There’s a certain magic to small spaces. They’re often the heart of a home — intimate, warm, full of personality. But they can also be tricky to style without tipping into cluttered or chaotic.
The good news? With a little intention (and a few clever tricks), compact spaces can shine just as bright as sprawling ones — sometimes even more so.
Whether you’re decorating a snug cottage, a city flat, or just tackling that one awkward nook, this blog is your guide to creating charm, flow and function in even the tightest of spots.
Start with Your Anchor Pieces
In small rooms, every item needs to pull its weight. Instead of squeezing in lots of smaller items, choose one or two anchor pieces that make a statement and give the room structure.
-
A vintage console table
-
A well-made armchair in a soft fabric
-
A tall, narrow bookshelf that draws the eye up
From there, you can layer in decorative accents without overwhelming the space.
Go Vertical, Not Wide
When floor space is limited, look up! Vertical styling is your best friend in a small home.
-
Use open wall shelves to display artwork, ceramics, or seasonal touches
-
Hang mirrors to reflect light and visually expand the space
-
Choose tall vases or diffusers to create visual movement without taking up much surface area
A well-styled shelf or picture wall can do a lot of heavy lifting in terms of charm.
Create Visual Breathing Room
One of the secrets to making a small room feel calm? Negative space.
Instead of cramming every surface, aim for curated simplicity. Let each piece breathe — it’ll stand out more that way.
Try grouping in threes:
-
A small ceramic vase, a candle, and a stack of books
-
A diffuser, a plant, and a framed art card
Then leave the rest of the surface clear. Instant calm.
Stick to a Cohesive Colour Story
Too many competing colours can make a small space feel smaller. Choose a palette and stick with it — even if it’s just different tones of the same hue.
Soft neutrals, warm greys, earthy greens or gentle pastels work beautifully. You can always bring in seasonal warmth through accessories like:
-
Fabric pumpkins in autumn
-
Dried flowers in spring
-
Amber candles for cosy winters
This allows your space to evolve without feeling busy.
Let Light Lead the Way
Small rooms can sometimes feel dark — especially in older homes with smaller windows. Maximise natural light by:
-
Using mirrors to reflect light
-
Keeping windowsills free of clutter
-
Choosing sheer curtains or linen blinds
-
Opting for lighter wood tones in furniture
And don’t underestimate the power of soft ambient lighting — think beeswax tea lights, warm-glow lamps, or fairy lights tucked in a jar for a magical evening glow.
Use Scent as a Layer
Fragrance is one of the most underrated décor tools — especially in smaller homes where scent travels easily.
A reed diffuser in the hallway, a wax melt burner on a shelf, or a gentle essential oil blend by your bed can create emotional warmth without adding clutter.
Our tip: Choose one or two scents per zone so you don’t overwhelm the senses. (Lavender in the bedroom, citrus in the kitchen is a great place to start!)
Celebrate the Corners
Instead of seeing small nooks as “dead space”, treat them as opportunities for charm.
-
A reading corner with a linen cushion, floor lamp, and a stack of favourites
-
A hallway bench with a blanket basket underneath
-
A bathroom shelf with a handmade soap dish and a tiny bud vase
Small moments add up to a big sense of home.
Find charm in every corner
Explore our handcrafted home collection for petite-but-pretty pieces that make small spaces shine — from ceramic vases to warm-scented candles and illustrated wall prints designed to bring joy, not clutter.