3 Essentials To Decorating Small Spaces
By Tameka Norris
Decorating Small Spaces can be a tough job? Especially when you don't know where to start. But let me give you some good news, there are several ways you can make the job a heck of a lot easier on yourself.
Besides finding multi-purpose furniture, there are 3 essential things you can do that will make all of the difference in decorating your small space.
Let's talk about them now...
Step 1: The first thing you when you're looking for space saving furniture is distinguish the difference between fantasy and reality. It will always be the case that some furniture will actually save you real space and other furniture will simply offer the illusion of space saved.
Beds are a good example of this. Compare a basic bed to a platform bed and you'll notice that the platform bed doesn't really save you much more (area) space than your basic bed. However, it is more affordable and less bulky in appearance, which is advantageous to a small room.
So, both types of furniture are essential. There will be many times that the need for actual space saved is vital and other times that you'll just want to have a sleek piece of furniture that won't drown out your small room.
Step 2: Always start from the top (ceiling) and work your way down to the bottom (floor). That's right. When you consider a piece of furniture, always second guess your first choice. Don't assume there isn't better alternative out there. Start with the ceiling first.
TV stands are a good example of this. A lot of space can be saved in a small room by replacing a floor model version with a ceiling mounted version or wall mounted version. A TV mount is a wonderful alternative that can save you a lot of space.
Not to mention office systems. There are various types of wall mounted desks around. From all-in-one office systems to your basic wall mounted desk. You can even make your own wall mounted desk at an affordable price with a few boards, brackets and toggle bolts. All of which are available at your local hardware store.
Step 3: Match furniture size to wall size. Long walls tend to work very well with wide furniture and short walls tend to work very well with long furniture.
A bed is a good example of this. You can save yourself a lot of space by placing the head of a bed against the short wall and the side of it parallel to the long wall. It may not always be the best choice but the wonderful thing about this method is that it can always be adjusted according to your tastes. It's there for you if and when you need it and if you don't want to use it, you don't have to. You can use it with just about every piece of furniture you want to arrange, so that you can consider all options available.
Decorating small spaces doesn't have to be an extremely difficult job. There will be some work involved, but you can always make it as easy on yourself as possible by following those three essential steps.
Remember to first divide the space saving furniture you're considering in two categories...
Furniture Category 1: Actual space saved.
Furniture Category 2: The illusion of space saved.
...and decide which one would be most advantageous to you with every piece of furniture that you're considering.
Don't assume the obvious is the only solution. Start at the top, with your ceiling. Move on to the middle, with your wall. And then, consider the floor modeled version furniture last. While doing so, keep in mind that just because an item might actually save you a lot of space, it doesn't mean you should get it. Consider the pros and cons of each alternative and go with the choice that suits your home best (overall).
Lastly, arrange your furniture in the best way possible. Consider matching wide furniture to long walls and long furniture to short walls. This method will often help you save space in ways you might be overlooking.
And once you've worked your way through those 3 essential steps, you might find yourself surprised at how much space you saved in your small home and how much easier it was in the end.
About the Author: Tameka Norris offers space saving tips and small scale furniture recommendations for small rooms, homes, apartments, dorms, and small condos at her website Furniture-for-Small-Spaces.com.
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