6 Decorating Tricks Minimalists Swear by to Keep Small Spaces Airy and Stylish

Although you can find a multitude of furniture scaled down for tight spaces, you might discover that some such spaces just can’t help but feel cramped no matter how you outfit them. If you don’t have the option to expand or remodel the space to make it look or feel larger, fear not, for there are some attainable decorating moves you can try.

We asked minimalist interior designers to share some tips and tricks that don’t require renovation, making them also renter-friendly.

Add Reflective Surfaces

The number one tip most interior designers offer for a small space is to brighten it up. But if the room is deprived of daylight due to having small windows, only a single window opening, or windows facing the wrong direction or another building, there are still tricks you can incorporate to increase light.

Consider reflective surfaces like mirrors to amplify natural light, Katherine Cunningham, principal designer at Light and Dwell, says. You can use reflective furniture pieces as well, but if you choose to go with a wall-hung or floor-standing mirror, position it to face a window or light fixture for maximum effect. Painting the space’s walls and ceiling in white tones will also help reflect light.

Mirrors have an added plus as they not only reflect light, but they also create the illusion of depth and more space, Asler Valero, principal of Asler Valero Interior Design, says.

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Hide in Plain Sight

Incorporate furnishings that pull double duty as storage. For instance, use ottomans and coffee tables that have integrated storage. You can also try something such as a classic storage trunk to serve as a coffee table, but also hold pillows, throws, games, and more.

“Bar carts are also great for this as you can use them for both serving and storage,” Autumn Pochiro, CEO of Autumn Dawn Design, says.

Clear the Way

Using smaller-scale furniture for a tight space is a no-brainer, but also consider using transparent pieces such as acrylic side tables and glass-topped coffee and dining tables or glass-topped desks.

“Glass is visually light and doesn’t block sightlines, making the room feel more open,” Valero says.

Also, don’t be afraid to leave an empty spot unfurnished.

“Embrace negative space between objects,” Cunningham says. “This visual breathing room makes small areas feel intentionally curated rather than cramped.”

Finally, avoid filling all walls with art. Valero explains how a few thoughtfully placed pieces look more interesting and reduce visual clutter. But if you’re still keen on hanging wall art in a small room, he recommends hanging it in a gallery-style installation using a tight grouping with consistent frames or layout to keep them all united.

Use Interchangeable Furniture

Pochiro recommends using settees as seating at small dining tables, which can then be pulled over elsewhere for entertaining. Along the same lines, you can use cushy club chairs or upholstered armchairs that easily transition from dining to lounging and socializing scenarios.

On the other hand, you can use a small table that serves as both a dining table and a card-playing or game table after meals. And instead of a coffee table, use a large, upholstered ottoman that can provide extra seating or a spot to rest your feet, but, when needed, be topped with a removable tray for resting drinks and snacks.

Bring Out Your Bed

If you’re struggling to find space for guest quarters, consider adding a murphy bed that you can pull out and stash away at a moment’s notice.

“It’s a great way to save space and make a room multifunctional, from office to bedroom, for instance, in one quick motion,” Pochiro says.

Keep Things Light

As mentioned earlier, light is key in helping make a space feel and look bigger. Consider layering light fixtures, from overhead lights and wall sconces to table and floor lamps. Pochiro reminds you that there are now many cordless, battery-powered options on the market, as well as plug-in ceiling and wall lights, so you needn’t worry about hardwiring.

Also, think about using simple window treatments.

“Matchstick blinds or soft, sheer fabrics let in more light and keep the look airy,” Valero says.

Whereas heavy drapes or busy patterns can overwhelm small spaces.