If your studio apartment, small home, or living room is cramped and cluttered, there are things you can do to maximize space and make it appear bigger.

According to The Spruce (https://www.thespruce.com/big-tips-for-decorating-a-small-room-452248), one of the biggest mistakes when decorating a small room is to fill the room with overstuffed or large furnishings. Smaller rooms and homes require smaller or more lightly scaled furniture. If you have a large, heavy piece of furniture, consider using it as a focal piece and then scale down your other pieces. In addition, try choosing furniture that can be tucked away when not needed, such as an extendable dining table, folding chairs or nest of tables.

Let in Light: If your living room has access to a lot of natural light, don’t block it out with shades or dark curtains; instead, let the light pour in to make the space feel more airy and open. Even if you don’t have large windows and tons of sunlight, choose lighter shades or semi-sheer curtains to maximize the light you do have.

Create a Focal Point: A focal point in a small living space gives the room a more put together feeling. Try adding a gallery wall or hanging a large piece of art that will draw your eye to the desired focal area and bring less attention to the fact that the space is on the smaller side.

Buy a Large Rug: Believe it or not, choosing a larger rug is another trick that makes a smaller room feel bigger because it helps anchor the space.

Use Mirrors: Estelia Mesimer, RE/MAX Metro realtor in St. Petersburg, FL recommends choosing décor items that are light and reflective. Mirrors help make any small room look incredibly larger.

Estelia also recommends avoiding clutter at all costs. Things accumulate quickly in a small space so you need to make the most of every decorating element.

Bottom Line: When you live in a smaller home, you’re forced to think about space and functionality and decorate with only the items you really love.

Related Links:
Creating a Wall Gallery
20 Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Small Spaces