Tricks and Tips for Decorating Small Spaces

In some Mallorcan cities and towns like Palma or Alcudia, there are charming yet slightly smaller apartments and houses that require strategic decorating approaches.

At Balear Invest, we want to make things easy for you, which is why we present tricks and tips for decorating small spaces. Whether it's a living room, kitchen, bedroom, or office, we're confident you'll love these ideas

Some Basic Rules for Decorating Small Spaces

Let's start with some basic tricks and tips for decorating small spaces in general.

• A reduced space doesn't necessarily mean smaller furniture. When dealing with limited space, having fewer but larger pieces of furniture is more effective. Not only is it more comfortable, but it creates an optical illusion for the brain, which easily gets distracted. The more items the mind perceives, even if small, the smaller the space appears. Conversely, large and continuous furniture pieces that minimize visual clutter create a sense of spaciousness.
• Many small apartments have considerable height, which is a huge advantage for those who think vertically. While space is measured in square meters, it's also three-dimensional, so considering cubic meters is essential. Double-height spaces are fantastic and effective for gaining extra space, whether by creating a loft with a small bedroom or a reading area where standing isn't necessary.
• Natural light has the ability to make a room look larger. The fewer walls and the more windows the house has, the more spacious it feels. Materials also play a significant role. Designers advise against using dark colors or intense finishes to ensure the decor enhances natural light.
• It's important to unify spaces and avoid internal partitions. This allows natural light to reach every corner without obstacles, eliminates dead zones, and enhances perspective.
• As we've seen, lighting and color can change everything. Whites, grays, beiges, and taupes enhance the effect of natural light and, therefore, space. Colored walls are also good allies for playing with perspective and depth. To make a room appear more square, for instance, paint the back wall warm-colored, while the ceiling should be lighter than the walls to create a sense of height.

Small Spaces, Big Ideas

Now that we have a general idea of how to decorate small spaces, let's focus on specific rooms in the house.

Small and Comfortable Bedrooms

• Forget the traditional headboard and opt for a vinyl decal, painting, or something decorative on the wall. Decorative moldings, string lights, and other options not only practical but also add personality.
• Illuminate your bedroom with ceiling-suspended lamps. This frees up space on the bedside table for other necessary items.
• Using nesting tables instead of conventional bedside tables also saves space and provides an extra piece of furniture when needed.
• Swapping a bed frame for a storage bed is another great idea. It provides a large wardrobe for storing seasonal clothes, for example, without the need for excessive bending to clean underneath.

Charming Small Kitchens

• One way to solve small kitchens is to open a window connecting to the living room.
• Opting for a sliding door is also a great idea as it eliminates dead zones when open. If you're unsure about the idea, you can separate the kitchen with a plastic or bead curtain.
• Using a bar with stools instead of a table with chairs also saves space in a small kitchen. Additionally, stools can be tucked under the bar or even made foldable.

Cozy Small Living Rooms

• When decorating a small space, every corner counts. Utilize custom shelves in a recessed wall area to store decorative items and organize small libraries.
• The TV doesn't need a cabinet; suspend it on the wall and use moldings and shelves to add character or store the remote control.
• Use functional furniture, such as sofas with reclining seats and sliding drawers, to neatly store winter blankets out of sight.
• Carts are alternatives to keep everything well-organized, accessible, and discreetly placed. Consider getting one of them.

If you also have a small patio or garden alongside your small home, we recommend checking out this blog article for more tips.