I'm back with another home decor post - I'll tell you, one good home decor deserves another, right?
Ever since I redid my little bedroom corner into a cozy reading nook this past winter, I've been tackling all sorts of small (and not-so-small) spaces in my home! The boys playroom, toy storage, etc. I guess once you get inspired, the ball just keeps rolling!
Today I want to share with you a few tips I've learned from working with Raymour & Flanigan furniture, and my own experience reinventing my small space! Maybe these tips will inspire you to carve out a special spot in your home, reinvent a closet or office, or take advantage of outdoor space more effectively!
Tips for Decorating Small Spaces
1. Choose a piece of interest. I was planning to just add a couch to our bedroom and call it a reading spot. But really look around and you'll find there's so many options for seating, that you don't have to go with your first thought. Choosing a double chaise lounge was different and adds a surprising (and comfortable) element to our room. Plus, we can ALL fit on it, unlike a small couch!
2. Items with dual purpose are your friend. Instead of two side tables, I chose nesting ottomans. They can work as a footrest, a stool, or even a small table to hold books or coffee cups! If I'd gotten JUST a table... well... that's all I'd have, right?
3. Use texture. I admit, I can go for plain and simple a lot, merely because I think it's more "functional" and will swap out easier with other things. While that's somewhat true, too much plain just gets boring! I mean, unless extreme minimalism is your thing...Add detail with textured fabrics, metal embellished pieces, or glossy picture frames or lamps.
4. Add repeated contrast. When you add a contrast, add it in more than one place to bring the look together. A metallic lamp and shiny metallic threading in my pillows brightens up the softer fabric upholstery. Circular ottomans and a round rug soften the square edges in the rest of the pieces.
5. Ask for outside help. I really believe even the most creative person benefits from hearing outside ideas. I got so many tips and ideas while shopping at Raymour & Flanigan - and the friendly staff there is also up on new products that I hadn't seen when browsing online, so it's good to ask, "what else would you suggest?" and see what other ideas come up! That's how I ended up with the very cool steamer trunk style lamp table!
6. Accent with personalized pieces. Make sure your space looks like "you" by adding some of your own flair - perhaps a DIY item to hang on the wall, a hand-crocheted quilt, some of your kids' artwork. Bringing a little "you" into the setting will make the new spot seem just like home right away!
What are your tips for decorating small spaces? 
This post is in coordination with Raymour & Flanigan, and I received no compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.
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Do we have a winner yet~
Do we have a winner yet~
I use long mirrors in small places, to make it appear larger.
I use long mirrors in small places, to make it appear larger.
My tip is to make the small space clutter-free.
My tip is to make the small space clutter-free.
With small places, get creative with using mirrors to make things look bigger
With small places, get creative with using mirrors to make things look bigger
I pick furniture pieces that are multifunctional
I pick furniture pieces that are multifunctional
I would say to keep it simple for small space decorating.
I would say to keep it simple for small space decorating.
Amazing giveaway!!!
Amazing giveaway!!!
One trick for decorating small spaces is that the strategic placement of mirrors can give the illusion of more space. I also found that using lighter colored paint and going for a more minimal design is effective.
One trick for decorating small spaces is that the strategic placement of mirrors can give the illusion of more space. I also found that using lighter colored paint and going for a more minimal design is effective.
Being a broke college student moving into a small apartment, I just try to find multipurpose pieces to save money and space.
Being a broke college student moving into a small apartment, I just try to find multipurpose pieces to save money and space.
less is more - in a small space clutter becomes much more of a problem
less is more - in a small space clutter becomes much more of a problem
I would definitely use a brighter colored paint to make the room appear bigger & brighter!
I would definitely use a brighter colored paint to make the room appear bigger & brighter!
Make it fun and organization pieces are essential
Make it fun and organization pieces are essential
I have a small master bathroom so I like to use bins and jars for storage so things don't look cluttered.
I have a small master bathroom so I like to use bins and jars for storage so things don't look cluttered.
My tip is paint it a bright color and use wall space and hassocks that have storage.
My tip is paint it a bright color and use wall space and hassocks that have storage.
I treat my basic color as a neutral, so in my living room, I have olive and purple chairs. I use the olive as the neutral and pick up those colors to make the room cohesive w/o being boring.
I treat my basic color as a neutral, so in my living room, I have olive and purple chairs. I use the olive as the neutral and pick up those colors to make the room cohesive w/o being boring.
minimize clutter and storage. storage is your friend!
minimize clutter and storage. storage is your friend!
