Top Tips: How to Decorate a Smaller Space

Niki Schafer, MD of interior design company, Dwell-Being provides us with some helpful advice and ideas when it comes to maximising small spaces

• The reflection of mirrors can help to bounce light around a room, creating the illusion of a larger space. Choose a feature wall and hang a large mirror up, the bigger the better, and you’ll be amazed by the result.

• Choosing dark colours for walls and furnishings in a small space can feel claustrophobic. If you want to trial darker wall colours, choose a feature wall and paint in a deep purple or charcoal, balancing it out with light furnishings.

• If space is limited, don’t lose what is already there by placing a table central to the room; choose side tables making the space more open.

• Choose wall mounted lighting over table and floor lamps, freeing up space elsewhere and utilising the otherwise empty walls.

• Small rooms can be awkward shapes too, if you have slanted ceilings and unusual angles standard furniture may not fit. Avoid temptation and have some pieces custom made – it’s not as expensive as you might think, and you can design it exactly how you like, creating something totally different.

• Thick, heavy, beautifully adorned floor length curtains can be a stand out feature in a room – but where you’re already tight on space they are not the most appropriate. Replace with Roman blinds or lighter fabrics, which don’t stack at the bottom.

• Natural light works wonders on rooms of all sizes, but is of particular benefit in smaller spaces. Open window spaces, add skylights, use mirrors and reflective surfaces to enhance natural light, allowing it to bounce around.