How to decorate a small kitchen without giving up style or elbow room is almost like solving a jigsaw puzzle while juggling groceries (okay, maybe not that dramatic, but sometimes it feels like it). Been there. Nobody wants a cramped, blah kitchen, especially if your space makes a broom closet look spacious. If you’re wondering how folks get their itty-bitty kitchens looking so good online—spoiler, it’s not magic. It’s smart tricks! Oh, and if you’re into the farmhouse vibe, you have to check out this charming farmhouse kitchen wall art to brighten your space. Anyway, let’s get into some ideas that genuinely work for those of us with cozy kitchens. 
Use a Round Table
Let’s kick it off with something simple. Ditch the sharp corners and find a round table for your little nook. I was seriously skeptical at first but wow, what a difference. You gain more moving space—no hip bruises!—and your kitchen feels less cramped. A round table just fits better, like it slides right into that awkward spot.
Three people can drink their morning coffee without an elbow war. Plus, it’s way easier to scooch extra seats in for a chat. I mean, have you ever tried squeezing a rectangle into a tight spot? It’s a clown car situation. And if you’re feeling playful, grab one with a pedestal base for even more legroom. Trust me—friends will ask if you redid your whole kitchen when it’s just your genius choice in furniture.
My grandma swears by her old round table, and to this day, every holiday meal feels just a little more relaxed. There’s honestly a special kind of magic—probably explains the extra piece of pie I always manage to grab.
“This tip about round tables totally changed the funk in my tiny kitchen. Feels friendlier, honestly. And nobody gets stuck in a corner anymore.”—Dana, actual small-kitchen hero
Install Eye-Catching Lighting
Don’t underestimate what a light fixture can do. I used to ignore kitchen lighting until I swapped out the basic ceiling blob (technical term, ha!) for a simple pendant. Suddenly, the place had personality—not kidding. Go for something with a bit of sparkle or color if you’re bold. Or stick to gold, black, glass… whatever fits your mood.
A hot tip: Hang your lighting just high enough so nobody bonks their head, especially if you’re tall like my cousin (who hit ours twice at Thanksgiving—sorry, Ben)! Good lighting also makes tiny spaces feel less like a cave. Bonus—it gives you a fancy glow when you’re pretending to be on a cooking show. If budget allows, dimmers make a cozy vibe on movie night. Light isn’t just practical. It’s a statement piece. Suddenly your tiny kitchen is a five-star restaurant (well, kind of).
Create Open Shelving to Display Glassware
I’ll admit, this one scared me. Open shelves in a small kitchen? Won’t it just look… messier? But hear me out. If you pare down your extras and put your prettiest glasses and mugs on display, it works wonders. Open shelves actually make the whole area feel airier. Goodbye, heavy upper cabinets that close in the room.
And yes, you’ll have to dust now and then. Minor trade-off for all the vintage wine glasses I can actually see instead of hide. This is especially true if you have a nice selection of local pottery or a favorite mug (mine says “Rise & Whisk,” pretty cheesy). Show off your style and get easy access. If you want more ideas on stylish, simple displays, check out creative ideas how to decorate large wall living room.
You can install shelves yourself—trust me, if I can aim a drill, you can too. Here’s my pro tip: stick to one or two shelves, don’t overstuff, and use the handy stuff every day so it never gets dusty. Choosing clear or frosted glassware helps keep things looking tidy and light.
Design an Artful Backsplash
Seriously, a kitchen backsplash is the MVP of small spaces. Even the tiniest kitchen can feel artsy with a punchy pattern right behind your stove. Tiles are great, or go with peel-and-stick if you’re renting or just plain impatient (me!). I once tried the classic white subway tile and thought, cute… but then I saw these funny little fish tiles and just went full-on nautical. Instantly happier prepping my breakfast.
Look, a pop of color or pattern makes the rest of your kitchen feel sleek and pulled together. And yes, people will notice—my neighbor has asked three times where I bought mine (it’s a secret—okay, not really). Backsplashes are also practical. They’re easier to wipe than paint, especially after a cooking disaster.
Don’t be afraid to mix styles. Some folks stick to classic geometric tiles, while others slap up wallpaper (waterproof, please). Plus, you can totally switch it out when you get tired of the design. And if you’re ever feeling crafty, take inspiration from DIY projects like these diy glitter jar how to make a glitter jar—because crafting energy brings out the real decorating joy.
Bring in a Plant
This tip is easy and (I think) pretty mood-boosting. Even if your kitchen is the size of a closet, a bit of green makes it smiley. I put a pothos vine up on my fridge last year and, no joke, it grew so well I call it the “jungle window” now.
You don’t need much. Try a fresh basil plant by the window for instant Italian grandma vibes. Or succulents, which are basically impossible to kill (unless you overwater—learned that the hard way). Small shelves or just a pot on the counter is enough.
Plus, plants help clean the air. Who doesn’t need more oxygen while waiting for toast? And—random perk—guests always think you cook more often than you do when you’ve got a little kitchen garden going on. If you want more wild ideas, you can make your own fun things like a diy lava lamp how to create a lava lamp. Not strictly about kitchens, but a fun side project never hurts.
Common Questions
Q: How do I organize my kitchen if I have practically no counter space?
Try using vertical storage, hooks for utensils, and a magnetic knife strip. Honestly, the less stuff you have out, the bigger your space will feel.
Q: Is white paint always the best for a small kitchen?
Not always! Light colors, especially soft grays or pastels, work too. Just keep things bright and sunny.
Q: Are hanging pots a good idea for tiny kitchens?
They can be—if you don’t have tall guests and you use your pots daily. Otherwise, just one or two as decor.
Q: I’m renting—can I do anything besides paint?
Try peel-and-stick tiles and changeable wallpapers. Plus, you can swap out cabinet hardware or add art easily.
Q: What’s the best way to add style on a budget?
Shop thrift stores for quirky dishes, use open shelving, and add one funky lamp or plant. Style doesn’t need a big budget.
Sprinkle a Little Magic in Your Tiny Kitchen
Turns out, figuring out how to decorate a small kitchen is actually pretty fun—challenging, sure, but you end up with something that feels super “you.” Don’t stress about rules. Just pick a couple of these tips, improvise with plant pots or swap in bold lights. And if you ever want more inspiration, try poking around 47 Small Kitchen Decor Ideas for Big Style or browse 9 Smart Ways to Decorate a Small Kitchen. Promise, with a splash of creativity, your little kitchen will feel bigger and homier in no time. Now, go on and give a few ideas a try—even if you only start with a plant or a punchy backsplash! 