Use short height bins that can slide under the sofa for storage.
Use short height bins that can slide under the sofa for storage.
Make it simple and fun
Make it simple and fun
Use vertical space. Things like floor to ceiling bookshelves or hanging baskets add extra storage without taking up extra floor space.
Use vertical space. Things like floor to ceiling bookshelves or hanging baskets add extra storage without taking up extra floor space.
For a small space I love the folding canvas containers that fit on bookshelves.
For a small space I love the folding canvas containers that fit on bookshelves.
my tips for a small space is using a few pieces of furniture that have shelves and hide well. Also less is more.
my tips for a small space is using a few pieces of furniture that have shelves and hide well. Also less is more.
We love using storage items for decor- such as storage ottomans, baskets with small shelving units, etc. And like another person said, white ceilings really do help a small space seem bigger!
We love using storage items for decor- such as storage ottomans, baskets with small shelving units, etc. And like another person said, white ceilings really do help a small space seem bigger!
my tip is use shelving - can pile so much more on there!
my tip is use shelving - can pile so much more on there!
You need a lot of space-saving solutions like stacking up higher on the wall and making the most of the space through good organizational planning.
You need a lot of space-saving solutions like stacking up higher on the wall and making the most of the space through good organizational planning.
my tip is use vertical shelving
my tip is use vertical shelving
My tip for decorating small spaces is plan (and measure sizes) before you start to buy.
My tip for decorating small spaces is plan (and measure sizes) before you start to buy.
Less is more! Small spaces cannot handle clutter.
Less is more! Small spaces cannot handle clutter.
My tip is to use scaled down furniture-a love seat instead of a chair and an end table instead of a coffee table to get more use out of a small room.
My tip is to use scaled down furniture-a love seat instead of a chair and an end table instead of a coffee table to get more use out of a small room.
I use just small little things like throw pillows and throw rugs.
I use just small little things like throw pillows and throw rugs.
What a great reading space! I want one! I think if I won, I might also buy a chaise! Thanks for sharing!
What a great reading space! I want one! I think if I won, I might also buy a chaise! Thanks for sharing!
I want to redo one of the smaller bedrooms into a sewing room ! so the posts you have on here are great INFORMATION & awesome Giveaways, Thank You
I want to redo one of the smaller bedrooms into a sewing room ! so the posts you have on here are great INFORMATION & awesome Giveaways, Thank You
I don't have a tip really--I'm a terrible decorator. I guess I'd say don't try to put too much in there since it's small.
I don't have a tip really--I'm a terrible decorator. I guess I'd say don't try to put too much in there since it's small.
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes larger furniture can give a small room a substantial and upscale look.
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes larger furniture can give a small room a substantial and upscale look.
Place a mirror on wall to open the room more.
Place a mirror on wall to open the room more.
Our first home was only 700sq ft. I quickly learned that hidden storage items were key to keeping it from looking cluttered. I think every piece of furniture had some sort of storage compartment for tucking things away.
Our first home was only 700sq ft. I quickly learned that hidden storage items were key to keeping it from looking cluttered. I think every piece of furniture had some sort of storage compartment for tucking things away.
I'd say think up high! I put up some high shelves in my kids rooms. I have cute baskets up there with all sorts of junk in it. Stuff I don't necessarily need to have access to all the time, but stuff I can't get rid of!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I'd say think up high! I put up some high shelves in my kids rooms. I have cute baskets up there with all sorts of junk in it. Stuff I don't necessarily need to have access to all the time, but stuff I can't get rid of!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I love storage bins, plastic or fabric, you can even take fabric and cover a box with it. It adds color and it makes it easy to hide messes.
I love storage bins, plastic or fabric, you can even take fabric and cover a box with it. It adds color and it makes it easy to hide messes.
For smaller rooms, we don't junk it up. We don't have big closets, but thankfully have a basement for storing most stuff!
For smaller rooms, we don't junk it up. We don't have big closets, but thankfully have a basement for storing most stuff!
Floor to ceiling shelving unit or built in really solves a lot in a small space. I have that in my wee little office. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Floor to ceiling shelving unit or built in really solves a lot in a small space. I have that in my wee little office. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I like to go with the mood I'm trying to create in each room.I have odd taste anyway, I like ultra modern & vintage- so it's hard for me to stick to a decorating theme other than the feeling I want to inspire.
