5 Functional Design Hacks for Small Spaces
Have trouble with having functionality in small spaces? Whether it be a cozy studio apartment or an odd corner in your living room, being able to balance function and aesthetics can be tough.
Don’t worry, I got you! Below are my five essential design hacks to transform your small space. Let’s get started!
1. Add a Mirror
Due to their reflective manner, mirrors allow for a space to open up and feel bigger. I know you may be thinking, that seems too simple. But, it really is that simple!
There are so many ways to use a mirror in your space. For instance, you can hang a round mirror above a console table or place a full-length mirror in an empty corner. No matter how you display the mirror, it creates the effect that the space is larger than it is.
Keep in mind that scale matters. Make sure your mirror is not too big or too small for the space. For full-length mirrors, have four to six inches of space around the mirror. For accented mirrors (e.g. above a console table or sofa) the mirror should be two-thirds to three-quarters of the surrounding furniture or the area you are trying to cover.
I’ve linked some mirror options here: Mirrors
2. Lighter Paint Colors
Typically, using dark and moody paint colors for a space makes a room look smaller. Some colors I recommend instead are more neutral. For example, some great color groups are whites, creams/beige, grays, soft blues, and soft greens. Here are some of my favorites:
Benjamin Moore Swatches
- BM White Dove: OC-17
- BM Moore Featherstone: 1002
- BM Stonington Gray: HC-170
- BM Ocean City Blue: 718
- BM: Tranquility: AF-490
- BM French Toile: CSP-595
- BM Gray Cashmere: 2138-60
Sherman William Swatches
- SW Snowbound: 7004
- SW Greek Villa: 7551
- SW Accessible Beige: 7036
- SW Agreeable Gray: 7029
- SW Sage: 2860
3. Focus on Organization First
With smaller spaces, proper organization allows for a clutter-free zone. A great way to organize, while keeping in mind your aesthetic is by using dual-functional furniture pieces, like ottomans, coffee tables, and console tables with hidden storage.
Here is a list of great dual-functioning furniture pieces that I’ve picked out: Dual-Function Furniture
4. Use Light-Filtering Curtains or Blinds (Window Treatment)
Natural light is the best way to brighten up a room, allowing the room to feel more open. With light-filtering curtains, it allows you to get as much light as possible into the space while providing both aesthetic contrast and privacy.
If your small space doesn’t have room for curtains, you can also use light-filtering Roman Shades, preferably in a lighter color.
Here are a few options for light-filtering curtains & blinds: Curtain + Blinds Options
5. Minimize Extra/Unnecessary Decor
Using lots of decor pieces like piles of pillows, or an excessive amount of plants makes a small space more crowded than it already is. Try to cut down on how many secondary pieces you place in a space. Doing so will allow for a more open, organized, and cleaner look to the area.
And there you have it—five simple yet impactful hacks to transform your small space into a functional and stylish space! Whether it’s a strategically placed mirror, the perfect light-filtering curtains, or a carefully chosen paint color, small changes can make a big difference.
Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we tackle decorating renter-friendly spaces!
Cheers to creating happy spaces,
Rashmi