Top tips for decorating small spaces in time for winter

Mar 24, 2025

Sorting out your small space doesn’t have to be a mission, and winter is the perfect time to do it! Whether it’s a rainy weekend or just a quiet arvo at home, a few tweaks can make your place feel bigger, cosier, and way more inviting. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a fortune – just a bit of clever decorating can do the trick.

Decorating doesn’t have to mean renovating

If you think giving your space a fresh look means a full reno, think again. Some of the easiest ways to make a room feel bigger and brighter don’t require a single power tool.

Mirrors are a simple trick to open a space up and make it feel larger. Stick one opposite a window or door to bounce natural light around and create an airy feel. Rugs can also help define areas and add depth – just don’t go overboard with too many patterns or colours, or things might start looking a bit chaotic.

Less is more when it comes to walls, too. Leaving a bit of empty space helps a room feel more open, so don’t overcrowd it with too many pictures, shelves, or decorations.

Embrace light and brightness

Winter means shorter days and longer nights, so good lighting is a must. Natural light is in short supply, but the right artificial lighting can make a big difference. LED bulbs have come a long way: you’re not stuck with that harsh, hospital-style glare anymore. Go for warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy vibe instead.

When it comes to colour, lighter shades work best in small spaces. If repainting isn’t an option, no worries – use lighter-coloured furniture, cushions, and throws to brighten things up without touching a paintbrush.

Be ruthless with your floor space

The biggest challenge with small spaces? Limited floor space. That means being smart about what furniture you put in your space, where it goes, and whether its right for the place it’s in.

Multifunctional furniture is your best friend. True in any space, really, but it’s especially important when spaces are cramped. Things like sofa beds, storage ottomans, nesting tables and fold-down desks are excellent ways to make the most out of your compact space.

While it can be hard to move away from the trusty ol’ couch you’ve lugged around for a decade, sometimes better options are available that make smarter use of available space.

Declutter

With a smaller space, you need to be economical with your things. While it’s nice to display your things for your guests to see, making economic use of your space means utilising smart, easy storage.

It can make a huge difference in reducing the clutter that tends to drive the cramped feeling.

Get rid of spare or unneeded clutter with a ruthless ‘one in, one out’ rule. If something comes in, something must go – especially if it’s on display in your space and will take up room.

We get it—decorating on a budget isn’t always easy, especially in a small space. But a few clever changes can make your place feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting. So as the chilly weather sets in, why not give your space a little refresh?

Need extra space to decorate?

Get in touch with your local RoomMate Cabins team.