16 Small Space Rugs Ideas That Make a BIG Statement

May 25, 2017

Just because you’re small-space living doesn’t mean your interior can’t be big on style. The easiest way to make it happen? By throwing down a bold statement rug or two. Even though you aren’t working with a lot of square footage, rugs of all shapes and sizes can be used in even the tiniest of studio apartments to make a huge impact. If you need a little inspo to take the leap, check out these 16 homes.

1. Stylized Spaces: When you live in a studio, it’s important to stay true to your design style. Make your living space and your bedroom area feel like two completely different rooms of your home with the help of textiles. Use an over-dyed antique rug to pair with your sofa and coffee table, and stick to plush sheepskins for around your bed. (via Advice from a 20 Something)

2. Neutral Elements: You may assume that in order to make a statement you have to go with bright and trendy pieces, but that’s not always the case. Use jute rugs in a variety of different sizes to add definition and texture to your tiny interior. These neutral (and budget-friendly) options will make your home feel a bit more homey, without being overwhelming. (via The Everygirl)

3. Bright and Bold: Just because you’re not working with a lot of space doesn’t mean you should skimp on fun colors. Grab a bright area rug that goes along with the bold color scheme of your living area. (via Cupcakes for Breakfast)

4. Fill in Empty Areas: Rugs come in handy when you have an awkward amount of space that you don’t know what to do with. Fill in those missing spots with fun textiles that show off a bit of your style. (via Design Sponge)

5. Keep It Simple: Lay down a traditional, simple rug to make your home feel more tied together. If you have mismatched furniture, a cool neutral one will balance the space. (via Homepolish)

6. Be Unexpected: You generally see rugs styled underneath coffee tables and smaller ones near beds, but that’s not a hard and fast rule. While you may be inclined to place your rug vertically, try horizontal instead. (via My Scandinavian Home)

7. Bring It All Together: Bring everything together and set your space up with a rug that will perfectly fit from the edge of your bed all the way to your sofa. A bold patterned rug, like this striped one, will create added depth and a gorgeous focal point. (via Jurnal De Design Interior)

8. Soft Qualities: Make your home as cozy as possible with the help of extra soft textiles. These rugs don’t just serve the purpose of turning your home into a hygge-inspired oasis — they also warm up your wood floors for your feet. (via Mademoiselle Claudine)

9. Defined Living Room: A big struggle with living in a studio apartment or lofted space is the inability to create a separate area to lounge and watch TV without relying on your bed. Choose a large area rug to clearly define the space for hanging out. (via Apartment Therapy)

10. Pop of Color: Even neutral lovers won’t be able to deny how good a pop of color looks in a studio apartment. (via MyDomaine)

11. Tiny but Powerful: Strategically place small rugs throughout your home in empty foyers, nooks, and hallways to give your space a major face-lift with just a few low-key textiles. (via My Scandinavian Home)

12. Different Textures: Use different textures if you still haven’t found the perfect way to differentiate between your bedroom and living space. Fluffy, ultra-plush textiles will make your exposed bed feel like a separate bedroom space. Stick to more neutral rugs in your living space to really let the ones near your bed pop. (via Planete Deco)

13. Go All Out: If you’re a lover of boho patterns, add them here, there, and everywhere. Mix with different colors, textures, and sizes to make your space feel totally lived in. (via Apartment Therapy)

14. Go Big: A huge rug will make a statement in any sized home and looks stunning when topping a concrete floor. (via Design Sponge)

15. Layered: Placing different styles of rugs on one another will add major depth, so get to layering. Use a standard jute or woven rug as the base and put something with a bit more pizzazz on top. (via The Everygirl)

16. Fun Accents: No matter what your square footage is, tiny cutouts look adorable styled near the bed to bring some dreamy vibes into the area rather than leaving it blank. (via 79ideas)

Need more inspiration on how to style your small space? Follow us on Pinterest!

These 20 Small Sectional Sofas Are Actually Apartment-Friendly

Lounging on a sectional sofa makes reading a book and Netflix binges all the more cozy. But sometimes a small space doesn't have the square footage to accommodate a sofa and chaise, and fears of Ross's pivot scene in Friends (still cracks me up) start to creep up. Not to worry, though. We've rounded up sleek sectional sofas that don't take up too much space, provide tons of comfort, and look stylish to boot. Sit back, relax, and scroll for the comfiest couch made for you.

