New York City is known for its grand events that pull out all the stops. But smaller events in a more intimate NYC venue can be just as amazing. You just need to know how to arrange and decorate the space to make the most of it. Here’s how to maximize small spaces for maximum wow factor.
Opt for an Open Floor Plan
No matter how beautiful your curtains or dividers are, using them in a small room is bound to make the venue appear smaller. Instead, opt for an open floor plan and keep furniture away from the walls to maximize small spaces. Pay careful attention to how easily guests can move around the room. If it’s not easy for guests to walk around the venue, rearrange your furniture to create more space.
Bring in Round Tables
While round tables seem like they would take up more space than square or rectangle ones, they’re actually the best choice for small venues. That’s because you can seat more guests at a round table than at square or rectangular tables. So, look closely at your venue and choose the appropriate round tables for the space. Whenever possible, it’s best to use fewer large tables, but you still need to ensure guests have space to move, so choose your tables accordingly.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
In a small space, soft lighting works best. So keep lighting low, and incorporate plenty of candles for added charm. A few well-placed tall floor lights will draw your guests’ eyes and help the room feel more expansive. However, to achieve this effect, you’ll need to place them in the corners of the room.
Expand Your Space with a Striped Rug
Horizontal stripes make venues appear more spacious. So use that to your advantage. As a general rule, you should choose a rug that covers the floor space except for a few inches near the wall. However, you may need to adjust the size of your rug so that it fits well with the furniture you are using.
Be Sparing with Wall Decor
Cluttered walls inevitably shrink the visual size of the room. So ask about removing existing decor from the venue during your event. Then, choose one large statement piece instead. This encourages your guests to look across the room, making it appear larger. Strategically placed mirrors also visually maximize small spaces. Place them in narrow areas or on the tables to help visually widen your room and give the appearance of a higher ceiling.
Use Neutral Colors
Neutral colors don’t have to be boring. They bring a peaceful feeling to small venues, and importantly, they open up the room and make it appear larger. However, for this trick to work, you’ll need to keep everything from the drapes to the tablecloths neutral and preferably the same color as the walls. Allowing all your furnishings to blend together helps the space seem bigger. Plus, neutral colors lend a light, airy feel to the venue.
Choose Catering for Small Spaces
If you need to operate within a small venue, there simply isn’t space for a traditional buffet. And if you try to cram one in, your guests will feel cramped. Instead, opt for self-serve stations or mobile carts. Or serve your guests with pre-portioned plates or tray-passed hors d'oeuvres. Keeping your space as open as possible helps the venue feel more spacious.
Choose a catering company that has experience adapting to small events. Or get creative and station a food truck outside the venue so guests can make use of outdoor space in addition to the main venue.
Small spaces are perfect for intimate gatherings such as micro-events, weddings, and milestone birthday parties. And they’re also an excellent alternative to larger venues for clients on a budget. Next time you need to host an event in a small venue, try these tips for maximizing small spaces to create a maximum event wow factor.
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