How-To

11 Ways We’re Bringing A Sense Of Calm To Small Spaces

The Havenly Team ·
Eclectic living room with vibrant red rug, mid-century chairs, and bold patterned pillows creating dynamic warmth

Everyone yearns for that perfect space where a sense of calm and comfort envelops you as soon as you walk in. A lot of us believe small spaces can’t give you that feeling, but this article will prove that idea to be incorrect! It is actually fairly simple to make your small space seem calm. Keep reading and soon you will have a space that is an oasis, your place to get away and relax.

Find Your Oasis Below

1\. Declutter Your Way To Calm

Mid-century modern living room with warm wood furniture, blue geometric rug, and vintage pendant lighting

{Design\*Sponge}

Clutter produces unconscious and physical chaos. By cleaning and organizing, you are better able to find your car keys on the way out the door, or you can look at your desk without wanting to have a panic attack.

2\. Go Neutral & Light

Minimalist symmetrical space with cream sofas, black fireplace, and natural light creating serene elegance

{This Is Glamorous}

Color of a space can affect you in many ways both mentally and physically. Choosing a color that is light, airy, and neutral will make your space seem bigger and not overwhelming with something more bold and bright. Go with a light grey or light blue to still have some color.

3\. Play With Plants

Eclectic living room with vibrant red rug, mid-century chairs, and bold patterned pillows creating dynamic warmth

{My Domaine}

Plants are a natural way to clean and oxygenate the air that is in your space, they also tie your space into the peace brought from being outside.

4\. Bring In Natural Elements

Scandinavian-inspired sunlit room with cognac leather sofa, woven accents, and abundant natural light

{The Glitter Guide}

Natural elements like a teakwood bowl, bamboo rods, or a wood vase foster an inner sense of calm and peace because of the ties to the great outdoors. We are created to yearn for nature, bringing in natural elements to your space will only make you feel better!

5\. Simplify Your Furniture

Coastal minimalist living room with cream sofa, woven pendant, and soft neutral palette emphasizing calm

{Krisp Interior}

Having too much furniture will make your small space seem even smaller. Simplify, use only what you need, and only purchase furniture that fits your space.

6\. Indulge In A Comfy Rug

Contemporary eclectic space with cheerful yellow chair, mixed textures, and botanical elements for serene charm

{Sarah Sherman Samuel}

Shag rugs are a great option for making your space seem cozy and comfortable. They are soft and light, often times very textural and natural looking. You want a rug that you could curl up on!

7\. Incorporate Textural Throw Pillows

Modern neutral seating nook with layered textured pillows, patterned blankets, and peaceful monochromatic design

{Four Walls And A Roof}

Jute, shag, fur, basketweave, etc. are just a few of the pillow options that are super textural. They are a way to bring more of those natural elements in that will create a sense of calm. The more textures, the more comfy your sofa will look.

8\. Let There Be Light!

Bright minimalist lounge with cognac mid-century chairs, landscape artwork, and airy Scandinavian aesthetic

{Let There Be Light}

Light is key to a calming space, whether it is natural from open windows, or added through table or floor lamps. Dimmers are a good way to soften the lighting of your space at night depending on the atmosphere you are going for. Good lighting helps a small space feel bigger and brighter.

9\. Add A Scent

Serene botanical vignette with fresh florals, cream furniture, and soft natural light creating peaceful ambiance

{Simplifying Fabulous}

Candles, room spray, and potpourri are all options that can add a calming scent to your space. Put some potpourri in a beautiful vase on a table tray or create a landscape of candles in decorative lanterns. Lavender, natural linen, or lemon are all good options for a clean and relaxing scent.

10\. Be Inspired

Minimalist living room with monochromatic black and white palette, geometric patterned pillows, and curated gallery wall art.

{SF Girl By Bay}

Add art or wall decor that brings a sense of calm to your life. It may be a quote, a photo of a good memory, or a collection of different pieces on a gallery wall.

11\. Create Zones

Serene Scandinavian bedroom with white walls, natural light, potted plants, and soft neutral bedding creating calm simplicity.

{Decor Dots}

Consider all of the activities you will want to do in the space, and designate certain areas for those things. Whether it be eating, sleeping, lounging, etc. they should all take place in different areas in your space. Similar to the decluttering in the first tip, creating zones will make you fee more organized.

Creating a sense of calm in your home can be relatively easy and inexpensive. After reading this article, you should be able to see that any space can be relaxing and calm, no matter how small it is. Plus, a lot of the ways listed above will also make your space feel bigger. You’re on your way to [that oasis you have already always dreamed about](https://www.havenly.com/online-home-design-by-havenly) – Bon Voyage!

![](https://app.havenly.com/designers/details/chelsea.starr)[Chelsea S.](https://app.havenly.com/designers/details/chelsea.starr) These small space design ideas were carefully curated by Havenly designer Chelsea S., who loves designing Country Cottage, Rustic and Preppy spaces. If you like Chelsea’s style, book her today and get decorated!