10 Small Home Decor Ideas That Make the Most of Tiny Spaces

Living in a tiny home doesn't mean sacrificing style or functionality. In fact, with some clever home decor ideas, you can maximise the space in your small abode and create a cozy and efficient living environment.

From multi-functional furniture to smart storage solutions, this post explores 10 small home decorating ideas that will help you make the most of your family room or small space.

1. Utilise vertical space with tall shelves and wall-mounted storage

Using wall mounted shelving in a tiny living room space.

When it comes to maximising space in a tiny home, utilising vertical space is key. One great way to do this is by incorporating tall shelves and wall-mounted storage.

These types of storage solutions not only provide ample space for storing items, but they also help to draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a larger space.

Consider installing tall shelves along a blank wall or adding wall-mounted storage units in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. This will help to free up valuable floor space and keep your belongings organised and easily accessible.

2. Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans or beds with drawers

A stairwell to the loft with interior drawers frees up floor space.

When it comes to small home decorating ideas, choosing furniture with built-in storage is a game-changer. Ottomans with hidden compartments or beds with drawers underneath are perfect for maximising space in tiny homes.

(I know it sounds like an animal but an ottoman is a low, upholstered stool, usually with legs which can be used as a footrest, coffee table or seat. It can also double as a hidden storage compartment!)

These multi-functional pieces not only provide a place to sit or sleep, but they also offer valuable storage space for items like blankets, pillows, or even clothing.

By opting for furniture with built-in storage, you can keep your belongings organised and easily accessible while also saving precious floor space. It's a win-win solution for tiny spaces!

3. Use mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space

You need a mirror in your tiny home bathroom. The question is where?

Mirrors are a fantastic tool for creating the illusion of a larger space in your tiny home. By strategically placing mirrors on walls or doors, you can reflect light and make the room feel more open and spacious.

Mirrors also have the added benefit of making a room brighter, as they bounce natural and artificial light around the space.

Consider placing a large mirror on a wall opposite a window to maximise the amount of light that enters the room. Additionally, you can use smaller mirrors to create a gallery wall effect, which not only adds visual interest but also gives the illusion of a larger space.

4. Opt for light-coloured furniture and walls to make the room feel more open

Light colours can make your small living room space feel more open.

When it comes to decorating tiny spaces, choosing light-coloured furniture and walls can make a big difference. Light colours, such as whites, creams, and pastels, have the ability to reflect light and create a sense of openness in a room.

Dark colours, on the other hand, can make a space feel smaller and more cramped. Opting for light-coloured furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and tables, can help create a visually spacious environment.

Similarly, painting the walls in light shades can make the room feel brighter and more airy. By incorporating light colours into your home decor, you can maximise the feeling of openness in your tiny space.

5. Invest in multi-purpose furniture, like a dining table that can double as a desk

Multi-purpose furniture can be useful in compact living room space.

When it comes to maximising space in tiny homes, multi-purpose furniture is a game-changer. Investing in a dining table that can double as a desk is a great way to make the most of limited space.

This versatile piece of furniture allows you to have a designated dining area when needed, but also provides a functional workspace for when you need to get work done.

By combining two essential pieces of furniture into one, you can save valuable space in your tiny home.

Look for dining tables that have built-in storage or folding capabilities to further optimise space. With multi-purpose furniture, you can have the best of both worlds in your tiny space.

6. Maximise natural light

For small spaces, everything needs to be purposeful, somewhat like this Japanese room.

Natural light can make a small space feel brighter and more inviting. Keep window treatments minimal to allow as much light as possible to enter the room.

Avoid heavy curtains or blinds that block out light. Instead, opt for sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily opened during the day. This little room is where I stayed in when travelling in Aichi, Japan!

7. Declutter and organise

It's a good habit to declutter a small space.

Clutter can make a small space feel even smaller. Take the time to declutter and organise your belongings.

Invest in storage solutions like baskets, bins, and drawer organisers to keep everything in its place. A clean and organised space will instantly make your home feel more spacious.

This is one reason I made sure that my new tiny home had extra space in the form of a loft above the bathroom area, as well as under-bed storage. (I promise I'm still a minimalist though!)

8. Embrace minimalism

Embracing minimalism for small space living is good!

In a small home, less is more. Embrace a minimalist approach to decorating by keeping furniture and decor to a minimum.

Choose pieces that are functional and have clean lines. Avoid cluttering the space with unnecessary items and instead focus on creating a serene and uncluttered environment.

At least by living in a small space we are somewhat compelled to consider what we bring home! (Note to self: No more big purchases that end up in the garage!)

9. Incorporate storage solutions

Multi-use furniture is a brilliant way to maximize space!

We kind of touched on this already but it's important enough to mention again.

Storage is key in a small home. Look for furniture pieces that have built-in storage, such as hidden compartment furniture or beds with drawers underneath.

Use lofts, unused high ceiling spaces, floating shelves, or create extra space by using multi-use furniture.

You can also use vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or hanging organisers to maximise space.

10. Add greenery

Garden herbs like basil can be grown in little wall planters like this.

Plants not only add a touch of nature to your home but also help purify the air and create a sense of calm.

Choose small potted plants or hanging planters to add greenery without taking up too much space. You can also opt for vertical gardens or wall planters to save floor space.

You could even grow yummy garden herbs inside in small wall planters.

Another option would be to use an air purifier. And make sure to specify, or use, low or zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints as much as possible in your small space building.

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