Anthropologie Kori Modular Armless Sofa

Great way to save space? Lose the arms! With this comfortable modular sofa you can do just that. We are digging this clay color too. It's 100% linen, has a tropical hardwood frame, and there's no assembly required on your part!

Castlery Hamilton Sofa (Performance Brilliance White)

This sectional is a minimalist lover’s dream while the removable cushion covers makes it easy to keep it clean. You'll receive the maximum amount of coziness without sacrificing the contemporary aesthetic you're going for.

LEISLAND Modern Sectional

Pet-friendly chenille fabric in a gorgeous blue will cheer up any small space. Two arm cushions make it extra cozy.

Albany Park Kova Sofa + Ottoman

Get sucked in for all your movie nights with this deep and cozy, cloud-soft sofa. The ottoman provides extra storage too!

Living Spaces Emery Chiffon Sofa With Reversible Chaise

This affordable sectional seats three comfortably and gives you the option to move your chaise from left to right and vice versa (the extension below the chair cushion is detached). Available with an optional storage ottoman too.

Novogratz Magnolia Sectional

This small space sectional sofa with reversible chaise has what's called a slender mailbox arm that maximizes seating space. Extra throw pillows included!

Modway Revive Modern Upholstered Right or Left Sectional

Clean lines with mid-century vibes make this sleek sofa in a rich jewel tone an easy fit for your snug space.

UO Modular Velvet Sofa

Small sectional sofas should be super cozy and chic like this modular design.

Available in a bunch of candy-colored hues, this velvet sofa is super versatile, featuring three separate pieces that you can arrange to suit your space.

Ami Sun Sofa With Reversible Chaise

Soft, suede-like fabric make this reversible chaise sofa an elegant addition to any small space, from living room to office.

Geo 2-Piece Vegan Leather Sectional

This sleek silhouette, reversible sofa and chaise is made in vegan leather upholstery that's super easy to clean.

All Modern 2-Piece Reversible Chaise Sectional (Burnt Orange Performance Velvet)

This space-conscious sofa doesn’t overwhelm a room and it's upholstery stands up to sun and spills, win-win!

Etta Avenue Chella Upholstered Sectional (Gray)

This black velvet chaise lounge has a bit of Old Hollywood vibes. It's reversible and has a unique tufted feature on the back rest. Two round pillows included — score!

Eafurn Convertible Modular Sectional Sofa

This modular sofar is easy to assemble, super affordable, and comes in a soft corduroy upholstery.

West Elm Oliver 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

West Elm has great sofas and this one is totally affordable and small-space-friendly at just under 80 inches wide.

APT2B Harper Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa (Blush Velvet)

You’ll get to have one of the cutest sectional sofas out there while creating a sleepover situation with the sleeper option! It’ll be ready 30 days after you make your purchase because it’s made to order!

IKEA FRIHETEN Sectional (Skiftebo Blue)

This convertible sleeper sofa is great for studio dwellers and comes with built-in storage to boot.

Burrow Field 3-Piece Sectional Lounger

This compact, two-seater with chaise has deep seats, plush cushions, and comes with an ottoman (you can also add seating as you grow into a larger space).

Mario Capasa Feathers Sectional (Grey)

This washable sectional is water-resistant and stain-resistant and the feather-and-fiber blend batting make it so cozy.

Best Choice Linen Sectional Sofa w/ Chaise Lounge (Black)

For less than $800, you’ll be able to say that you have one of the best sectional sofas that doesn't require you to spend a ton of cash. I’m all about finding ways to save money so I made sure this linen beauty is at the top of my list.

It’s a modular sofa that comes with a reversible ottoman and is designed to fit three people comfortably. This works perfectly if you’re in the mood to catch up on Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 with your besties.

Latitude Run 2-Piece Corduroy Sectional (Dark Green)

With its 4.8 rating on Wayfair, this is one of the best sectional sofas you’ll find under $1000. You’ll get free white glove delivery (such an advantage) so you can spend more time worrying about how many naps you can take on it.

It’s incredibly comfortable with its deep seating and has a moderate height that comfortably fits short and taller people. If it’s just you and your roommate or S.O., you should definitely consider this two-seater!

Find more home decor inspo on our Home page and follow us on Pinterest!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Albany Park

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.

