Small Space, Big Style
Think your space is too tiny to attract guests? Think again.
Just because your space is small doesn’t mean you can’t create an attractive oasis for travelers. In fact, sometimes a smaller space can handle a bolder style much easier than a larger room. With some strategic styling and creative organization ideas, you can take your tiny room from boring and bland to chic and stylish— and create the perfect retreat for weary travelers to recharge.
Try one or two of these suggestions to make your small space feel big with style.
1. Stack your sleeping spaces
If space is limited, but your ceilings are high, consider stacking your sleeping spaces. Forget the traditional camp-like bunk beds and make yours stand out with high-end finishes and luxurious details. Add custom railings, gorgeous lighting, and thoughtful shelving to your sleeping nooks. Then drape the beds with the highest-quality linens you can afford. Suddenly that small space bedroom becomes an elegant and restful sleeping berth.
2. Magnify a small space with mirrors
It’s the oldest trick in the book— but it works! Add mirrors to your small room to amplify the illusion of extra square footage. Mirrors also reflect light, so placing a mirror opposite a window will create an outdoor feeling of openness and spaciousness.
3. Draw the eye up
If the footprint of your room is small, you can add visual interest and a more open feeling by looking up. On the windows, hang window treatments higher than the tops of the windows themselves, which will help elongate the room. Hang artwork a teensy bit higher than you normally would, too. You can also help nurture this feeling of more height by keeping walls, floors, and ceilings, the same or similar light colors.
4. Keep it simple
Keep your base color scheme simple in a small space. Light-colored walls and floors can make a tiny room feel less “boxed in.” Light grays and beiges work well— you don’t have to stick with the classic white. Try for a maximum of three colors in the room.
5. Monochrome magic
A monochromatic theme— where every design element is the same color— is a subtly sophisticated design choice. Here, you’re using shades and textures to create a calming and elegant environment. It can sound a bit boring on paper but when executed correctly— it can be breathtaking and highly memorable. And make your place stand out from all the rest.
6. Focus on lighting
Don’t scrimp here. The lighting in a small space is crucial. Invest in some hanging pendant lights or recessed lighting that’s strategically placed near the bed. Add dimmers to add a cozy and luxurious vibe. Install mounted reading lights next to the bed as opposed to table lamps or floor lamps that take up too much space.
7. Edit the furnishings
Less is so much more here. Don’t crowd a small room with a chunky dresser or a hulking armoire. Instead, add small but stylish side tables and a high-quality luggage rack. Nothing makes a room feel smaller than stuffing it full of oversized furniture.
8. Mount the television
If your room will have a television, make sure to mount it to the wall to free up much-needed space. Flat-screen television mounting arms are easy to install and can be hung strategically so that the guest can view it easily from the bed.
9. Organize, Organize, Organize
In a small space, every inch is precious. Make sure your room is extra tidy and organized. Add some built-in storage or shelving to help it stay tidy.
10. Wallpaper for the win!
If you’re worried about overpowering your small space with an over-worked design, consider adding an accent wall. As we said earlier, small spaces can handle bold design easier than cavernous rooms. Pick an eye-catching wallpaper for one wall— the wall behind the bed is ideal. Adding a vibrant accent wall is a great way to add visual interest without taking up extra space. It also photographs beautifully and will really stand out in your listing photos.
Embrace you small space
Don’t let the size of a small room hold you back from realizing your hosting dream. Keep in mind that some travelers— particularly single travelers— will delight in having a small, thoughtfully-designed space of their own as opposed to a huge house. In some situations, a smaller space is actually an advantage. With a few strategic design elements and some stellar staging, your small space will soon be in big demand!
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