Let’s be honest… your first home probably isn’t the spacious beauty of your dreams. It might be a little smaller and a little less picturesque, though no less near and dear to your heart.
The good news is that small spaces give us a LOT of room to get creative! Here are our top 7 tips for making the most of your smaller space.
Tip 1: Pick your priorities.
Consider what is most important to you in your space. For most couples, it’s comfort and a good night’s sleep. If that’s the case for you, you’re much better off going for the larger Queen bed and one nightstand instead of the Full bed and two nightstands.
Yes, that means one of you might not have a nightstand in easy reach… but both of you will be a little more cheerful in the mornings. Can you say nuptial bliss? ;)
Extra Tip: I suggest writing down your priorities first. That way, when you have tough decisions to make, you can refer make to what matters most to you both and make a logical choice.
Tip 2: Add storage to the priority list.
If storage isn’t on your list, add it. If it is on your list, move it up a couple priorities… Because the truth is, no matter how minimal your lifestyle everyone needs storage.
A great place to gain extra space is under the bed. Some beds have built-in storage options. If not, there are so many great options out there that you can implement yourself. Trust me, you’ll be glad that you did!
Tip 3: Opt for space-opening colors.
I often use soft light blues for smaller spaces. Not only is it a peaceful and calming color, but it opens up the space a ton. If blue isn’t your thing, you can still keep it light and bright with a soft white walls and creamy-colored bedding for that airy, spacious, breathable feel.
My two favorites light blues are Silver Marlin and Quiet Moments. Perfect calming colors for a bedroom, if blue fits into your overall design.
Tip 4: Test your paint color before going gung-ho.
Samples seldom reflect the same color in the store as they do in your spacer, so I always suggest testing it on your wall first. Be sure to take a look at it in the morning, afternoon and evening, as sunlight can change the color. You can find other need-to-know color facts here.
Tip 5: Mirrors are your small bedroom’s best friend.
Mirrors almost always work well in a space, but they work particular magic in small spaces. When positioned opposite from your window, the mirror will reflect the light around the room, making the walls seem brighter and the room larger. Yes, please!
Tip 6: Use the walls.
Furniture will very quickly fill up the floor space of your small bedroom, which is why I highly suggest using other areas for storage. I already mentioned using the space under the bed. Other underused spaces include the walls!
Wall shelving can be decorative and functional, holding books, clocks, plants, jewelry, personal effects, and so much more. Creativity is yours!
Tip 7: Choose just a few accessories with big impact.
When accessorizing a small space, you have to be very selective. If you have a several clusters of items on shelves or nightstands, even if they are the-cutest-items-you-ever-did-see, your space will look cramped.
Choose wisely. Pick a low number of items with big visual impact — like color, texture, and pattern.
I hope these tips give you the confidence to make the most of your small space. If you need some help selecting furniture, layout the floor plan, or accessorizing to your unique style, you know just who to ask. ;)
Until next time,
Tammy