Making the most of the space you have is essential when it is limited. Luckily, there are some small space magic tricks with curtains and cushions you can try that will feel like your home has opened up. Without getting too technical about it, there are numerous ways your brain can be fooled into believing a space is larger while still feeling cosy and inviting. Simple touches like hanging curtains higher to create the illusion of taller ceilings, or choosing light, airy fabrics, can completely transform the feel of a room. Similarly, scatter cushions in complementary colours and varied textures not only add pops of style but also help balance and soften the space. From adding bursts of colour to liven up a room, to providing a sense of warmth and comfort, here are some stylish and trending hacks to try.
The Illusion of Height
Human eyes are pretty easy to fool, and this is an advantage when you have a small space to work with. For example, you can create the illusion of height with long curtains, drawing the eye upward and instantly making a room feel more spacious. Floor-to-ceiling curtains work especially well for adding a sense of grandeur to smaller areas, and Sewing House has a wide selection to choose from that can be tailored to your exact needs.
Opting for made-to-measure curtains with vertical stripes not only helps your windows appear larger but also enhances the feeling of lightness, giving the impression of a much taller and more open vertical space. Pairing these with lighter fabrics or subtle patterns can further maximise the effect, ensuring your room feels both elegant and inviting.
Add Colour Pops with Curtains and Cushions
A survey by House Beautiful found that 61% of homeowners use cushions to update the look and feel of a room quickly. Cushions offer a simple way to give a room a new lease of life, and when strategically placed, they can liven up a room, even adding to a space’s seasonal style:
- Swap out cushions each season with relevant colours for a fresh look all year round.
- You can achieve a balance of energy and calm by mixing bold and muted shades.
- Textured covers such as velvet and woven cotton give an excellent sense of depth.
Curtains as Room Dividers
Smaller homes don’t always have the space that other people get to enjoy, and this includes rooms. However, curtains have long been a popular method of dividing a space into zones, and this method is used today in many cultures across the world, such as noren curtains in Japanese design. Sheer fabrics can help a small space feel private while maximising the sense of space, as they will allow light to flood across the room while retaining the privacy you need.
Layer Cushions for Depth
A sense of depth can help a room feel larger and even become more picturesque. Without cushions, everything can feel a bit flat, and even the sofa can feel uninviting. Fortunately, even a few scatter cushions have the power to transform an uninspiring smaller space into something you won’t want to leave! Of course, this relies on some design strategies, such as varying the size, style and design of the cushions. Now that’s not really that challenging at all, is it?
Curtains and Cushions Control Light and Warmth
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that around 40% of a home’s heat is lost through the windows. Made-to-measure curtains and cushions can help you save on energy bills by adding warmth to a room and keeping it there. Other window covers, such as Venetian blinds in modern interiors, will also help you save energy while keeping your space bright and welcoming.
Sheer curtains for a daytime glow
Sheers offer privacy while allowing daylight in. In winter, sheer curtains will allow the morning light to flood your home with light while adding the warmth needed to help heat a small room.
Thermal Curtains for comfort
A small space can be more energy-efficient with thermal curtains. These especially lined drapes help keep the warmth in a room during winter and will block the heat during the summer.
More flexibility through layering
A combination of materials is a great way to stretch the warmth across a space. A mix of sheer and heavy curtains controls light and privacy while cushions trap warm air in soft fabrics.
Whatever the time of year, controlling light and warmth is essential. The right curtains and cushions provide ample opportunity to control what you need for the space. Cushions will help trap warmth in fabrics, while sheers and thermal curtains offer optimal control of light.
Stylish Patterns in Small Spaces
Some interior designers will tell you that patterns can make a small space feel even smaller, and therefore don’t belong. However, this is a misguided piece of advice! When used correctly, patterned drapery and cushions can indeed help a smaller space feel larger. The trick is balancing what you place. For instance, limit how many textured and patterned cushions you place, evening them out with solid and bold colours, or use patterns while colour blocking.
Neutral Curtains as a Backdrop
If you are ever in doubt or have trouble deciding what colours and patterns to use, you can play it safe with neutrals. Beiges, creams and greys pair well with other colours and can help provide a calm canvas across the room. This means you can confidently place the rest of the décor items without worrying too much, especially when neutral curtains are used as a backdrop. Any coloured cushions can also take centre stage, and it’s also safe to use textures for subtle depth.
Curtains and Cushions for Comfort
A study by The Sleep Council found that 70% of people state that cushions and pillows help improve their sleep. A small space can be imposing, and it helps to maximise comfort by feeling more relaxed in an airy room. Beyond style, cushions can also provide emotional support:
- Try propping yourself up with quality cushions when sitting for long periods.
- Floor cushions can add a sense of space when seating is limited in a smaller room.
- Soft and plush fabrics with cushions can create a calming and stress-free environment.
Keeping it Fresh Each Season
You can get bored with a space pretty quickly, even after putting so much effort into it. This is also true of a smaller room. However, one simple trick with minimal effort is to switch up some of the colours and textures of made-to-measure curtains for each season. While this refreshes a space, it also gives you something to look forward to. There’s nothing quite like breaking out the oranges, yellows and browns for the autumn season to liven up a room while feeling cosy.
Summary
The illusion of height with floor-to-ceiling drapery can help a smaller space feel larger, as curtains and cushions are excellent for adding depth to a room. The right drapery can also help you control warmth and light in a space, while helping you keep it fresh each season.