I like to go with the mood I'm trying to create in each room.I have odd taste anyway, I like ultra modern & vintage- so it's hard for me to stick to a decorating theme other than the feeling I want to inspire.
My best tip is to your space up and look for furniture items with built in storage. Our daughter and baby are going to be sharing a bedroom, so we are getting her a loft bed to store her toys under that also has stairs with built in drawers for additional storage.
My best tip is to your space up and look for furniture items with built in storage. Our daughter and baby are going to be sharing a bedroom, so we are getting her a loft bed to store her toys under that also has stairs with built in drawers for additional storage.
Less bulky furniture and cute décor on the walls
Less bulky furniture and cute décor on the walls
Using mirrors makes smaller spaces look larger. thanks
Using mirrors makes smaller spaces look larger. thanks
Mirrors and light paint hep alot!!
Mirrors and light paint hep alot!!
Great tips! I love the reading nook and the great snuggling time it can provide.
Great tips! I love the reading nook and the great snuggling time it can provide.
In small spaces usually less is more! ... I'll get to practice that soon! My son's bedroom is TINY in our new house, but he'll still need his crib and a dresser ... and later a twin bed! Not much room for much else!
In small spaces usually less is more! ... I'll get to practice that soon! My son's bedroom is TINY in our new house, but he'll still need his crib and a dresser ... and later a twin bed! Not much room for much else!
Small areas need light colors and smaller objects. Mirrors help to make a small room look bigger too.
Small areas need light colors and smaller objects. Mirrors help to make a small room look bigger too.
think vertical! use your top space wisely. painted cubbies along the ceiling make great storage , are pretty, and dont impose upon the usable space!
think vertical! use your top space wisely. painted cubbies along the ceiling make great storage , are pretty, and dont impose upon the usable space!
I used to live in a two-room apartment, and our decorating style was all about simplicity. We'd have maybe one decorative item per room, but it would be something nice-looking, not cheap. Then we'd just use lots of color to bright up the room, and presto!
I used to live in a two-room apartment, and our decorating style was all about simplicity. We'd have maybe one decorative item per room, but it would be something nice-looking, not cheap. Then we'd just use lots of color to bright up the room, and presto!
I like using decorative baskets to maximize storage space and be clutter free.
I like using decorative baskets to maximize storage space and be clutter free.
I like a "Zen" design for small spaces. Light wood, spare furnishings.
I like a "Zen" design for small spaces. Light wood, spare furnishings.
Small spaces look larger with light colored walls. Mirrors can also create an illusion of space.
Small spaces look larger with light colored walls. Mirrors can also create an illusion of space.
I think keeping things simple is the best advice for small spaces... that and using dual purpose items.
I think keeping things simple is the best advice for small spaces... that and using dual purpose items.
use footstools or coffee tables that are trunks you can store things in
use footstools or coffee tables that are trunks you can store things in
My tip for small spaces is less is more and bright Colors
My tip for small spaces is less is more and bright Colors
My best tip when it comes to decorating small spaces, or any space, for that matter, is to leave it to the experts. I am no good at decorating and become easily overwhelmed.
My best tip when it comes to decorating small spaces, or any space, for that matter, is to leave it to the experts. I am no good at decorating and become easily overwhelmed.
I like to find decorative furniture and decor that also doubles as storage. High shelves give more floor space.
I like to find decorative furniture and decor that also doubles as storage. High shelves give more floor space.
Amazing giveaway!
Amazing giveaway!
Avoid too much clutter & knick-knacks!
Avoid too much clutter & knick-knacks!
dont junk it up! keep it simple and stylish!
dont junk it up! keep it simple and stylish!
Getting furniture that serves more than one purpose!
Getting furniture that serves more than one purpose!
I like to store things in all kinds of baskets instead of throwing everything into a drawer.
I like to store things in all kinds of baskets instead of throwing everything into a drawer.
I'm a minimalist, and have always lived in small homes or apartments. Clutter shrinks your space.
I'm a minimalist, and have always lived in small homes or apartments. Clutter shrinks your space.
My biggest tip is to make the most of under bed storage. My boys share a bedroom and doing this has made a difference.
My biggest tip is to make the most of under bed storage. My boys share a bedroom and doing this has made a difference.
I try to find storage wherever I can. Under a bed or couch, in baskets, wherever possible.
I try to find storage wherever I can. Under a bed or couch, in baskets, wherever possible.
Keep it simple and don't add too much to the area or it will look cluttered and smaller!
Keep it simple and don't add too much to the area or it will look cluttered and smaller!
