Creative Ways To Style A Small Space
Australia’s rental market is more competitive than ever, and there’s no doubt that plenty of renters have recently settled for smaller spaces than they originally planned.
The good news is that the right decor can open up just about any space and make it feel larger. If you’re struggling with decorating a small property, read on for 14 practical tips you can implement today.
1. Let the Light in
Even the smallest spaces can seem larger when they have more light.
If your new rental feels a bit too snug, pull back the blinds and let natural light stream in through the windows.
You can also string lights around the top of the room to brighten things up without taking up valuable floor or table space.
2. Limit Large Items to the Perimeter
You don’t have to completely eliminate large furniture from your rental just because it’s small. Positioning these items around the room's perimeter prevents them from occupying too much space or creating a cluttered feeling.
3. Invest in Multi-Use Furniture
You can also search for furniture that gives you more bang for your buck.
For example, look for a coffee table with a lid that lifts up so you can use it to store items like blankets, books, and board games. You might also want to consider furniture that folds up — such as pull-out couches or Murphy beds — to maximise your space further.
4. Mirrors, Mirrors, Mirrors
Mirrors aren’t just for admiring your new haircut or checking for food in your teeth. You can also use them to bring more light into your property and create a feeling of additional space.
Mirrors reflect natural and non-natural light, which creates the illusion of larger rooms. They’re also practical decorations that work with any style.
5. Toss What No Longer Sparks Joy
If you’re working with limited space, you might need to be a bit more rigorous when it comes to decluttering.
Create more space in your home by getting rid of items you no longer want or need. It also allows you to enjoy the refreshing feeling that comes from having a cleaner, more open space.
Channel your inner Marie Kondo and toss, sell, or donate items that no longer spark joy.
6. Repaint with Lighter Shades
If you’re allowed to repaint your rental property, stick with lighter shades — white, grey, beige, pastels, etc. Light colours brighten up small spaces and help them feel bigger.
7. Lay Down a Large Rug
Many people assume that small spaces need small rugs. In reality, the opposite is true.
Laying down a large rug can actually make a small room feel bigger. It tricks you into thinking there’s more space than there really is.
8. Raise the Roof with Vertical Space
Adding the right decor to the walls and around the windows can draw the eyes upward and make your ceilings feel higher.
Add floating shelves to display decorations without adding clutter to your tables.
When hanging drapes, install the rod as close to the ceiling or crown moulding as possible to create an illusion of added height.
9. Incorporate Plants and Flowers
Incorporating plants and flowers — fresh or fake — into your home can help it feel more spacious and inviting.
Just remember to exercise restraint. If every space is crowded with plants your rooms will start to seem smaller.
10. Stick to Symmetrical Designs
Humans are naturally drawn to symmetry. Take advantage of this inclination and stick to symmetrical designs when decorating your home or arranging your furniture.
For example, you can position your chairs or the couches in your living room so that they mirror each other or hang pictures equidistant to avoid making walls feel cluttered.
11. Take Advantage of Nooks and Crannies
Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to utilising small spaces you would have otherwise left empty.
You can find lots of decorations and functional items that help you maximise every square centimetre of your home. For example, corner shelves discretely add extra storage, and bar tables give you a small but useful place to sit and eat a snack.
12. Choose Minimalist Window Hangings
Nobody likes a naked window. However, some window hangings can cause your home to feel small and prevent you from appreciating the expansive powers of natural light.
To enjoy your privacy and keep your space as open as possible, hang minimalist curtains in a light colour. You can also install rolling blinds that you can quickly raise or lower throughout the day.
13. Lift Furniture Off the Floor
When buying couches, accent chairs, or other pieces of furniture for your small property, avoid items that sit flush with the ground. Raised sofas, tables, and other items will allow for uninterrupted flow throughout your home, making it feel larger and less cluttered.
14. Don’t Overdo the Decorations
Adding your favourite knick-knacks or framed photos is an excellent way to incorporate your unique personality and style into a rental property.
If you overdo it on decorations, though, you’ll create clutter and may cause the space to seem smaller. Remember, sometimes, less is more — especially when you’re working with a tight space.
Upgrade Your Small Space Today
Live in a smaller rental? These tips will help you decorate it in a way that makes it feel bigger than it is!
If you’re still craving more space, get in touch with our team and we’ll help you find a larger property.
And to all the landlords out there, we hope these tips help you style your property effectively and allow you to maximise your returns. Proper styling can transform a listing and will enable prospective tenants to see your property's true potential.
If you’re looking for professional assistance with your investment property, our real estate experts are here to help. Contact us today to chat with an expert and learn more about our services.