The #1 Small Space Decorating Mistake Is “So Common,” According to Designers

Kelsey Clark · October 31, 2024

Airy bedroom with mustard accent wall, bright windows, and balanced mid-century furnishings

Decorating a small home, apartment, or condo presents its unique design challenges. From tricky furniture layouts to a stunning lack of storage, striking that perfect balance between stylish and functional is that much more difficult in 700 square feet.

Unsurprisingly, that lack of square footage can also lead to a surplus of design mistakes. It turns out, a lot can go wrong when trying to furnish a living room-slash-bedroom-slash-dining-room all in one.

“We tend to see a lot of the same mistakes across small spaces, whether it’s a house, condo, or apartment,” says lead Havenly designer Heather Goerzen. “Oftentimes, peoples’ well-intentioned attempts at making a small space feel larger actually end up doing the opposite.”

Ahead, Heather shares the seven small space design mistakes to look out for, including the number-one faux pas plaguing spaces 1,500 square feet or less.

1. Small furniture for a small space

Eclectic small living room with exposed brick walls, navy sectional, and open shelving in warm, inviting tones

This is by far the most common small space design mistake Heather sees. “Oftentimes, the instinct is to buy smaller furniture pieces to complement a small space, like two loveseats instead of a sectional, or even small pieces of artwork instead of one large piece” she notes. “But, while it may seem counterintuitive, larger furniture and accent pieces can help maximize a smaller space.”

These bigger pieces can help anchor a space and maximize flow, while small pieces can leave a space feeling cluttered, purposeless, and cramped — both visually and physically. “As you incorporate large-scale pieces, pare back the little extras to create some breathing room in your space,” adds Heather. “You want to establish distinct focal points for the eye to rest on. The result will feel intentional, collected, and calm.”

2. Zero editing

Minimalist small seating area with brass dome pendant, cream upholstery, and gold-accented furniture in bright natural light

In small spaces, there’s an understandable temptation to incorporate all the furniture and decor you’ve ever owned, regardless of footprint. But failing to edit your pieces and donating or selling what no longer suits you can result in a cluttered, cramped space in desperate need of some breathing room.

“Convention tells us that we should have a proper dining room, or we should have a desk,” notes Heather. “But instead of trying to make something work when it clearly isn’t, create multi-functional spaces, like using your dining table or kitchen island as a desk during the working hours. Letting go of what doesn’t suit you and getting creative can open up a world of possibilities (and space) in small homes.”

3. Setting your sights too low

Contemporary small living room with floor-to-ceiling shelving, gray sofa, greenery, and neutral Scandinavian aesthetic

Vertical space is one of the most untapped resources in small homes. Taking advantage of wall space allows you to add personality and functionality to a small footprint. “What a small space lacks in horizontal square footage, you can easily make up for in a creative vertical play,” says Heather. “From floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and statement lighting to eye-catching artwork, going up elongates the room, adds extra storage, and makes the most of the space at your disposal.”

4. Too much open storage

Transitional small living room with brick fireplace accent wall, tan leather, and warm layered lighting

While open shelving and glass cabinetry can be beautiful with the right styling, closed storage is absolutely essential in a small space. It’s impossible to “style” every little knick-knack in your home, especially when it’s 1,000 square feet or less. You need ample space to tuck away unsightly items like cords, cleaning products, seasonal decor, extra glassware, games, and the like.

“Yes, woven storage baskets and acrylic bins are cute, but scattering them all over your home can just add more clutter,” says Heather. “Consider desks, coffee tables, night stands, side tables, and TV stands with closed cabinetry, large drawers, and the like — you’ll be thankful you have the extra space in the long run.”

5. Style over substance

Traditional stair landing with black-and-white plaid ottomans, gray railing, and understated cottage charm

Speaking of furniture, multi-use pieces are basically designed for small homes. “This is the oldest small-space design trick in the book,” says Heather. “Always invest in furniture that pulls double duty, whether it’s a storage ottoman that doubles as extra seating, a sofa with a pull-out bed for guests, or a bed frame with pull-out drawers.” Almost every piece of furniture should serve multiple purposes in a tight apartment or small home — that way, the space still feels functional.

6. Lack of window treatments

Scandinavian-inspired small living room with crisp white walls, black pendant light, natural wood accents, and monochromatic black and white furnishings creating an airy, uncluttered aesthetic.

If you’re tight on space, it makes sense to try and maximize natural light and make a room feel as open as possible. Curtains can feel like a low priority. But passing on window treatments altogether can make a small space feel sterile and unfinished. “Curtains add dimension and make a space feel put together,” says Heather. “Always hang them high and wide, so your curtains are just dusting the sides of the frame. That way you’re not blocking any part of the window, or the much-desired light.”

7. Style over lifestyle

Warm contemporary small space with cream upholstered seating, wooden vintage trunk, layered natural textiles, and earthy tones creating a cozy, balanced interior.

Even a small space can be tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle, especially with the help of an interior designer (wink, wink). “Always start with a functional assessment of your space to determine how you’d like to use it,” says Heather. “If you’re someone who loves to host, for example, you might carve out room for a larger dining table and smaller lounge space.” Conversely, if you prefer to dine out with friends and primarily use your home for rest and relaxation, invest in a lounge-worthy sectional and small bistro seating. “Don’t let the small footprint hold you back — you can absolutely edit 500-square-feet to suit your needs.”

Want a plan for your own small space instead of general advice?

Which of these seven mistakes actually apply to your apartment or condo depends on your exact layout and square footage. A Havenly designer can pinpoint your specific fixes.

Take the Havenly style quiz — it takes 10 minutes and matches you with a designer who'll build a full plan for your small space.

Not ready to commit? Try Havenly AI — snap a photo of your room and see it reimagined to feel bigger and more functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the biggest small-space design mistake?

Buying furniture that's too small. Undersized pieces can make a room feel more cluttered and purposeless than one or two well-chosen larger pieces that actually fit the space's proportions.

Should I skip curtains to keep a small room feeling open?

No. Skipping window treatments usually makes a room feel unfinished. Hang curtains high and wide so they frame the window without blocking the light.

Is open shelving a good idea in a small space?

Use it sparingly. Closed storage is more forgiving for everyday clutter, like cords, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items, than open shelves you have to style perfectly.

How can I make a small room feel bigger without adding square footage?

Go vertical. Floor-to-ceiling shelving, tall artwork, and statement lighting draw the eye up and make the whole room feel taller.

What's the fastest fix if I only have a weekend to work with?

Edit, don't add. Removing one or two oversized or unnecessary pieces usually does more for a small room than buying anything new.

Is a small dark-colored room always a bad idea?

No. A cohesive dark palette can actually make a small room feel intentional and cocoon-like rather than cramped, as long as lighting is layered well.