Super-size Me: Secrets to Maximising Small Spaces
We bust common small-space decorating myths and share secrets that will help you maximise even the tiniest room
1. Revamp by rearranging
It’s true that knocking out walls to create an open-plan layout maximises space but you may not have to go that far. Rearranging the furniture can be a neat solution in itself. Most of us put our furniture around the perimeter of the room, thinking the space in the centre gives an expansive feel. But try drawing those pieces in, not only will it create a feeling of intimacy, the room becomes easier to circumnavigate.
2. Think to scale
You can make a compact room feel much bigger by choosing fewer large, bold pieces instead of several smaller ones. You want to keep the main furnishings in proportion to each other but make sure you introduce lots of different shapes. For example, pair a linear sofa with a rounded table.
3. Make it multipurpose
Small rooms pack more punch when the furniture is multifunctional. For example, deep storage chests or ottomans can work as coffee tables, and desks can also function as end tables. Carry this one step further and you have a multipurpose room: consider combining a sleeper sofa (guest room), a television (entertainment room) and a desk (office).
4. Rotate your collectibles
Decorating with collectibles and accessories gives a room character, and these should be carefully grouped on side tables or fitted shelving. To avoid clutter, rotate objects so you only have a few special things on display at any one time — the rest can go into closed cupboards so that they don’t crowd the room.
5. Let light work
Interesting lighting is the difference between feeling comfortable and feeling claustrophobic; it’s a big tool in a small space. Aim to have three different light sources in the room, for instance an overhead, an up-lit screen or a floor lamp. Layering these elements conveys a feeling of depth.
6. Go touchy-feely
When it comes to the soft furnishings, a small space can’t cope with high-contrast colour and pattern. Instead, pay attention to a balance of textures. You can mix a lot more textures together than you can patterns, as long as they’re in the same colour family.
7. Create a focal point
The eye travels quickly around a small room, so you want everything to have meaning and impact or at least be tailored to your needs. Look for one large-scale piece, such as a round table in a corner or a striking artwork to trick the eye and make the space feel larger.
8. Reflect on surfaces
Mirrored surfaces encourage light flow and brighten dark corners, but more importantly they allow you to manipulate space. If you want a room to appear wider, stagger mirrors on either side. If you want a room to appear longer, a mirror at one end will double its length.
9. Remember less is more
If you’re preparing to revamp your home, start by discarding any items that have become redundant or are past their sell-by-date. Not only will this free up a lot of space, it will help you refocus on favourite pieces.
10. Colour the walls
A white backdrop stretches out the contours of a small room but it’s not the only option; dark emulsions can also impart a spare and uncluttered ambience. In fact, it’s not the colour that makes a room look small — it’s the contrast. So if you want to go dark or more dramatic, take the wall colour onto the ceiling.
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