A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
How To Curate And Decorate A Small Room
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know we live in a cozy home—which is exactly where and why A Cozy Lifestyle began. Over the years, I’ve had to learn how to turn our house into a home without overwhelming the space. It hasn’t always been perfect—there have been plenty of hits and a few misses—but every step has taught me something new.
In this post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about curating and decorating small spaces—from practical tips to personal lessons (and yes, even a decorating mishap or two). So come along with me and be inspired as we explore How To Curate And Decorate A Small Room.
This Is A King-Sized Bed. It is too large for the space-Miss
1. Start With a Purpose
Before anything else, define how you want the room to function. Is it a cozy reading nook, a compact office, or a guest bedroom?
Knowing the purpose sets the foundation for furniture, decor, and layout choices.
2. Edit Ruthlessly
Clutter can visually and physically shrink a space. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy.
A curated space feels intentional, open, and inviting. The easiest way to avoid clutter is to stay on top of it. Don’t let it linger—because the longer it sits, the more invisible it becomes, and the harder it is to tackle later.
Furniture fits the room perfectly – Hit
3. Choose Light, Reflective Colors
Stick to a light color palette—think whites, creams, pastels, or soft grays. These tones reflect light and create an airy atmosphere.
Add mirrors or metallic accents to bounce light around and visually expand the room. While I love adding pops of color here and there—especially with the seasons—I stick to a mostly neutral, coordinated color palette throughout our home to keep things feeling calm and cohesive.
4. Maximize Vertical Space
Use your walls! Think:
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Tall bookshelves
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Floating shelves
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Wall-mounted sconces
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Hanging plants
Vertical elements draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.
5. Invest in Dual-Purpose Furniture
Multifunctional pieces are a small room’s best friend. Consider:
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A bed with storage drawers
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A fold-out desk
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A bench with hidden storage
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Nesting tables
These pieces save space while still offering style and function.
6. Add Texture and Personality
Even small rooms deserve character. Add warmth with layers like:
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A chunky knit throw
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Woven baskets
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Velvet or linen cushions
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A cozy rug underfoot
Sprinkle in personality with art, books, or travel finds—but keep it minimal to avoid clutter.
7. Keep It Cohesive
Stick to 2–3 key materials and a limited color palette. Repeating these elements in furniture, decor, and accessories creates visual harmony and a calm, organized feel.
8. Let It Breathe
Don’t feel the need to fill every corner or surface. Empty space equals breathing room. Negative space helps the eye rest and gives your curated pieces the spotlight.
9. Add Meaningful Touches
Incorporate items that tell your story:
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A framed quote
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Family photos
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A vintage piece
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A handmade object
These details turn a small room into a personal sanctuary.
Neutrals with a pop of green – Hit
Final Thoughts
Decorating a small room is less about limitation and more about intentionality. With smart choices, stylish storage, and your unique touch, your compact space can be both functional and beautiful.
Have you decorated a small space recently? Share your favorite tip or challenge in the comments below! Save this post for later or share it with a friend who’s downsizing or redecorating!
Hugs & Blessings,
You’ve included great ideas, and you covered the topic beautifully. Your home is such a cute, comfy place.
Thank you so much Carol.