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Space is a big issue in many Indian cities, and living with a large family or roommates can make your home seem cramped. Here are some hacks to make the most of your tiny space and make it look bigger!
1. Start by decluttering. Having too many things can make even large spaces look small. Read The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo for the best tips on this!
2. Bring the outside in, by leaving windows bare. If that's not possible, choose very simple curtains in a single colour or in a sheer fabric. Another trick is to go for floor-to-ceiling curtains.
3. Use light colours on the walls and throughout your room, to add depth to the space and make it look bigger. This textured foam wall decal is a great place to start.
4. Go for plain bedding in a solid colour. If you choose prints or a bright colour, like blue bedsheets, have blue curtains, or a blue vase, or a small blue print elsewhere in the room, and keep everything else very neutral.
5. Go for light coloured or monochromatic furniture too. Include the fewest possible pieces, and let each piece make a statement. Large, long, narrow and low-profile is the name of the game. This sofa-cum-bed, or a single mattress on the floor as a divan, is a good idea.
6. Place a large mirror in a strategic location. The reflection will make the space look bigger.
7. Create extra seating with stackable options that take up less space, like these floor pillows.
8. Choose light coloured furniture pieces. Use white vinyl wallpaper on cabinetry and furniture, to make it look bigger. If you don't like white, try and go for a largely monochromatic (everything in one colour) scheme throughout the room.
9. Keep prints to the very minimum as they will look busy in a small space. Play with texture and pops of colour. Subtle floral prints work too.
10. This wallpaper with a marble finish - ₹249 will look amazing on walls as well as tabletops.
11. Choose a single-colour, geometric textured throw blanket to create texture. Place against a sofa, chair, or cushions, to create texture and contrast.
12. Get a room divider for privacy if you have housemates.
13. Get a bulletin board or corkboard to put up your to-dos and postcards. Since the board itself is a single piece, it will look tidy and far less cluttered. Plus, you can change it as you please! You may also like a metal wall grid.
14. Stick to large art sculptures or objects, and avoid collecting lots of little curiosities, as it'll make your tiny space look cluttered. Use a tray to organise smaller items, like candles, remotes, your coffee mug, or your collection of pop figurines if you must!
15. Get items that can be folded and stored away if needed, like a yoga mat, or a jute mat.
16. Get a small, modular desk that takes up very little space.
17. Get this IKEA KLIPSK Foldable Bed Tray for when you want to work or Netflix from your bed.
18. This over-the-shower caddy with adjustable arms can be easily affixed over your shower or over a door to instantly create more storage.
19. The IKEA VESKEN Shelf Unit can fit in compact spaces, like under your sink, and will help you organize all those bottles in one place.
20. This portable IKEA VESKEN Trolley - ₹1,499 has 3 shelves for ample storage and, being narrow, will fit into the tiniest nooks.
21. The versatile IKEA LINNMON Table can be used as a dining table, a desk, a kitchen island, and more! To maximize small spaces, make sure you leave tabletops as bare and uncluttered as possible.
22. Use rugs strategically to demarcate parts of the room, for instance, the desk or study area, the length of your bed, or a small reading nook.
23. If you're a total bookworm, swap out your physical books for the Kindle Reader (10th Gen).
24. This small 3rd Gen Echo Dot lets you play music, call friends, check the news, and more, hands-free using Alexa in English or Hindi.
25. A bit of scattered light, like LED string lights, will have a big impact and add interest to a small space.
26. Invest in storage solutions to better organise a small wardrobe or create under-the-bed storage.
27. If you don't have space for a whole spare bed or guest bedroom, get this eco-friendly, foldable sleeping mat for when you have friends sleeping over.
28. Finally, one thing that is totally acceptable to "clutter" a small room with is indoor plants. They're natural air purifiers and will make you feel like you're living in a jungle resort. Get as many as you like!
