According to designers, this is everything you should own if you live in a small space

Decorating a small space, whether that's your entire home or a tricky room, shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. In fact, quite the opposite.

All it takes is a thoughtful, expert-led approach to your design choices. If that sounds too easy, it is simply because decorating a small room really doesn't need to be all that challenging.

From furniture that maximizes storage to decor pieces that help create the illusion of height or grandeur, there are a few essential pieces that designers swear by when working within a small space. Here, we share their checklist of must-haves and clever tricks to help you maximize every inch.

Essentials pieces you need when decorating a small space

While we can't pretend that working in a small space – from a tiny apartment to a cozy cottage home – doesn't pretend its challenges, decorating and furnishing these bijoux spots can actually be pretty straightforward once you know how the experts do it, and the pieces they swear by.

1. Start with a slimline sofa

When designing for a small living room, every item has to earn its place. And as a very important furniture piece in your home – and a 'big' purchase both in size and budget – choosing the right coach is crucial.

'A really great sofa is absolutely essential for small-space living,' says interior designer Becky Shea. 'It’s the cornerstone of your home, serving as a place to relax, entertain, and sometimes even work or nap. When choosing a sofa, prioritize comfort and functionality – these are non-negotiable in a small space where every piece of furniture needs to work harder.'

'Since living in a small space naturally limits how much you can add to a room, your sofa becomes the anchor of the space, setting the tone for the rest of the design,' she continues. 'Opt for a piece that is well-proportioned to the room, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the area but still provides ample seating. Features like built-in storage or modular configurations can add even more utility without taking up extra square footage,' Becky advises.

2. A large rug (yes really)

While it sounds counterintuitive to put anything large into a room with a smaller footprint, a large rug can actually make a small room look bigger.

Naturally, most people assume that a smaller rug is better suited for compact living areas, but in reality, a common rug mistake is choosing a rug that floats awkwardly in the middle of the room. This can visually chop up the space, making it feel more cluttered.

As the team at design studio Pelican House describe, a great rug really helps to 'pull the room together'. Like in this small bedroom seen above, an oversized rug acts as a unifying element, creating the illusion of a larger and more cohesive space. It is a simple trick that extends the eye outward, making the space feel more expansive rather than breaking it up into smaller sections.

3. Maximize space with vertical storage

When floor space is limited, the only way to go is up. If you benefit from decent ceiling height, vertical storage is a game-changer in maintaining a streamlined and organized look.

Think tall bookcases, open kitchen shelving, modular systems, and clever entryway or boot room storage that help you get everything up and off the floor. 'Modular, open shelving provides a great way to fit storage into small spaces,' says Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture. 'The best thing about modular furniture is that it really can be installed anywhere – you can use a mix of open shelving and cabinet styles to create a display unit that is flexible enough to hide the things you don’t want on show.

Interior designer Benji Lewis agrees, advising: 'I’d look at built-in cabinetry if space is an issue, it’s neat and when it’s well-planned, it’s a solve-all solution for storage.' The key is to be mindful of visual balance by leaving some open space to avoid a heavy, overcrowded look in a small space.

4. Implement clever lighting

Lighting ideas play a crucial role in how a small space feels. Get it wrong, and your home can appear dim and cramped, but get it right, and it can instantly feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

Of course, this is a natural thing to consider in spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, where we all know the power of a good lamp. But don't overlook spaces like a small kitchen that could benefit from an unexpected kitchen countertop lamp that does wonders for making this functional space feel more inviting.

'Lighting always comes to mind when I’m designing a small room,' adds Benji. 'Statement table lamps on side tables can guzzle valuable floor space so instead consider wall lights or neat floor lights to provide an ambient glow in a smaller space.'

5. Use oversized mirrors

As you may well know, a well-placed mirror can almost double the perceived size of a room, especially in spaces that lack natural light or a large footprint. Whether leaning against a wall, mounted above a desk or fireplace, or integrated into storage, a large mirror is one of the easiest ways to enhance openness in a small home.

'Large mirrors really bounce the light around and, if positioned opposite a window or door, they can reflect a wonderful view of the exterior and bring the outside in,' explains Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director of Sims Hilditch.

'By keeping the frames a similar color to the walls in a color drenched space it makes them disappear into the walls keeping it feeling very light and fresh,' she suggests. 'While a statement mirror makes the room feel twice the size - oversized mirrors also give a room wow factor,' Emma adds.

6. Look for furniture on legs

One of the simplest tricks for making a small room appear larger is opting for furniture on legs rather than bulky, solid, or skirted pieces.

While speaking on the legs vs no legs debate on Instagram, designer Marie Flanigan explains: 'When I have a smaller space that needs to feel lighter or airier, that's when I really opt to use furniture pieces that have legs,' she says. 'When you see the floor through a space, it can give the visual lightness and airiness that you're looking for to help it feel more expansive.'

'Avoid anything overly clumpy – remember comfort and bulk don’t necessarily go hand in hand,' adds Benji. 'Perspex furniture is good for creating a light feel to things in a small space, and pieces with a see-through or cut-out detail help to it feel airy. Bear in mind how easily you’ll be able to circulate when you furnish a small room,' he adds.

7. Incorporate dual-purpose pieces

When designing for a compact space, designers always recommend furniture that serves a dual purpose. As interior designer Kathy Kuo suggests, every piece needs to work even harder, offering extra room to stow away essentials like a storage ottoman, coffee table, or cabinetry.

'The key to design harmony in a small space is incorporating as much storage as possible,' says Kathy. 'Look for coffee tables, end tables, sideboards, and cabinets that not only look great, but also offer extra shelves, drawers, and cabinet space for storage. For example, a tiered coffee table is going to serve you better than a single surface one,' she advises.

Franky Rousell, founder of Jolie Studio, agrees suggesting you a pouffe. 'They're very versatile and can be used in many different ways from footstool to seat, coffee table to feature piece. And it can be tucked under other bits of furniture,' says Franky. 'I would recommend styling with a little tray on top with a candle or your favorite design book. This is also an item where you can really have fun and go with a playful clash to really give it that interior-designed look, as opposed to having to play it safe on a larger investment piece.'

Sometimes smaller spaces present you with the perfect opportunity to get a little more creative. When chosen thoughtfully, the right furniture and decor can transform a tight room into one that feels beautifully curated and even rather spacious.