will act as a room expander when strategically placed to reflect light or an attractive element in the room. Such as a window with a scenic view, a doorway into another room, a fireplace, or artwork. A lighted mirror will add warmth and depth to a small room with otherwise subdued lighting. A large mirror on the long wall of a narrow room will make the room appear wider.

7. Continue a single color theme between two continuous rooms. If this is not possible, another color idea for small rooms is to add depth using solid colors. Using one color for the wall of one room, and another for the door opening and walls in the next room will accentuate and define the space.

8.  Avoid patterned wallpaper and dark colors; both have the tendency to overpower small spaces. Neutral, light shades and bright colors work best.

9. Make use of corner spaces for entertainment centers, china hutches, and book cases. Floor to ceiling built in book cases and shelves are great space savers and look amazing.

10. Consider how small the space you are working with actually is. Small apartment furniture is down-sized; attractively designed specifically for limited spaces. Some have an ingenious collapsible space saving design; others have hidden space saving storage, fit in a corner, or are simply smaller versions of standard-sized furniture.

There's something for everyone, you just have to start looking. Happy Designing!