How To: Utilizing the Most Space in a Small Room

We all know the struggle of having too much stuff and not enough space to keep everything you want and keep it organized. So, here are six tips and tricks to keep as much stuff as possible while also making your room look bigger without tearing down any walls.

1. Donate what you don’t wear!

As a rule, if you haven’t worn an article of clothing for a year then it may be time to give it up. Every time you wear something turn the hanger the opposite way, so then at the end of the year you can donate what you haven’t worn. This eliminates the problem of trying to justify keeping clothes you don’t need.

2. Buy furniture that is multifunctional.

Chose furniture that can be used for two separate activities. For example, in this picture buy cubes that can be used as tables or extra seating when guests are over. This will help to decrease the amount of furniture in a room allowing it to look bigger. Choosing one large couch instead of several smaller couches also helps to fill the space without making it feel cramped.

3. Maximize Storage.

Maximizing storage can be very helpful in making a room feel bigger. Whether it be a built-in or a tub that can roll under your bed. It helps to keep your things organized, out of sight, and doesn’t decrease your amount of square footage. Nothing makes a room feel smaller than clutter. Remember it is not necessary to fill every inch.

4. Trick your eye.

By using decorative sleight of hand, you can create the impression of a larger area. Add floor to ceiling curtains, Cabinets that reach to the ceiling, and mirrors. This gives the illusion that the room has more space. Using soothing and even-toned colors can also help in enlarging the room. Similar to clothing, in a room adding a striped rug where the stripes go the length of the room that is the longest can help to make the room look elongated. Moving furniture, a couple inches from the walls can also help to make the space look more open.

5. Adjacent Spaces

Enlarging windows or swapping solid doors for a glass one will help open the rooms with natural light and to connect adjacent spaces. When considering what color theme to go with in a room consider all other colors that can be viewed from that room, to make the whole place cohesive.

6. Cantaloupe Rule

When decorating a room, it is essential to follow the cantaloupe rule. Sabrina Soto, a stylist expert from Target, recommends not buying decorations smaller than a cantaloupe to not make the room feel cramped.