Small spaces can be both charming and challenging. Whether you’re working with a compact bedroom or a tight living space, the key to making the most of limited square footage is to trick the eye. If you’ve already applied tried-and-true tricks such as adding mirrors and painting the walls light colors, it’s time to up…
Read on for 12 interior designer-approved tips for making a small space feel comfortable, not cramped.
1. Find the Right Scale
Proper scale is key in a small space, says Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. Consider a loveseat instead of a full-sized sofa, or a set of ottomans instead of a bulky coffee table. “Working with slightly smaller pieces will help make the room feel more balanced,” Kuo says. “You’ll have more breathing room, and the space will feel very intentional.”
2. Choose Furniture With Low Profiles
Incorporating light-looking, open designs helps too, according to interior designer Kelsey Deirdre. She recommends selecting furniture with a low profile and sleek lines, such as a minimalist sofa or a glass coffee table. “These pieces don’t overwhelm the space, leaving more visual room for the eye to roam,” Deirdre says.
3. Add Negative Space
Instead of pushing everything against the walls, interior designer Amanda Riera of Studio Chroma suggests floating a few pieces of furniture, such as a curved chair or pedestal table, to create a sense of breathing room. “The negative space around furniture can be just as powerful as the furniture itself,” Riera says.
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4. Go Tone-on-Tone With Textures
Interior designer Catherine Shuman of The Intentional Design Studio suggests layering similar tones with a mix of natural materials. Think linen, rattan, stone, and wool. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the space. “It keeps things calm but far from boring,” Shuman says.
5. Create a Focal Point
In small spaces, Shuman says establishing a strong focal point — such as a bold piece of art, a sculptural light fixture, or a styled bookcase — can anchor the room, making it feel more intentional and less compact.
6. Make It a Jewel Box
Lean into the coziness of a small space by wrapping the entire room in one continuous finish. Paint or wallpaper everything (including walls, ceiling, and trim) in the same tone or texture, such as high-gloss paint, limewash, or even fabric. It might sound counterintuitive, says Sonia Maguiña of Studio Chroma, but enveloping a room erases harsh edges and visual breaks so it feels less small and more styled.
7. Keep Floors Clear
Whenever possible, Shuman advises opting for wall-mounted storage, floating nightstands, or sconces to free up visual space at floor level. “It’s a subtle shift that makes the room feel more open and breathable,” Shuman says.
8. Play With Contrast
Interior designer Stephanie Mahaney from Stephanie Rae Interiors recommends using contrast strategically. In a recent project, she applied a darker plaster in a cozy TV room next to two small bedrooms finished in a soft, creamy plaster. “The difference in tone made the bedrooms feel noticeably brighter and more spacious — proof that contrast can be just as effective as light paint when used thoughtfully,” Mahaney says.
9. Give the Space a Purpose
It’s easy for small spaces to become a catchall of purposes. Perhaps you’re sitting in an office/playroom/library/storage room right now. Giving the space a clear identity will not only help you get rid of clutter that doesn’t belong but also set an intention for the space. “Whether it’s a reading nook, meditation space, or creative corner, having a defined purpose adds depth and belonging to even the tiniest rooms,” Shuman says.
10. Anchor the Space With a Rug
A properly proportioned rug is crucial in any living space and should extend beyond the furniture to visually unify the elements within a room. “This creates a sense of grounding, making the space feel anchored rather than fragmented,” interior designer Jude Kamal of Sansa Interiors explains.
11. Choose Organic Shapes and Curves
Steer away from sharp, boxy furniture. Instead, opt for rounded pieces, arched accents, and curved lighting fixtures. Soft lines help the eye move more fluidly through a room, making the space seem larger and more inviting, Shuman says.
12. Layer Lighting
Pendants and sconces and lamps, oh my! A thoughtful mix of lighting elements eliminates dark corners and adds dimension. Not only does this brighten the room, but it also creates a balanced atmosphere that appears open and grounded.
