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Whether you've got a tiny home, a cozy cottage or a petit pied-à-terre, small spaces tend to be saddled with more than their fair share of design challenges. That's why we're here to help you avoid these 15 decorating mistakes, so you can live large no matter what the square footage.
Decorating
15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
April 12, 2019
Whether you've got a tiny home, a cozy cottage or a petit pied-à-terre, small spaces tend to be saddled with more than their fair share of design challenges. That's why we're here to help you avoid these 15 decorating mistakes, so you can live large no matter what the square footage.
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Underestimating the Power of Mirrors
1/15Underestimating the Power of Mirrors
1/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
It's not just a decorating myth: mirrors really do make a room feel larger, so why wouldn't you use the oldest design trick in the book to help amplify your space? Think wall mirrors, full-length floor mirrors and even mirrored furniture — but not all together in the same room, unless you're going for a miniature Versailles kind of look. <br><br> Want more ways to make a small space feel larger? Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-baeumler/photos/sarah-baeumlers-hacks-for-small-spaces-1926700/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarah Baeumler's hacks</a>.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidUnderestimating the Power of Mirrors
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -It's not just a decorating myth: mirrors really do make a room feel larger, so why wouldn't you use the oldest design trick in the book to help amplify your space? Think wall mirrors, full-length floor mirrors and even mirrored furniture — but not all together in the same room, unless you're going for a miniature Versailles kind of look. <br><br> Want more ways to make a small space feel larger? Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-baeumler/photos/sarah-baeumlers-hacks-for-small-spaces-1926700/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarah Baeumler's hacks</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Overly Large Furniture
2/15Overly Large Furniture
2/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
We all dream of those massive, Restoration Hardware-type sofas that comfortably seat 26 people and all their dogs, but few of us actually have the space for them (never mind the budget, which is a whole other story). Be realistic about your square footage and find furniture that fits the room without overwhelming it. <br><br> Speaking of dreams, here's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/become-a-homeowner-under-35-1926489/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">how to become a homeowner if you're under 35</a>.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidOverly Large Furniture
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -We all dream of those massive, Restoration Hardware-type sofas that comfortably seat 26 people and all their dogs, but few of us actually have the space for them (never mind the budget, which is a whole other story). Be realistic about your square footage and find furniture that fits the room without overwhelming it. <br><br> Speaking of dreams, here's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/become-a-homeowner-under-35-1926489/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">how to become a homeowner if you're under 35</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Furniture That's Too Small
3/15Furniture That's Too Small
3/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
On the flip side of the decorating coin, you don't want to fill your small space with a ton of teensy furniture, either; you'll feel as though you're living inside a dollhouse. Be the Goldilocks of the decorating world and go for a few key pieces that are just right for your space.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidFurniture That's Too Small
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -On the flip side of the decorating coin, you don't want to fill your small space with a ton of teensy furniture, either; you'll feel as though you're living inside a dollhouse. Be the Goldilocks of the decorating world and go for a few key pieces that are just right for your space.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Covering Every Surface
4/15Covering Every Surface
4/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
We love a good knick knack as much as the next person, but in a small room, less truly is more. Avoid crowding every possible surface with books, vases and decorative objects in order to create a sense of space and openness. If you're a dedicated collector, consider rotating your favourite objects every season and keeping some items in storage.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidCovering Every Surface
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -We love a good knick knack as much as the next person, but in a small room, less truly is more. Avoid crowding every possible surface with books, vases and decorative objects in order to create a sense of space and openness. If you're a dedicated collector, consider rotating your favourite objects every season and keeping some items in storage.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Ignoring Vertical Storage
5/15Ignoring Vertical Storage
5/15Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Closets and armoires and dressers are great, but have you ever tried storing things on your walls? You'd be surprised at how much extra space you'll suddenly gain when you start thinking vertically. Anything — hats, jewellery, bikes — is fair game.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidIgnoring Vertical Storage
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Closets and armoires and dressers are great, but have you ever tried storing things on your walls? You'd be surprised at how much extra space you'll suddenly gain when you start thinking vertically. Anything — hats, jewellery, bikes — is fair game.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Not Utilizing Nooks and Crannies
6/15Not Utilizing Nooks and Crannies
6/15Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Most houses, particularly older ones, are filled with bizarre little pockets of seemingly unusable space that are simply begging to be made useful. Whether you add built-in shelves under the stairs or turn an alcove into a mini office, it's all about making the most of every nook and cranny.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidNot Utilizing Nooks and Crannies
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Most houses, particularly older ones, are filled with bizarre little pockets of seemingly unusable space that are simply begging to be made useful. Whether you add built-in shelves under the stairs or turn an alcove into a mini office, it's all about making the most of every nook and cranny.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Avoiding Colour
7/15Avoiding Colour
7/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
"White walls will make a small room feel bigger." We've all heard this and it may even be true, but here's the thing: White walls aren't for everyone. And they can be [whispers furtively] kind of boring. Want to make your small space seem deliciously cozy? Paint the walls a dark colour. Need an everyday mood boost? Paint 'em pink. The colour wheel is your oyster. <br><br> Need some inspiration? Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pastel-inspired-rooms-for-spring-1926596/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">21 blissful pastel-inspired rooms that have us excited for spring</a>.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidAvoiding Colour