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10 Booze-Free Ways To Ring In The New Year

When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, the first thought that probably springs to mind is boozing it up with an NYE cocktail. And while there's nothing wrong with sipping some bubbly (if that's your inclination), those of us who prefer to keep thingsnon-alc may feel like there are no New Year's-appropriate activities for our preferences. We say that nothing could be further from the truth! Whether you're pregnant, abstaining, or just taking a break from the booze, here are 10 fun ideas for ringing in 2025, the sober way.

Attend A Silent Disco

A few years ago, just as the sober-curious movement was gaining steam, companies like Daybreaker brought 6 a.m. sober dance parties to the masses. In a similar vein are remote silent discos – events where you put your headphones on and dance it out to the music of world-class DJs right in the comfort of your own home (or in person, if you feel like venturing out).

A quick Google search will reveal that there are tons of options to shake it off on New Year's Eve, whether remotely or in-person in your city. Because silent discos have an alternative vibe, they're much more sober-friendly than traditional clubs and dance parties.

Make A Tea Bar

Photo by Jill Wellington / PEXELS

If you've ever been to a party where they had aProsecco bar or something similar, you know how fun themed bars can be. Why not make a NA equivalent with a tea bar? We're not just talking about hot water and tea bags... include exciting staples like bubble tea, kombucha, Southern-style sweet iced tea, and more!

Do A Goal-Setting Ritual

Brit + Co

Not in the mood to party this year? Celebrate the New Year with some introspection by doing a goal-setting ritual. You can design the ritual in whatever manner you like, but we recommend something along the lines of:

Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes.
Whip out your journal and take inventory of the last year: What were your best memories? What are you grateful for? Where do you think you could've improved?
In your journal (we have some killer prompts to start you off), mindfully list out your goals for 2025. They don't have to be New Year's resolutions, exactly, but include small steps you can take in the new year to help you achieve your goals!

Make A 2025 Scrapbook

Brit + Co

Before New Year's Eve, head to your local craft store and pick up some supplies for making an old-fashioned scrapbook. Print out some photos from your most treasured memories of the year (we like printing with Walgreens), and gather any magazines you purchased or journal entries you wrote.

You can also look up some news headlines that made an impact on you, and print out the article as well as photos of any notable celebs or politicians who made the news. On New Year's eve, put together a scrapbook of what made 2024, 2024.

Good, bad, or otherwise, the year was one to remember — so create a momento that will help you re-live the past year in the years to come.

Plan A Costume Party

Brit + Co

Believe it or not, masquerade balls, dressing up in costumes, and concealing one's identity have a long history in the historical celebrations of Christmastime. So we think a New Year's costume party is a fully appropriate idea for a sober New Year's Eve.

Who needs booze to have fun when you can dress up as whoever you want for a night of merriment and mystery?

Karaoke It Up

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Another fun party pastime that's fun with or without booze? Singing! Grab some friends for a sober karaoke night either at your house or a private karaoke room. The singing's bound to be better than it would be if you were imbibing... who knows, maybe you'll steal the show with your rendition of "I'm Just Ken."

Cook A Fancy Meal

Whether you're spending the evening with your S/O or your BFF, cook a fancydinner for two. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get fancy with food, so use this opportunity to ring in 2025 with only the finest cuisine. Don't forget to make a mocktail to go with!

Host A Game Night

Brit + Co

Bring all your besties over and host a board game night that's sure to be one for the books. Have everyone bring their favorite game – from Cards Against Humanity to Codenames – for a riotous evening that will remind you that you absolutely don't need booze to have a rowdy night of laughter!

Play 2024 Trivia

Photo by Askar Abayev / PEXELS

Before New Year's Eve, compile a long list of trivia questions about 2024. Alternatively, have a friend do it for you, or do a quick Google search... there are a lot of trivia quizzes out there. On the big night, gather your squad together to see how much you remember about 2024. The results may surprise you!

Host A Murder-Mystery Dinner

Image via Amazon

Murder-mystery dinners are still one of the best ways to facilitate a heart-racing and mind-boggling party. Pick up one of the many murder mystery dinner kits out there and have your besties over for a night of thinking on your toes — to be fair, it's probably best to skip the booze for this idea anyway, for the sake of your mental acuity.

Are you planning a sober New Year's Eve party this year? Tweet us @BritandCo to share your plans, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more booze-free hacks and party ideas!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post has been updated.

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Small Bedroom Ideas That Will Actually Maximize Your Space

I just moved into my first apartment in New York City and even though I knew that rooms in the city were small, I don't think anything could have prepared me for the actual logistics of moving into a room this tiny. Not only do you have to figure out how to arrange your furniture, but if you're like me, you have to work around heating pipes, fire escapes, and doorways that are at an angle.

