Living in a small space can feel cramped and confining, but with some clever tricks, any small room can be made to feel more spacious and comfortable. Here are some tips for making a small room seem bigger.
Use Light Colors on Walls, Floors, and Furniture
Light colors will help reflect light around the room and make it appear more open and airy. Paint walls white or light gray, use light hardwood floors or neutral carpets, and choose furniture in lighter colors like beige or light blue. Dark colors absorb light and can make a small space feel closed in.
Let in More Natural Light
Natural light will instantly make a small space feel more expansive. Open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to flood the room. If the room has small windows, consider replacing them with larger ones or adding more windows to bring in more light. Skylights are another option for allowing overhead light into a room.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Strategically placed mirrors will practically “double” the space in a small room. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger area. Hang a large mirror opposite a window so it can reflect daylight around the room. Lean mirrors against walls or place freestanding mirrors to open up sightlines.
Choose Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that serves more than one purpose is essential for small spaces. Opt for sofas or coffee tables with hidden storage, beds with drawers underneath, and desks that fold up against the wall. Dual-purpose furniture takes up less visual space.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
In a small room, you need to utilize every inch of available space. Install shelving high on walls to display decor and store items. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases, cabinets, and wardrobes will hold a lot while keeping the floor space open. Hang rods close to the ceiling for hanging clothes or towels.
Keep Floors Uncluttered
A small space quickly appears smaller when the floor is covered with stuff. Keep floors clean and clear by storing items in closets, cabinets, baskets, under beds, etc. Use furniture with exposed legs rather than solid bases so you can see under and around items more easily.
Let There Be Space Between Furniture
Cramming too much furniture into a small space will make it feel even more cramped. Leave plenty of space between furniture items and keep the pathways open. Measure the room and map out the furniture placement so walkways are at least 36 inches wide.
Extend Space Vertically with High Ceilings
The perception of space increases with ceiling height. In a small room with 8-foot ceilings, painting the ceiling, walls and trim all one color will give the illusion of a taller ceiling. For real height, removing a dropped ceiling to expose beams will create volume.
Add Interest With Bold Accents
Rather than cluttering up a room, use bold accents in bigger pieces to add visual interest. Choose an oversized piece of wall art, a large houseplant, a colorful rug, or a statement chair in a bright color or unique design. Large accents make a space feel fuller.
Let Light Flow Between Rooms
Make a small room feel more expansive by opening it up to adjacent spaces. Use interior doors, half walls, or archways to connect a small room to other rooms. You can also remove interior doors altogether to allow light to flow freely between rooms.
Install Space-Enhancing Mirrors
Here are some mirror ideas to make a small space seem bigger:
- Hang a large mirror opposite a window – it will reflect daylight and “double” the window.
- Place a leaner mirror in a corner to add depth.
- Use small mirrors in a tight hallway space to create the illusion of length.
- Put mirrors on closet doors for a more spacious feel.
- Attach mirror panels to the wall behind open shelving.
Decorating Tricks to Visually Enlarge a Small Room
- Hang curtains high and wide to increase the sense of vertical space.
- Use glass tabletops and open shelves so you can see through objects.
- Position a rug under the bed rather than the whole room to define a space without clutter.
- Paint vertical stripes on walls to exaggerate height.
- Place chairs at ends of sofas rather than directly opposite to open sightlines.
Clever Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
- Install adjustable shelves and slide-out drawers in closets.
- Use storage ottomans as coffee tables or extra seating.
- Get creative with under-bed storage for extra items.
- Use hanging shelves for walls to display decorative items.
- Mount spice racks, utensil racks, and floating shelves inside cabinets.
Final Takeaways
With smart design choices and clever furnishings, even the tiniest room can take on a more open, expansive feel. The key is to use every inch of space efficiently, let in ample natural light, create the illusion of height, keep walkways open, and use mirrors to visually enlarge the space. With these tips, you can transform any small room into a comfortable, livable area.
