5 Tips for Designing Small Spaces

Narrow Rooms

In a long living room, break down the space by creating three separate seating areas with pieces of furniture that are small in scale. Also, use mirrors at each end to reflect light throughout the whole room.

Multifunctional Furniture

In a Manhattan apartment that lacks a formal dining room, a Chinese Chippendale game table serves multiple purposes in front of the living room bookcase. Other tables around the house can be used when guests come for dinner.

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Continuous Color

A soft, light color running throughout a small house fades away to let the focus remain on the sweeping views outside the living room windows. A lack of artwork on the walls also keeps the space from feeling closed and cramped.

Uncluttered Space

In small spaces, it's important to keep things as simple as possible. This living room boasts clean, neutral-colored walls and the original floors painted a cool shade of gray. The absence of rugs and small trinkets on tables keeps the "fussiness" to a minimum.

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Statement Pieces

In a small master bedroom, make a big statement with one large piece of furniture, like this dramatic four-poster bed. By playing with scale in this way, the eye will think the room is bigger than it actually is.

Bing: Designing for small spaces