Because of how much time we spend eating cozy food, watching movies, and all-around hibernating during the winter, now is the perfect time to tackle a home improvement refresh. Whether you're also tackling life in the big city or you're moving into a studio or tiny house, here are some tips and tricks for living in a small space, as well as some products that I can really and truly recommend since I have them in my room ;).

Small Bedroom Ideas

Measure Your Room + Make A Spreadsheet

Look at your room like you would a scale model — measure the distance between the walls, the doors, and the windows (you'll also want to get the measurements of your furniture) so that you can create a spreadsheet. The easiest way to do this is to turn one inch into one square on your sheet so that it's an even ratio.

Whether or not your room has an unconventional design, it's essential to know how much space you're working with. This is the spreadsheet that I use (shoutout to my mom for helping me with this), and it was super helpful to get a bird's eye view of the room and how the furniture fits together.

Start From The Ground Up

Choosing a light-colored rug with a low-key pattern (or no pattern at all) can make the room feel brighter and larger. You can also come up with a color strategy for furniture and bedspreads since lighter colors reflect light and make the space feel more open. But just because you choose neutral and bright bases doesn't mean the rest of your room has to be neutrals. Check out our 2022 color trends for some ideas!

One super easy tip for making your setup as seamless as possible is to set up your rug first, then add your bed frame, and do your remaining furniture last. That way you can adjust the rug and bed frame without having to move heavy furniture every single time.

18 Inch Bed Frame

$99

$67

Buy Now

Use Every Inch Of Space

When you live in a large room with multiple storage options, you might not use every available space... because you don't need to. But when you're working with a small room, you want to be as intentional as possible. The space under the bed is one place that you simply cannot waste when you don't have a ton of room. Get a tall bed frame or risers so you can put tubs of next season's clothes, seasonal decor, and things from your childhood that don't need to be on display. Or opt for a lofted bedinstead!

There is also a ton of potential in your vertical space. Add accessory organizers and extra shelves to your walls, and choose tall and skinny pieces instead of short and wide ones. They'll give you similar storage, without taking up the same amount of floorspace. You can also utilize the top of a dresser, doorknobs, and the back of your door.

Get Unconventional + Multifunctional Pieces

If your room is unconventional, then your furniture should be too! Squeeze a sofa table in between your bed and the wall if you don't have room for a regular bedside table, and get a desk with a shelf above and below the actual workspace. If you don't have a closet, you can grab a double clothing rack to fit twice the amount of clothes, or try this hanger hack to fit more clothesinto your regular rack.

Even if you're working with less decor than you'd like, there are still plenty of luxury decor hacks you can include to make your room look expensive, without the price tag. Make sure every piece pulls double duty so that it looks good and you can put it to use, like a hamper that doubles as decor or beautiful jars from your latest trip that double as jewelry holders. Here are some more tips for making a small space feel bigger!

Sofa Table with Outlet

$160

$140

Buy Now

Tag us with your small space creations on Instagram and check out our Pinterest and email newsletter for more home inspiration.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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This Unexpected Trader Joe’s Home Decor Find Is Sending Customers Into A Frenzy: “OMG Need.”

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

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3 Key Things Super Compatible Couples Never Argue About, According To Experts

By now, you may be able to recognize signs of gaslighting or other toxicbehaviors, but do you know how to take everything you've learned and become a super compatible couple? According to experts, there are a few key things super compatible couples rarely argue about — even with whatever faults each person brings to the relationship table. While the topics these couples avoid may not surprise you, the reason why they're able to avoid them might. But first, let's talk about what makes couples more compatible than others.

Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor, Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse Recovery, has this to say: "Couples are compatible when they share similar values, goals, and know the best way to communicate with each other." Notice she didn't say these couples are just alike.

More so, she explains that "it's about how well they handle differences, whether they can support each other through tough times, and how they connect emotionally." Dr. Keels adds, "when there’s respect, trust, and a good balance of give-and-take between them?" Dr. Keels believes this gives couples a better chance "to be in sync."

Scroll down to see the topics you'll rarely hear compatible couples arguing about!

RDNE Stock project

1. Long-term goals like marriage aren't often a cause for concern.

Have you ever dated someone that made you wonder what you saw in them once you pay attention to certain red flags? You may have found yourself arguing with them about everything from religion to reproductive health, leaving you feeling dizzy afterwards. But Dr. Keels says compatible couples are more likely to be aligned on "whether they want the same things out of life."

