The Decor Mistake That Everyone Makes In A Small Room

There's one decor mistake that many people with small rooms fall victim to — and it may be kind of surprising. You might think that the biggest mistake you're making with a tiny space is cramming in too much stuff or choosing the wrong paint color that's either too dark or loud. However, it's pretty much the opposite. When it comes to small spaces, you might be making the mistake of staying too bland and not attempting to inject any color, pattern, style, or personal decorations into the room. 

Let's face it: there's a reason why the concept of small, neutral spaces exists in the first place. Light paint colors — often neutral-toned ones, like white, cream, or beige — help brighten a room, making it feel larger than it actually is. This is why so many designers often recommend neutral palettes for small spaces. In a similar vein, removing clutter and excess furniture from a small space can make it feel bigger and less crowded. But you can actually take these small space tips and apply them to brighter, more maximalist trends, too. And your goal doesn't always have to be to make the space feel larger, as small rooms are the perfect place to create a cozy feel.

If you're worried that a bold color choice is going to overwhelm your small space, pick something that's fun but still light and bright. Pastel yellow or pink are both charming choices, while a light sage green will bring a little serenity. An accent wall is great for adding a pop of bold color or patterned wallpaper; this can help you breathe life into a white room without making it feel tiny, or it can make it feel more comfortable. This can also break up a small room visually, providing natural segues between functional spaces — such as a tiny living room with a cozy reading nook or a small bedroom with a seating area. Not into painting? Try adding color to your room with fun furniture and fabric patterns, colorful rugs, or playful artwork. 

You can also add personality to your room by utilizing mirrors. Hanging a large mirror will make the space feel bigger, and they're also a fun way to incorporate your style. Don't forget to pump up your space with a ton of accent lighting, too; brightly-colored pendants, textured sconces, and table lamps will stylishly lighten your room and make it more functional.

When it comes to trinkets, there's no reason to leave those out of a small space, either. Just because you have a cramped room doesn't mean you can't utilize plants, pillows, vases, books, and other knick knacks to their full potential. Consider adding these features onto your walls (by hanging them or placing them on floating shelves) to save space; they'll create an eye-catching display that's bursting with style.