4 Decorating Mistakes That Make A Space Look Smaller

decorating mistakes that make a space look smaller

Lack of space is a frequent problem today, and many homeowners are looking for ways to make their home feel bigger. We’ve gathered some common mistakes that you can make while decorating and that will make your space look smaller, let’s have a look what to avoid.

Extremely Large Sofas

Everyone loves large corner sofas that can accommodate all your friends who came to see you but remember that if your space isn’t an open layout one with enough space, such a sofa will make the room feel smaller. An oversized corner sofa can be placed only in a large open-space layout, and if you don’t have it but still need some seating solutions, go for loungers and comfy chairs or armchairs.

the most part of the room is taken with a large diamond upholstery sofa, which makes it feel smaller

the most part of the room is taken with a large diamond upholstery sofa, which makes it feel smaller

such a large corner sofa can steal most of the space of the room

such a large corner sofa can steal most of the space of the room

a low dusty pink sofa in a double height space doesn't make the room feel smaller

a low dusty pink sofa in a double height space doesn't make the room feel smaller

the sofa is relatively small and is in a neutral shade - cream, these two features are ideal to avoid a small room look

the sofa is relatively small and is in a neutral shade - cream, these two features are ideal to avoid a small room look

go for a middle-sized sofa, a longer and a chair instead of a large sofa

go for a middle-sized sofa, a longer and a chair instead of a large sofa

remember that an oversized corner sofa is appropriate for large oppen spaces, not closed rooms

remember that an oversized corner sofa is appropriate for large oppen spaces, not closed rooms

Not Enough Light

Not having enough light will make any space look smaller than it is. To avoid it, use several layers of light: a chandelier, some lamps and lights, additional spot lights and maybe candles. If you don’t know how to add lights to achieve a harmonious look, try string lights – they match any interior, make it welcoming and inviting, and can be attached on any wall or hung as a curtain.

though the kitchen is metallic, there's only one chandelier and therefore not enough light

though the kitchen is metallic, there's only one chandelier and therefore not enough light

a skylight, windows, headboard lights and two hanging lamps on each side are enough

a skylight, windows, headboard lights and two hanging lamps on each side are enough

a lit up tile backsplash and several industrial chandeliers for lighting up the space

a lit up tile backsplash and several industrial chandeliers for lighting up the space

just one lamp for such a space isn't enough, and the room looks smaller

just one lamp for such a space isn't enough, and the room looks smaller

a curtain of string lights can be a nice idea to add some light to the interior and divide it into zones

a curtain of string lights can be a nice idea to add some light to the interior and divide it into zones

lots of string lights over the small entryway, several lamps and a shining star make it super welcoming

lots of string lights over the small entryway, several lamps and a shining star make it super welcoming

Too Dark Walls

Moody interiors are extremely popular today, and all dark shades seem to be welcome but keep in mind that your space will look much smaller with them. Light-colored walls are much better to make your room more spacious, and if you really want something dark or colorful, think over having an accent wall – nothing else is required here, besides accent walls are very popular.

black walls look refined but if you make them white, you'll visually expand the borders

black walls look refined but if you make them white, you'll visually expand the borders

two mistakes in one room, black walls and a too large sofa steal the whole space

two mistakes in one room, black walls and a too large sofa steal the whole space

limit yourself to just one dark wall, for example, an accent faux brick one like here

limit yourself to just one dark wall, for example, an accent faux brick one like here

white walls and a dark green wall for an accent make the space feel airy

white walls and a dark green wall for an accent make the space feel airy

white walls are spruced up with a wood clad headboard and matching floors

white walls are spruced up with a wood clad headboard and matching floors

make an accent wall in a pastel shade, it will add color though won't make the space too small

make an accent wall in a pastel shade, it will add color though won't make the space too small

Too Many Matching Colors+No Patterns

Most designers advise to keep the interior white if it’s small – it will visually expand the space and will be easy to match but such a space will look too sterile. Don’t make your interior too matching – whatever color or shade you’ve chosen, add some accents and touches in contrasting or similar shades. It will make your space more interesting, personal and welcoming, while adding bold prints here and there will make everyone forget that the room is tiny and look only at them. You don’t need much – just some rugs, curtains or pillows, and that’s it.

the space done in the same wood everywhere looks rather boring and impersonal

the space done in the same wood everywhere looks rather boring and impersonal

graphite grey as the main color everywhere is too dark and looks pretty boring

graphite grey as the main color everywhere is too dark and looks pretty boring

shades of cream are highlighted with dark chocolate and black plus textural pieces

shades of cream are highlighted with dark chocolate and black plus textural pieces

all-white kitchen is spruced up with natural wood, metal and there's much light

all-white kitchen is spruced up with natural wood, metal and there's much light

add prints and artworks to make the space more interesting and catch an eye

add prints and artworks to make the space more interesting and catch an eye

a tiny powder room in white distracts attention from its small size with graphic black and white tiles

a tiny powder room in white distracts attention from its small size with graphic black and white tiles