How To Make A Small Space Cozy, Stylish, & Inviting 

In this post you’ll learn some tips to help make your small space cozy, stylish and inviting the way that today’s designers do!

My own home has small rooms, as it was built in the 60’s and we haven’t done much to change the footprint. There are definite advantages to having dedicated smaller spaces as opposed to a giant open concept. I believe that after the last couple of years of nesting, many of us are seeing it now!

However, if your bedroom, living room, or dining room is small, cramped, and cluttered with furniture that you don’t like, then you’re probably not going to want to spend any time in there. In the room below is a prime example of a space that needs a few edits. It’s definitely highly stylized 😱 and could do with a few things taken away and would still make the point that they are trying to achieve.

If you’re dealing with a small space, then it’s time to outsmart the restricting square footage and turn your home into a welcoming space you will never want to leave. 

It might seem impossible at first, but you can create a stylish home that feels cozy and inviting even if you feel stuck with your décor. The trick is being patient and learning how to decorate a tiny space without sacrificing comfort and style. 

So whether you’re looking to make your tiny home feel like a cozy haven, or you just want to freshen up the place, here are some of my favorite ideas for decorating tiny spaces. 

How to Make a Small Space Cozy, Stylish, & Inviting 

1. Add a Touch of Individual Charm with Some Classic Objects

Introduce some dimension into every room of the house by incorporating antique decorative objects! Even when I totally remodel a room (like this bathroom) I add something old to break up the modern look. It’s one of my self imposed decorating rules!

Hang a practical and stylish set of copper cookware to make your kitchen extra stylish. Or you can set up an ornate gallery wall complete with thick gilt frames, drawings, classical paintings, decorative plates, postcards, and preserved flowers. And, of course, framed trinkets like your grandma’s favorite locket are always a great touch.

2. Put Up Ornate Molding On Your Walls Or Ceiling

Ornate molding can make such a difference! If you’re craving some of the architectural opulence from old Parisian interiors, you can replicate the style by installing decorative crown molding on your wall, ceilings, or windows. Decorative moldings look amazing on an entryway, an office, dining room, living room, or bedroom. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a great DIY video.

3. Show Off Your Book Collection 

If you have a large collection of books, then why not put them on display? But where do you put your books? How about anywhere and everywhere! While there isn’t a right or wrong way to do it, I highly recommend editing your collection first and only keeping the books you truly want. Then, place your books on an entry console, on an unused bench in the living room, or stack them into a single row under the fireplace. Create an intimate and inviting touch with disheveled stacks of near chairs or plants.

4. Set up Framed Mirrors to Create the Illusion of a Window Or Add More Light

Transform the look of a room by placing a few framed mirrors against a wall. You can also prop them up on top of a fireplace or drawer chest. By reflecting the light, a large mirror can make a space look bigger. So if you’re dealing with an empty wall, consider propping up a large mirror and making it the focal point of the room.  

5. Don’t be Afraid of Using Natural Materials

You can live large in a tiny space. All you need to do is incorporate natural materials that have a rustic but polished feel, like weathered wood accents, a jute or natural fiber rug, flowering tree branches, pinecones, seashells, and dry flowers. A raw wood coffee table can add warmth and create a homely atmosphere in your living room.  Don’t be afraid to mix different materials, like ceramics, aged wood, linen tablecloths, and stone. And if you’re stumped for ideas, Google images can be your friend! 

6. Use Pendant Lamps and Floor Lamps to Define Spaces

Use different lamps to define each area of the house and give each room a more self-contained feel. 

This French style floor lamp works beautifully next to a couch, armchair, or dining room table, especially when you don’t have a lot of natural light to work with. This floor lamp in an off-white color can really set the tone for all the other rooms in the house. 

Don’t have any square footage to spare? Then keep the floor clear with a pendant lamp, a favorite in many French interiors. Pendant lamps won’t make the room feel too overwhelmed and cluttered. Below are some of our favorite pendant lamps!

7. Bust it Up!

Make your home feel like a stylish museum by introducing bust sculptures into your decor. Even a small sculpture or a bust can quickly elevate a space. You can find them in a number of places like Etsy, Amazon, and even Facebook Marketplace. You might even score an authentic vintage bust. We’ve listed a few below!

8. Good Quality Sheets, Bed Linens, and Subtle Contrasts Are Your Friend 

Sometimes, a space is so tiny that you can’t really fit more than a bed and a floating nightstand (if you’re lucky!) But small bedrooms can be cozy and inviting, too. You just have to embrace what you’re working with and maximize the space with a few elements. 

• Small bedrooms can sometimes feel like an empty white box. Cozy it up by adding good quality linens, a cotton bedspread, some pillows, and a throw blanket for the cold winter months.
• A fake sheepskin rug can also give your bedroom a bit more character and add a cozy feel.
• Choose pillows in a variety of colors and patterns, and mix them up for that perfectly charming mismatched look.
• When working with a smaller space, it’s important to go for a color scheme that doesn’t overwhelm the room. But that doesn’t mean you’re limited to just white and pastel neutral colors. A muted shade of olive green or blueberry blue can be quite chic and add to the ambiance.
• Cant’ afford to redo the room? A traditional upholstered chair will make you swoon every time you enter the bedroom. 

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to cram a lot of style in a tiny space. But if you’re working with a limited budget, keep in mind that you can turn your house into a home by just rearranging some of the furniture or browsing Facebook Marketplace for some cool freebies. You’d be surprised by what people are willing to give away for free! 

I hope you enjoyed these tiny space décor tips. Let me know your thoughts if you’d like in the comments section below! Are you inspired to start your own décor project?