Big Fat Lies About Living in Small Spaces
Outdated design advice, officially canceled.
Let’s get one thing straight: living in a small space doesn’t mean your life (or style) has to shrink with it. But somehow, these dusty old design "rules" keep getting passed around like they’re gospel. Consider this your permission slip to break them—hard.
Myth #1: “Only light colors in small rooms!”
Truth: Beige and eggshell are not your only options.
In fact, deep, moody tones can make a small room feel intentional and cocoon-like instead of sad and forgotten. Think olive green bedrooms, espresso-toned walls, or navy powder rooms. Small rooms are actually the perfect place to go bold—less surface area to paint, maximum drama per square foot.
Myth #2: “You can’t have big furniture.”
Truth: Teeny furniture makes your room look... smaller.
A bunch of petite, spindly pieces will make your space feel cluttered and chaotic. One or two substantial pieces—a chunky sofa, a bold headboard—can anchor the room and create a sense of luxury. Think curated, not dollhouse.
image credit: Sarah Vanrenen
Myth #3: “Mirrors everywhere!”
Truth: A good mirror is magic. A house of mirrors is a carnival.
Mirrors reflect light, yes—but they also reflect clutter. So be strategic. Place one big mirror where it reflects something beautiful: a window, a light fixture, or your own excellent taste. That’s enough.
image credit: Marianne Evennou
Myth #4: “You need to hide everything.”
Truth: Hidden storage is great—until you forget where you stashed your scissors.
Don’t let your whole home become one giant junk drawer. Instead of hiding everything, curate your everyday items so they double as decor. Stack your favorite books, use a pretty bowl for keys, or hang your best bags on hooks. Display with purpose.
Myth #5: “You can’t have collections.”
Truth: Small spaces weren’t meant for minimalists only.
If you love vintage glassware, art, books, matchbooks from 42 diners you’ve eaten at—show them off. The trick is to group like with like, keep it tidy, and give it a home. Personality takes up no square footage.
Myth #6: “Everything has to be multi-purpose.”
Truth: Not every object needs to do backflips.
Yes, a coffee table with storage is cool. But if you love a sculptural stool that serves no purpose other than looking fabulous? That’s enough. Style is function, too.
Myth #7: “You’ll outgrow it.”
Truth: You’ll outgrow bad storage, not a small space.
With the right systems, people raise families in apartments, run businesses out of sheds, and turn 400 sq ft into absolute dreams. Size doesn’t limit your life—lack of intention does.
Final Word:
The real myth? That small-space living is somehow less-than. The truth? It forces you to be thoughtful, creative, and bold.
So toss the rulebook. Paint it black. Hang the chandelier. Stack your books to the ceiling. Live loud—just in slightly less square footage.
-Juliette