Home Décor Ideas: The Dos and Don’ts when Decorating Small Spaces

We always think of a small living space as a happy challenge as opposed to being constrictive. There are so many solutions and clever tips and tricks you can adopt to make the most out of your space. Small space decorating is all about being efficient and maximising your floor space to give the illusion of a spacious, bright and airy room. Here are our dos and don’ts for decorating small spaces.

1. Don’t be afraid of colour

We never shy away from colour at Arlo & Jacob, and we think you should embrace colour in all it’s glory when decorating small spaces. Sticking to one or two hues will create a cohesive look that will tie each individual room together. Property developers often pick just one or two colours and continue this theme throughout all the rooms to create a unified space. With over 120 house fabrics to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect shade for your space. Order free swatches to hold up to your interiors to find the perfect one for you.

2. Do choose furniture wisely

A small home or living room shouldn’t mean you have to compromise on stylish, comfortable furniture. Investing wisely in pieces that are timeless, well-made and comfortable is a wise move: read our guide to choosing living room furniture. Not only will these pieces last, but they can also move with you if you ever move to a bigger place. Why not read our advice on how to pick the perfect compact sofa for small spaces?

3. Do hang art and mirrors

Just like experimenting with colour, even a small wall space is a prime spot for some artwork or to hang a mirror. Mirrors are useful tools to reflect light around the room, making the space feel bigger and brighter. Hanging artwork helps to personalise a home and is even more important when you’re living in a small space; it’s important not to feel restricted by your space, but rather to embrace what you have by personalising every inch of it.

4. Do choose multifunctional pieces

Make your furniture work for you. When you’re short on space, you have to make the space work for multiple scenarios. Whether that’s an open plan living area that doubles as both a dining room and living room, or a living room that doubles as a spare bedroom; get your furniture right and the space will constantly evolve into what you need it to be. Sofa beds and modular sofas are ideal pieces to invest in, along with extendable dining table and folding dining table chairs. Where possible, opt for storage options with furniture, such as storage coffee tables and sideboards: this will keep your floors and shelves clutter free and give the illusion of more space.

5. Don’t clutter the space

Compact living and decorating small spaces is really about being considered with your belongings. We love the famous quote by William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” This principle applies even more so to decorating small space; if you have no use for it, or if it is not aesthetically pleasing, either store it away or get rid of it. Storage furniture really comes into play here; choose storage footstools and benches to maximise floor space and hide away clutter.