6 Common Small-Space Decorating Mistakes Designers Say You’re Likely Making

Designing a small room can feel daunting—while it may seem like having less space gives you fewer options, it can actually be more challenging, and mistakes are easy to make. Once you understand what not to do, you’ll be on the right track to creating a space you truly love. Here are six common decorating errors interior designers warn against in small rooms or spaces.

Overcrowding the Space with Furniture

Whether it’s a compact bedroom, living room, or home office, interior designer Amy Switzer points out that one of the biggest common mistakes is overfilling every corner with furniture and decor. Instead of crowding the space, select a few essential pieces that serve multiple purposes, leaving ample breathing room, she advises.

A smart solution is to pick multifunctional pieces, like storage ottomans or wall desks with integrated shelves for living rooms and home offices. In a small bedroom, consider a headboard with built-in nightstands for a sleek look, or opt for a Murphy bed that doubles as a wall during the day.

Disregarding Scale

Though a large sectional with seating for five might seem appealing, it could easily dominate your living room, especially in a condo or apartment. Before making a purchase, Switzer suggests using a measuring tape to ensure the furniture fits your space properly. 'Measure carefully and pick furniture that’s appropriately sized,' she recommends.

A convenient way to find smaller-scale items is by shopping at stores like Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids. Along with compact sofas, you’ll discover scaled-down accessories like lighting, shelves, and desks that still maintain a sophisticated, grown-up feel.

Dark Paint and Wallpaper

If you’ve been thinking about painting a room black or using dark navy wallpaper, your tiny living room might not be the best spot for it, according to Switzer. She explains, 'While dark colors can add drama to a room, they can sometimes make it feel more confined and smaller. Instead, choose lighter hues for walls and furniture to help create a more open and spacious feel.'

That doesn’t mean you’re restricted to using only light shades for everything. A deep hunter-green accent chair or a maroon throw blanket can bring a touch of drama to the room without making it feel boxed in.

Though it’s a popular choice, dark wood can make a small kitchen appear even more cramped. If possible, consider lightening dark wood cabinets by staining them a lighter color (be sure to sand them first), or opt for a coat of white, soft green, or light blue paint.

Blocking Windows

“Natural light can make a small room feel larger and more airy,” says Switzer. Therefore, it’s important to let in as much sunlight as possible. The designer recommends avoiding the use of heavy curtains or bulky furniture that can block windows, and instead opting for sheer curtains or blinds that allow the light to flood in.

One clever way to boost natural light is with a mirror. She explains, “Mirrors can work wonders in a small space, reflecting light and giving the illusion of depth. Place a large mirror across from a window to enhance this effect.”

Too Much Clutter

The designer notes that a room overflowing with clutter can feel even smaller: “Clutter can make a small room seem chaotic and overwhelming. Keep surfaces tidy and take advantage of smart storage solutions to keep your belongings out of sight.”

So get rid of anything you don’t need or store it away, and avoid overloading the space with decor. This doesn’t mean you can’t have any decor, but it’s wise to limit it. A good strategy is to choose fewer but larger pieces rather than many small ones.

Embracing various design styles is fine, but when dealing with a small room, it can quickly turn chaotic if too many different aesthetics are combined. It's best to stick to one style and a cohesive color palette. Switzer suggests, 'Then pick furniture and accessories that complement each other. By following these tips, you can transform your small space into one that is both functional and beautiful.'

It’s great to enjoy modern, traditional, and contemporary design elements, but in a smaller room, mixing too many styles can become overwhelming. Focus on one consistent style and color scheme. Switzer recommends, 'Then choose furniture and accessories that work harmoniously together. By following these suggestions, you can maximize the potential of your small space, making it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.'