Her examples include:

Relocating for careers
Family planning
Finding somewhere to settle down in general (i.e. apartment, condo, different state, close to family, etc.,)

"This common ground lessens the chance of fighting over these big topics," Dr. Keels reiterates.

Vlada Karpovich

2. There's a lesser chance arguments about weekend activities occur.

We're no strangers to indecisive moments where we couldn't agree about what to do on the weekends with our partners, but Dr. Keels says compatible couples don't always run into this issue. "When you enjoy similar activities or have overlapping hobbies, you're more like to find ways to unwind together, rather than feeling disconnected or frustrated by each other's choices," she adds.

While it varies from couple to couple, you and your partner may enjoy the following:

Buying tickets to watch the latest college basketball or football game
Going to a 'Paint and Sip' class for fun
Having a mini outdoor picnic
Visiting a national park if it's on your couple's bucket list
Spending a day at a local arcade

The possibilities are endless, but all that matters is that "this mutual understanding makes spending time together feel natural and fun," according to Dr. Keels.

Mikhail Nilov

3. Communication styles aren't causing a daily disruption.

Some people have a more direct way of communicating while others may be passive or even passive-aggressive. Less arguments aren't happening because compatible couples communicate the same however. "When they both understand each other's communication style — whether it's direct or more subtle — it helps avoid misunderstandings and frustration."

Here's a couple of examples:

If you're having a bad day that has nothing to do with your partner, they don't take it personal when you prefer some alone time.
If your partner says something they perceived to be a joke, but you didn't, you're less likely to immediately accuse them of being insensitive. Instead, there's a higher chance of asking what they mean by something and expressing why you didn't like it instead of arguing.

Compatible couples "know how to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person can easily understand" which makes "it easier to resolve issues calmly," according to Dr. Keels.

Alex Green

Are couples better (or more compatible) because they don't have a lot of arguments?

Well, no. That's actually a stretch because everyone has arguments. "Even compatible couples can argue about everyday things like chores or schedules. No matter how well they get along or how "in sync" they are, little annoyances can still pop up here and there, and cause some tension between them," Dr. Keels shares. "The difference," she points out, "is that they're usually better at handling these moments and keeping them from turning into bigger problems."

The other thing she's seen couples argue about is money. "It's such a common stress point because everyone has different habits and priorities when it comes to spending or saving," she says. But, guess what? "Compatible couples tend to approach the conversation with more understanding and a willingness to find a compromise," she continues.

If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, it may not be time to break up just yet. We've learned that that it can take time to effectively communicate with a romantic partner or understand them. Compatibility is great, but it's not an indicator that a relationship will be smooth sailing!

Keira Burton

How can I have healthier disagreements with my partner?

Like we said, getting to a point where you and your partner aren't consistently hurting each other's feelings during disagreements takes time as well as skill. No one's born knowing all the answers so don't think your relationship is over because you're still figuring things out.

Dr. Keels says one way you and your partner can work on the kind of disagreements you're having is by "knowing how to communicate/compromise." Look, we heard your sigh and know it's probably the antithesis of how you feel. We struggled with compromising, but you don't get far in life thinking that everyone else has to bend to your will all the time.

"Even if they don’t see eye to eye all the time, healthy couples listen to each other's perspectives, and look for solutions that work for both of them. It’s not about 'winning' the argument and getting to say who's right, but finding common ground so they can move forward together," adds Dr. Keels.

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Also, "staying respectful event when things get heated or when you're upset" is a way to have a productive arguments, according to Dr. Keels. What happens is that "healthy couples avoid yelling or saying hurting things during disagreements," she says. This means no cursing or raising voices to the point your next door neighbors feel they have to call the police to do a wellness check on you.

"Instead, they just focus on the real problem and stay calm, which helps them work through the issue without hurting each other and the relationship," Dr. Keels says. And in the event you and your partner can't find common ground in a given moment? She highly suggests you "take breaks or pause when things get too heated."

Couples who do this "know when to step away and cool off before continuing the conversation," she adds. There are times where it's difficult to have a proper conversation when you're anxious or angry, so it's always better to revisit the topic.

Dr. Keels agrees and says, "This gives them a chance to cool down first so they can properly think things through, and think of a solution that works for both of them without saying anything they might regret."

Visit more of our relationships articles to find more advice about navigating friendships and love.

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