13 Home Improvement Ideas for Small Houses

A small house is typically between 500 – 1500 Sq ft or less. For example, a starter home or efficient apartment is often considered a small house because of its size. However, these standards may vary by region. It can also vary by family size and the number of occupants per household.

Do you live in a small house?

You don’t have to give up style just because your space is small. By being creative and strategic with your design decisions, you can find ways to make your small house look bigger and brighter than it already does.

This article shares the top 13 home improvement ideas for small houses that can help you save money and add more value to your home without spending too much. Whether you want to invest in larger renovations or focus on small cosmetic changes, you’ll find something on this list that suits your needs and your budget.

1. Change The Way You Hang Pictures

Use push pins to attach pictures and other wall art instead of nails or tacks. The push pins are less likely to damage your walls, can be easily adjusted after hanging, and can be removed without leaving a mark.

Push pins also help keep things off those bumpy parts of your wall that you want to remain smooth. It’s worth noting that push pins don’t look as nice on picture frames as nail heads do, but their more functional uses make them a great alternative when space is tight.

2. Paint Your Walls

Painting walls is one of those small home improvement ideas that can make a big difference in your home’s appearance and appeal. All you need to paint is a good brush, some paint, and two to three hours of free time.

Painting your house yourself will save you money on labor charges and provide you with an opportunity to learn skills that will come in handy if you decide to undertake more extensive home improvements in the future. When choosing colors, keep in mind that light colors reflect light and brighten up a room while dark colors absorb light.

This means they tend to make rooms appear smaller than they are. If you want your room to feel larger, choose lighter hues or shades of white or cream. Darker shades are better suited for smaller rooms as they create a sense of depth and drama when used sparingly.

3. Hang Curtains

Curtains make an immediate impact on a room and can help to tie it together. If you don’t have drapes but have been wanting some for your home, get some inexpensive curtain rods from a local hardware store and find fabric at an online discount retailer.

You should be able to create custom window treatments without spending more than $50-$75 per window. Hang them yourself or take them to a tailor if you want professional-looking results. The money you save will go toward other projects around your house.

4. Add Storage Cabinets

Before you tackle a total remodel, try adding built-in storage. With a little carpentry knowledge and some inexpensive materials from your local hardware store, you can add custom-made cabinets to any small room that could use more storage.

You would like these because they will be simple yet stylish, and they give you plenty of space to store away clothes or other items in hard-to-reach places. And since these are so easy to build, you can do it yourself without breaking the bank.

5. DIY Headboard Ideas

Making a headboard may not be as tough as you would think. Most furniture stores sell headboards in many different styles and materials. The prices of these items can run between $50 and more than $200, depending on size, quality, and whether or not it’s already upholstered.

If you are on a tight budget but still want to invest in your bedroom decor by adding a custom headboard, there are plenty of fun DIY options that you can make on your own. Some of them only require a few supplies from around your house, while others may require an investment at your local hardware store.

6. Hang Hooks To Add Hanging Storage Space

If you’re working with limited square footage, consider hanging hooks and organizing tools, handbags, scarves, and other items from pipes, shower rods, or curtain rods. It’s an easy way to get more storage in your closet without any major construction work.

If a pipe-style rod isn’t in your budget, consider using old hangers and hooks from around your house to create a custom rod of your design.

You can also use tension rods to hang up clothing that doesn’t fit into drawers or cabinets, just make sure they are anchored securely so they don’t come crashing down on anyone passing by.

7. Upgrade Your Outlets and Switches

When was your last outlet and switch upgrade? If you can’t remember, consider yourself overdue. If you live in a house that was built more than 15 years ago, it likely has two-pronged outlets and switches instead of three-pronged ones.

Outlets are required to have ground fault circuit interrupters by code now, but depending on where you live, they may not be installed.

8. Add a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan can be a great addition to a small house, as it provides both cooling and air circulation. Choose one with three or more blades (ideally eight) and make sure it’s rated for your room’s size (it should have a blade span equal to or longer than your ceiling height).

For best results, turn on your ceiling fan when you turn on your AC—this will help circulate cool air throughout your home.

Also, keep in mind that fans are most effective when they’re at least seven feet from where you sleep; if you have low ceilings, consider installing two fans on opposite walls of your bedroom.

9. Get Rid of Useless Objects and Decorations

If you have a cluttered house, it might be time to clean things up. De-cluttering can help with storage issues, but it also helps you pay more attention to what’s in your home and what is important to you.

Downsizing isn’t just about acquiring less stuff; it can be about sorting through your belongings and getting rid of those that don’t matter to you anymore. It could mean donating or selling some items or even giving them away to family members or friends.

It’s all about being intentional about what you want in your life. The simpler, cleaner, and clutter-free your home is, the easier it will be to focus on living life rather than maintaining an estate.

10. Use Kitchen Barstools in Other Rooms

Consider borrowing barstools from your kitchen and using them in other rooms of your home. Most are adjustable to fit a variety of heights, letting you move them to any room where they would be useful.

When not in use, they take up little space and add stylish seating to your living room or bedroom.

11. Fill the Windows With Plants

Installing living houseplants throughout your home is a great way to add light, and fill empty corners and color without emptying your bank account. Most plants are cheap and easy to maintain, requiring little more than water and sunlight. Start with these two plants: jade plant and snake plant.

These popular, easy-to-care-for options are ideal for beginners and can grow in almost any window. Just make sure you leave enough space between them and other objects so they can breathe properly. This makes indoor environments healthier places to be.

12. Add Storage to Your Bedroom or Hallway

You probably spend a lot of time in your bedroom, and if it’s small (and I mean under 500 square feet), you might be feeling a little cramped.

Adding shelving and storage space can go a long way toward helping you keep everything neatly organized, making your room feel more spacious.

Using floating shelves is easy and inexpensive. Shelves are also great for storing books and other knickknacks that tend to pile up on nightstands.

13. Upgrade Your Staircase With Tile

Tiles can be a great way to brighten up your entryway. They’re easy to clean and make small stairs look larger.

Covering your staircase with tiles is an easy way to make a bold statement in your house at no cost. In many cases, you can even find inexpensive leftover tiles at home improvement stores.

Conclusion

We hope these easy home improvement ideas for small houses help you when you require renovating your house professionally.

We also hope that It gives you a better idea of what DIY home improvement is like if you’re just starting out with it.

Think about things like utility costs before you start and be sure to pick materials that are easy to maintain and durable.

FAQs

How Do You Redesign a Small House?

One solution is to start with what you already have. The right paint color, artwork, or decorative objects can make a small room feel bigger and more elegant and give it a cozy homey feel that people love.

What Comes First in a Home Renovation?

Make sure to prepare before doing a home renovation. If you don’t, you might waste a lot of money and effort on something that doesn’t do much good to your house in terms of value and comfort. Here are some things to consider: Is your home structurally sound? Is it well insulated? Has it been properly sealed off from major elements like rain, snow, and wind? Have electrical systems been upgraded over time?

How Do I Get the Most Out of My Small House?

Everyone loves big, wide-open spaces. But in actuality, living in a small house or apartment can be enjoyable too. You just need some creative ideas to make your small space look bigger and more comfortable.

Is It Worth Renovating a House?

Yes, renovating your house should provide mental comfort, and self-satisfaction and enhance your DIY home improvement creativity.