Storage is important.
Don’t underestimate the power of keeping toys, clothes, and supplies contained, especially when you’re short on space.
Before you start organizing, get rid of what you don’t need. When you have limited space to store things, purging items your child no longer uses keeps it manageable (and keeps you sane).
Stackable bins or tall open shelving utilize vertical space effectively and make it easy for kids to put away their own toys.
If you can help it, keep toys off the floor. It limits the space you have to actually move around and play in the room. Plus, you’ll reduce your chances of eventually stepping on a little plastic toy.
Choose furniture pieces wisely.
Think about what you need when you’re decorating small spaces and the best ways to adapt those pieces to the room you have.
Go beyond traditional items. For example, instead of a nightstand or side table use nesting tables. The surface area expands when it needs to and becomes compact when you’re done.
Choose furniture that is a similar color to your walls. It makes the pieces blend in and helps the room feel bigger.
Choose furniture with rounded edges as opposed to harsh angles. This will keep the space from feeling too boxy. Plus, nursery furniture with rounded edges also adds an extra layer of safety.
Fit essential pieces of furniture in where you can.
To optimize a small room, don’t be afraid to use space a little differently.
Bookcases that are tall enough to go all the way up the wall will actually make a room look larger and provide you with lots of storage.
Not using a small closet? Create a homework station instead by putting in a small desk, shelves, and a place for all of those supplies. An added bonus: The ability to close the doors and hide a project (or a mess) that is in the works.
If you’re feeling ambitious, hire a professional to loft your little one’s bed. It creates a fun space underneath for a desk or a reading nook and kids will love climbing up into their own little hide out.
Under bed drawers or storage containers make use of valuable space that is usually forgotten. And you don’t have to stop at just the bed. Try using them underneath other larger pieces of furniture like cabinets or sofas.
Create some optical illusions.
No, we’re not asking you to become a magician. We’re just telling you that there are a few ways to trick the eye into believing a space is larger than it actually is.
Add a mirror (or more than one) to a room. It will reflect light and make a space feel more open.
Try to avoid using a large patterned rug in small spaces. Opt for a solid color rug instead.
If you’re using window treatments, be sure to place the curtain rod up slightly higher than the top of the window. It draws the eye upward and makes the ceiling look higher.
Use color to expand the space.
The fun thing about painting a small space: You get to throw the rules out the window.
Painting a room with light colors will help it feel more airy and spacious, especially if the room doesn’t get a lot of natural light.
Does the room get a lot of light? Opt for a darker color or cool patterned wallpaper. Using more daring colors in a small space is less of a commitment if you don’t end up liking it.
When dealing with small space living, just remember to think big. A few bright ideas will help create a room that is both fun and functional. After all, just because a space is tiny, that doesn’t mean it can’t have big style. Happy decorating! Share your ideas with us at #CrateKidsStyle.