Decorating Small Spaces

Sometimes, decorating small spaces can be the most challenging of your decorating projects. There usually isn't enough room for everything you'd like to put there. Often, this hurdle can be overcome by making the small space an adjunct to an adjoining, larger room.

Your entry or foyer is the most common of the small spaces that challenge homeowners. When tackling this area, approach it as if you were a guest coming to your home. Look at it as if you entering the front door. Don't look at it from the kitchen. The view will be very different.

The first thing to do when decorating small spaces is get rid of anything you feel is offensive to the eye. Okay, so now you're dealing with an empty space - (just kidding). Close any doors leading to other rooms so that you can't see furnishings and walls (or dirty dishes) that might hinder your ability to decorate ONLY the foyer.

When decorating small spaces, use them to create a sense of expectancy, making your guests want to come in and see more. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. Especially if they have a nice aroma.

As for colors on the walls, think deep, rich colors behind lighter wall hangings and occasional furniture. This will create depth, and a sense that the room is larger than it really is.

Drama can be perceived with colors like navy blue, chocolate brown, or Chinese red. A chair rail &/or wainscot paneling can be used as well - if you want the space a bit on the formal side.

A sofa table (the skinny thing that usually goes behind a sofa) gives you a place for keys and mail, and works well as a surface to place memorabilia or antiques upon. I like the idea of having your incidental items as a "collection". You can mount them on the walls as well as place them on a table.

If your foyer is merely a narrow hallway, try mounting a narrow (8" deep) shelf on the wall with 2 corbels (decorative brackets). You won't lose precious floor space, and you will have the surface you need.

On the other hand, if the foyer is at least 9 feet wide, you can place an interesting table (possibly an antique) right in the middle. Leave at least 3 feet all around to provide sufficient traffic flow.

A few examples of collected items are: family photos, hats (with country decor), plates, musical instruments, - whatever you've been collecting for years. Your collection will stand out and tell your visitors immediately what you love. And what a way to prompt a conversation.

Let's say you went out a month ago and saw some luxurious silk fabric, or hand-painted wallcovering, that you love, but it was too expensive to put in your dining room. It will be a lot less money in the entry - probably 1/8 the amount of wall space. Think how you'll feel every time you see it, and every time a guest notices.

If you're leaning toward the formal look, a small chandelier will be much better than a common ceiling fixture. Make sure it clears a minimum of 6'-6", in case you have tall guests.

When you list everything you need for decorating small spaces, make sure to include a mirror. The frame should reflect the decor style you're shooting for, and the mirror will look better if it has a beveled edge.

If the room is large enough, think about an armoire against the biggest wall. This will serve to hide much of your family's hats, gloves, umbrellas, etc. leaving a neater entry closet for your guests' coats. Using nice wooden hangers in that closet is a nice touch that many guests will appreciate.

In a less formal space, coat hooks on a wall might work. "Hooks" can be made of things other than hooks. Finials, wrought iron pieces, or ceramic knobs can look interesting, and the scarves and coats that hang on them can add color to the room.

I hope this page gave you an idea or two. As long as it got your gray matter thinking about decorating small spaces, it has a benefit. Thanks for reading it.

Any questions or comments about this page, contact me about decorating small spaces here.

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