Every room in every apartment can vary in size, but if you're the owner of an investment property that has smaller rooms in the home or apartment, there's a possibility that some potential renters may be turned off to renting the property because they won’t feel comfortable if the rooms are only large enough for sleeping and there’s no extra space for other things. If you have chosen to invest in a Branson rental property and have found that the room sizes feel too small, don't worry, you can make it feel larger if you try these simple ideas.
Hang mirrors
A stand-up mirror can make a small room feel larger if it is placed beside a plant or next to a piece of art. As a favorite small bedroom idea, mirrors can create an illusion of a bigger room, reflecting it in the surroundings and any light that enters the room. This doesn't mean you have to place mirrors in every corner of the room, but when you choose a mirror to hang on the wall or place a stand-alone mirror in a corner, it can help make your room feel larger.
Use open shelving
Although most Branson apartments already have some cabinets in the kitchen or the living room, they often are not enough if the bedrooms are small. Adding open shelving in the bedroom areas can help your tenants have a place to organize their belongings and help to eliminate the clutter caused by over-stocked cabinets or closets. Using open shelving is a great use of empty wall space, making it easy for your tenants to quickly find what they need.
Storage baskets
Although not often provided for tenants, adding baskets on built-in bookshelves is a great way for your renter’s to organize the small things that often clutter up the space. Storage baskets are a versatile way to offer alternative storage space without adding any extra square footage. During the initial showing of the apartment, it may be helpful to encourage the potential tenants to use the baskets where they can be most effective for their own unique needs. On the shelves, under the beds or anywhere else they would find them helpful! Anywhere they can think of to use them will help keep the room and their belongings tidy and organized.
Use prints sparingly
Keep wall paint and décor neutral and light. If you select to use wallpaper in any of the rooms, be sure to use prints sparingly to avoid making the small space feel visually cluttered.
If you own a furnished unit that you rent out, be sure to choose bedding and window treatments that are solid and light colored as well so that the room feels more bright and airy. Darker colors are heavy and can make rooms feel small, while prints often make the room feel too busy and crowded.
Utilize dual function furniture
When you offer a furnished unit with pieces of furniture serving dual functions, it can save lots of space while keeping the room free of clutter and looking more organized. And when a room is organized and without clutter, it will look cleaner and larger. So use a bench or chair that has storage and look for a bed frame with built-in storage, whether it's compartments in the headboard or drawers underneath the bed, to avoid having to take up more valuable floorspace with a dresser or chest.
Hang a bold light fixture
Since most small rooms are limited on floor space, take advantage of the ceiling. This idea will help draw your attention upwards and can help make your small room feel larger. You don't need to hang a chandelier or anything that's overly imposing. Hang a bold light fixture above your bed or in the center of the living room to help draw the eye upward and to help draw attention away from the size of the room.
Make use of shelves
If you don't have enough space for storage pieces like large dressers and extra tables, use shelves to store some of your small items. This will make your floor space free of clutter while you draw your attention to the walls.
Get rid of excessive linens
It's okay to have a few decorative pillows around the room, but avoid using too many of them or using heavy draperies. These textured pieces are great to make a space feel more homey, but the heavy fabrics and extra decorative pieces can quickly become slightly overwhelming. Keeping clean lines and extras to a minimum will go a long way towards making the rooms and home feel more spacious overall.
To help your tenants enjoy a wonderful Branson apartment living in a smaller space, try a few of these simple ideas to make the space feel larger. These easy changes can have a big impact on how comfortable your tenants are in their new home.
Thousand Hills Realty is Branson’s premier property management company. Contact us for more ideas on how to make your rental property more attractive to potential renters. We would love the opportunity to work with you. Call today! (417) 337-8081.