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -"White walls will make a small room feel bigger." We've all heard this and it may even be true, but here's the thing: White walls aren't for everyone. And they can be [whispers furtively] kind of boring. Want to make your small space seem deliciously cozy? Paint the walls a dark colour. Need an everyday mood boost? Paint 'em pink. The colour wheel is your oyster. <br><br> Need some inspiration? Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pastel-inspired-rooms-for-spring-1926596/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">21 blissful pastel-inspired rooms that have us excited for spring</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Not Using Patterns
8/15Not Using Patterns
8/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
No colour, no patterns, no whimsical touches — are you decorating a small space or the set of a movie that takes place in an old-fashioned asylum? Don't avoid patterns if you love them; inject them into even the tiniest of rooms by way of throw pillows, wallpaper, rugs or window treatments. Just remember, a little goes a long way.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidNot Using Patterns
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -No colour, no patterns, no whimsical touches — are you decorating a small space or the set of a movie that takes place in an old-fashioned asylum? Don't avoid patterns if you love them; inject them into even the tiniest of rooms by way of throw pillows, wallpaper, rugs or window treatments. Just remember, a little goes a long way.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Not Maximizing Natural Light
9/15Not Maximizing Natural Light
9/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your cozy room is blessed with large windows that let in tons of natural light, is it even a small space? Make the most of that brightness and let it all in with sheer window coverings, light-coloured walls and furniture that doesn't take up much visual space (think glass, mirrored or clear acrylic pieces).Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidNot Maximizing Natural Light
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -If your cozy room is blessed with large windows that let in tons of natural light, is it even a small space? Make the most of that brightness and let it all in with sheer window coverings, light-coloured walls and furniture that doesn't take up much visual space (think glass, mirrored or clear acrylic pieces).Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Too Much Single-Use Furniture
10/15Too Much Single-Use Furniture
10/15Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Living in a small space means working hard to make the most of every square foot — and that goes for your furniture, too. Every piece needs to work double duty, whether it's an ottoman with hidden storage, a bed with pull-out drawers underneath or bookshelves that can house large catch-all baskets (and triple as a room divider, if need be). <br><br> Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/low-cost-kitchen-updates-1913359/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">19 genius low-cost kitchen updates that look expensive</a>.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidToo Much Single-Use Furniture
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Living in a small space means working hard to make the most of every square foot — and that goes for your furniture, too. Every piece needs to work double duty, whether it's an ottoman with hidden storage, a bed with pull-out drawers underneath or bookshelves that can house large catch-all baskets (and triple as a room divider, if need be). <br><br> Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/low-cost-kitchen-updates-1913359/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">19 genius low-cost kitchen updates that look expensive</a>.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Interrupting the Visual Flow
11/15Interrupting the Visual Flow
11/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your home feels more like a series of nooks and crannies rather than distinct, full-sized rooms, it needs all the help it can get in terms of visual flow. Try painting the walls of each room in similar, complementary shades, and stick to one unified decorating style throughout the entire space.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidInterrupting the Visual Flow
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -If your home feels more like a series of nooks and crannies rather than distinct, full-sized rooms, it needs all the help it can get in terms of visual flow. Try painting the walls of each room in similar, complementary shades, and stick to one unified decorating style throughout the entire space.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Eschewing Drapes
12/15Eschewing Drapes
12/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
In an effort to keep things as minimal as possible, some people advise against hanging drapes in small spaces. What do they know, anyway? Drapes are a fantastic way to add colour, pattern and texture to a room while taking up virtually no floor space. They also draw the eye upwards, which can actually make a space feel larger. So there.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidEschewing Drapes
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -In an effort to keep things as minimal as possible, some people advise against hanging drapes in small spaces. What do they know, anyway? Drapes are a fantastic way to add colour, pattern and texture to a room while taking up virtually no floor space. They also draw the eye upwards, which can actually make a space feel larger. So there.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Rugs That are Too Small
13/15Rugs That are Too Small
13/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Here's the thing about filling a small room with equally small rugs: they'll start to look more like bath mats than stylish floor coverings. Choose one statement rug instead of multiple smaller ones, and make sure it fills the space; a larger rug will make the whole room feel bigger.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidRugs That are Too Small
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -Here's the thing about filling a small room with equally small rugs: they'll start to look more like bath mats than stylish floor coverings. Choose one statement rug instead of multiple smaller ones, and make sure it fills the space; a larger rug will make the whole room feel bigger.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Bland Spaces
14/15Bland Spaces
14/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
So you've mastered vertical storage and double-duty furniture, but you forgot to add one thing: personality! A bland, blank decor scheme will make a tiny room feel more like a hospital suite than a home, so be sure to add some personal touches. Small spaces may lack square footage, but that's no reason to scrimp on style.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidBland Spaces
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -So you've mastered vertical storage and double-duty furniture, but you forgot to add one thing: personality! A bland, blank decor scheme will make a tiny room feel more like a hospital suite than a home, so be sure to add some personal touches. Small spaces may lack square footage, but that's no reason to scrimp on style.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Going Overboard
15/15Going Overboard
15/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Remember what we just said about bland spaces? Over-the-top, maximalist rooms are on the other end of the decorating spectrum, and they're also not ideal for smaller spaces. Aim for a happy medium — some colour and pattern and knick knacks, not ALL of the colours and patterns and knick knacks at once — and you'll be A-OK.Decorating15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to AvoidGoing Overboard
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -Remember what we just said about bland spaces? Over-the-top, maximalist rooms are on the other end of the decorating spectrum, and they're also not ideal for smaller spaces. Aim for a happy medium — some colour and pattern and knick knacks, not ALL of the colours and patterns and knick knacks at once — and you'll be A-OK.Photo Credit: Getty Images
