12 Ways To Make A Small Room Look Bigger

Plenty of people live in small homes or have homes with small spaces. But whether it’s because it’s a more feasible choice or because downsizing is totally hot right now, there’s no denying that making a small room look and feel bigger than it is takes some effort. But, just because your room is small doesn’t mean that it can’t be beautiful, inviting, and spacious. It just means you’ll be getting really organized and making some healthy lifestyle adjustments to make sure that you’re not cramping your own style (literally).

In a small space, everything counts. To keep things from feeling confined and uncomfortable, there are tried-and-true design tricks that fool the eye to make interiors seem much more spacious than they actually are. Sound like what you need? Try these twelve tips for turning your tiny room into a bigger (and well-decorated) space.

1. Paint or wallpaper the ceiling to make the ceilings look taller.

Anything that draws the eye upwards will make your room feel bigger. While bright white opens up a room on walls, patterned and colorful ceilings will create depth and create the illusion of space.

2. Use light colors on the walls and the floor.

It’s well-known that light colors make a room look bigger and brighter. On the contrast, darker colors make a room seem small because they absorb light instead of reflecting it. Opt for light colored floors and walls to give the room an airy vibe.

3. Color code your knickknacks and books.

Make your shelves look intentionally well-designed by grouping items by color, type, or shape. This will reduce visual clutter and make the room feel larger.

4. Let in the natural light.

Ditch heavy, dark colored curtains for translucent, bright ones. Or, choose to go bare! Either way, letting natural light rule the space will help the room feel bigger. If your space doesn’t get natural light, add multiple creative light fixtures!

5. Include mirrors in smart places.

Mirrors work wonders for opening up a room, but in order for them to work you can’t just place them anywhere. Use the focal point of the room and angle your mirrors towards it to provide an illusion of depth. For example, inn a bedroom, the focal point would be the bed. Additionally, placing a mirror near a window will also reflect more natural light into your space.

6. Bigger furniture and decor is actually better.

There’s a common misconception that you should use small furniture inside a small room. But designers attest that it’s actually the opposite! A few larger pieces of furniture in a small room is key to making it look bigger. And if you can have some of your bigger items match the colors of the walls, they’ll begin to blend in and expand the room.

7. Take away any clutter.

Nothing makes a small space feel cramped than having too much stuff everywhere. Arrange things neatly and out of sight, so  there’s not too many things distracting the eye’s attention.

8. Use multi-functional pieces of furniture.

Furniture that can be used for a variety of purposes will save space without sacrificing convenience and functionality. Like ottomans, for example, which can be used as both a coffee table, extra seating, and additional storage for throw blankets or accessories.

9. Go monochromatic.

Paint your walls, trim, and detailing in different shades of white, off-white, and beige to expand the room. It’s easy to pull off and although you’re going monochrome, your room will look anything but monotonous or uninspired.

10. Don’t fill up every shelf on your bookcase.

It’s tempting to display every single decor piece you own, but if you want your room to feel spacious, be shelf smart. Avoid filling your shelves so you can leave some empty space that shows depth and airiness.

11. Keep your furniture away from the walls.

Pushing your furniture up against the wall will cramp the room’s look and feel. All you need is a few inches between the wall and your bigger items to give the space openness.

12. Emphasize the vertical.

High ceilings give a sense of grandeur. But what to do if your ceilings aren’t built high? You can create the perception of height without physically changing your home’s structure. Whether it’s a tall shelf or hanging light fixtures, you’ll draw the eye upward which gives the illusion of height. This will add openness and flow to the space.