Less is more, Keep what your really like and toss or donate the rest.
Less is more, Keep what your really like and toss or donate the rest.
Keep things simple, use wall space i love shelves and things that have hidden storage compartments!
Keep things simple, use wall space i love shelves and things that have hidden storage compartments!
Dollar store baskets and bins save space in closets. Study how people do their organizing on Pinterest.
I think the key for small places is having a lot of creative storage ideas! Hidden drawers, shelves, etc. Utilize all of your space!
I think the key for small places is having a lot of creative storage ideas! Hidden drawers, shelves, etc. Utilize all of your space!
Thanks for the tips! These were some great reminders...hopefully I can be inspired to make some changes to the decor in my house. 🙂
Thanks for the tips! These were some great reminders...hopefully I can be inspired to make some changes to the decor in my house. 🙂
I love bright colors. I don't love clutter so shelves and i love the cubes for books and decorations as well in small spaces.
I love bright colors. I don't love clutter so shelves and i love the cubes for books and decorations as well in small spaces.
My tip for decorating small spaces include using pieces that have more than 1 purpose and small pieces are good as to not look cluttered. Your reading nook looks awesome - so inviting and comfortable!
My tip for decorating small spaces include using pieces that have more than 1 purpose and small pieces are good as to not look cluttered. Your reading nook looks awesome - so inviting and comfortable!
Dual purpose things for my house. We live in a tiny house, so if something can be used multiply ways it stays.
Dual purpose things for my house. We live in a tiny house, so if something can be used multiply ways it stays.
Lots of shelves and decorative hidden tuck away storage are best for small spaces.
Lots of shelves and decorative hidden tuck away storage are best for small spaces.
My tip is making something that has more than one function. Like a table that pulls down from the wall in the kitchen that can be used to hang towels on when not using as a table. I think I saw it on Nate Berkus. I loved the idea because it can be used anywhere. I live in an apt so I can't do a lot of things I want. Thank you for the really awesome giveaway 🙂
My tip is making something that has more than one function. Like a table that pulls down from the wall in the kitchen that can be used to hang towels on when not using as a table. I think I saw it on Nate Berkus. I loved the idea because it can be used anywhere. I live in an apt so I can't do a lot of things I want. Thank you for the really awesome giveaway 🙂
Having a hidden storage space for smaller rooms makes the room look bigger and less cluttered. Also, a lighted based paint will always make a room look bigger.
Having a hidden storage space for smaller rooms makes the room look bigger and less cluttered. Also, a lighted based paint will always make a room look bigger.
Don't clutter small spaces! Use baskets (and/or repurposed, decorated storage boxes, bins, etc.) as dual purpose items -- decorating and cutting down on clutter!
And I love to decorate with pillows, too. 😉
Don't clutter small spaces! Use baskets (and/or repurposed, decorated storage boxes, bins, etc.) as dual purpose items -- decorating and cutting down on clutter!
And I love to decorate with pillows, too. 😉
I believe less is more, I hate clutter!
I believe less is more, I hate clutter!
I use lots of storage containers and shelves to decorate.
I use lots of storage containers and shelves to decorate.
use storage items as decor too
use storage items as decor too
Rather than cluttering up the space with lots of small-scale items, don't be afraid to use one large furniture or art piece to bring focus to a small space.
Rather than cluttering up the space with lots of small-scale items, don't be afraid to use one large furniture or art piece to bring focus to a small space.
White ceilings make the space seem bigger!
White ceilings make the space seem bigger!
I definitely think dual purpose is key whenever possible... having come from a home with six people in 984 sq ft, and homeschooling, learning to think outside the box or repurposing spaces is the only way to maintain sanity in tight quarters. And remember that we don't need all the "stuff" that we think we do. 🙂
I definitely think dual purpose is key whenever possible... having come from a home with six people in 984 sq ft, and homeschooling, learning to think outside the box or repurposing spaces is the only way to maintain sanity in tight quarters. And remember that we don't need all the "stuff" that we think we do. 🙂
I'm not too much of a decorator but for small spaces I like dual purposed items and shelves for storage.
I'm not too much of a decorator but for small spaces I like dual purposed items and shelves for storage.
They have a lot of really nice bunk bed options. I like the Saratoga Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed w/ Trundle that would really help us save space in a shared bedroom with 3 kids.
They have a lot of really nice bunk bed options. I like the Saratoga Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed w/ Trundle that would really help us save space in a shared bedroom with 3 kids.