People often struggle to fit their belongings into small spaces. Downsizing can be a challenge for these individuals, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right space-saving tips, a person can maximize every inch of their living space and hold on to those things they love. Consider the following when decorating a small space.
Use Light Colors
A person may find they don’t need long term storage to hold excess items in their home because paint can transform a room in a matter of hours. Experts suggest light colors in small spaces because they make any area look larger. In addition, these lighter colors allow the furniture and accessories in the room to stand out. Off-white, for example, provides a clean palette for other items in the room while taupe gives the space a calm feeling.
For those who want an alternative look, consider painting the room in silver. Light shades of gray illuminate the area and can be dressed up or down based on the furnishings and accessories selected. With the right paint, a person finds their room doesn’t look as cluttered so they can keep items they love and use regularly rather than storing them.
Utilize Wall Space
Floor space may be limited in a small residence, but the same cannot be said about wall space. Go vertical when things get crowded in the home. Floating shelves are an excellent way to keep frequently used items readily accessible, and pegboards or hooks are ideal for hanging items throughout the home. Mount the television in the living room, and invest in a shelving unit for over the toilet. Take this a step further and purchase a floating vanity to free up more floor space in the bathroom, typically one of the smallest rooms in the home.
Tackle Paper Piles
Many people find the hardest thing to get rid of is the various piles of paper they have around the home. For some reason, they cannot bear to throw away old bills or bank statements. They worry these documents will be needed at some point in the future. Fortunately, many things can now be accessed online, so keeping hard copies is no longer necessary.
Books are another thing people often struggle to get rid of. Favorite books may be kept. Simply find a way to incorporate them into the decor. However, any books shoved in a closet or stored in a basement need to go. Donate them to a local organization so others can enjoy them as well.
Full-Size Furnishings
It may seem strange to people, but small furniture actually makes a space look smaller than it truly is. When selecting pieces, look for those items that can serve dual purposes. For example, purchase a daybed that can serve as both a couch and a bed in the home. An ottoman can be used to store items that are regularly used but don’t have a place in the home. Furthermore, bigger pieces help to hide things such as electrical cords that make an area look cluttered. Don’t overlook the empty space under the bed or above cabinets in the kitchen either.
Hang Things High on the Wall
When hanging things on the wall, place them above eye level. Paintings hung above eye level make the ceiling in the room look taller. The same holds when a person hangs their drapes at ceiling level rather than right above the window frame. It costs nothing to move these items higher, but can truly transform the entire look of the room.
Try these simple tips today. However, if they aren’t enough to free up space in the home, it may be time to rent a storage unit. With the help of this unit, a person can go through their items and determine which ones are essential and which can be gotten rid of for more space in the home.