5 Common Decor Mistakes To Avoid In Small Spaces

While urban living often comes with the challenge of limited square footage, creative minds can still thrive in tight spaces. With expertise honed from years of working on tiny dwellings, designers based in bustling cities have developed a knack for crafting cozy, functional, and livable apartments. To help you make the most of your own small space, we’ve curated expert advice from Los Angeles-based interior designer Stefani Stein.

Here’s what to keep in mind when decorating a compact abode: it’s all about maximizing the impact with clever design decisions. And remember, size doesn’t matter – just ask any Scandinavian rug enthusiast! 🏠

Wrong Bed Size

When it comes to furnishing a small room, there’s one thing that can quickly make the space feel cramped: a large bed. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that a king-size or four-poster bed is a must-have, but neglecting the impact it will have on the overall flow of the room. According to interior designer Stefani Stein, beds are an exception where scale shouldn’t be played with. Instead, opt for a queen-sized bed with a lower profile to maintain a sense of openness.

Ideally, leave at least 30 inches of empty space between your bed and the surrounding walls or furniture pieces. This allows for a comfortable amount of living space, giving you room to move around without feeling like you’re suffocating under a heavy duvet. In other words, don’t sacrifice functionality for aesthetics – unless, of course, you’re one of those people who genuinely loves snuggling up in bed 😊.

Dark Colors and Patterns

While the trend towards dark-colored walls may be tempting, especially with the rise in popularity of bold, rich hues like green and blue (or even black), it’s essential to consider the space constraints when making this choice. In smaller rooms, where every square meter counts, a different approach is needed. Instead of adding more colors to an already cozy environment, opt for bright paint and vibrant decorations to make the space feel more spacious.

A thoughtfully curated wall gallery can also add a touch of elegance.

Bad Lighting

When it comes to expanding a space, our initial focus often falls on the color palette and furniture arrangement. However, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the illusion of a larger area. Designers stress that relying solely on upper lighting can ‘flatten’ the space, making it seem smaller. Instead, achieving success lies in layering different light sources. This approach not only adds depth but also fosters a welcoming ambiance, perfect for intimate gatherings or cozy dinner parties.

If installing new fixtures isn’t an option due to landlord restrictions, dimmer switches offer a practical solution. Alternatively, table lamps or floor lamps can provide the layered lighting needed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Too Small Rug

In designing a small apartment, there’s a common pitfall that can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic: choosing a rug that’s too small for the space. According to interior design experts, this mistake can actually make the room appear even smaller. Emily Henderson notes that when a rug is too small, it can’t properly unify the space or provide the softness and sound-dampening benefits that a larger rug would.

Instead, it can create an unbalanced feel that detracts from the overall impression of the room. In contrast, a rug that’s slightly too large can actually make the space feel more open and inviting. As Heidi’s Bridge so eloquently puts it: ‘Better too big than too little!’

Basic Bathroom

While small bathrooms can be a challenge, a personality-free space is where things start to go wrong. A dash of creativity can transform a tiny area into an oasis. Think antique mirrors, trendy tiles, or plants suspended from the ceiling – these little touches can skillfully redirect attention away from the space’s constraints and onto its charm. And as poet Stein so aptly puts it, ‘powder rooms are the perfect place to take a risk!

‘ With their compact footprint, small bathrooms require minimal investment and effort to refresh, making them an ideal playground for experimentation and self-expression.

DORIS LESLIE BLAU CAN HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT PERSIAN CARPET OR ORIENTAL RUG. WE HAVE A LARGE SHOWROOM IN NEW YORK CITY PLUS ONLINE CATALOGS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR HELP CHOOSING A PRODUCT FOR YOUR NEEDS, CONTACT US ONLINE OR CALL 212-586-5511.