Tips for making a small space appear larger

Creating the illusion of a larger space in a small room can be a tricky task, but with a few simple decorating tips and tricks, it's possible. Whether you're working with a tiny apartment, a cramped bedroom, or a small living room, there are many ways you can make the most of each corner. By using the right colours, lighting, furniture, and other design elements you can make your space feel more open and airy.

​In this blog post, we'll share some expert tips and ideas for making any space appear more spacious, so you can enjoy your home to the fullest. From choosing the right paint to making the most of vertical space, these tips will help you create a room that still feels comfortable.

1- Use light colours on walls and flooring to create the illusion of more space.

Using light colours on walls and flooring can be an effective way to create the illusion of more space in a small room. Palettes with tones such as white, beige, and pale blue reflect light and make a room feel brighter and more open, often creating the illusion of depth and width.
They also work as a neutral background for your space, which allows you to add colour and personality through accessories, artwork, and other decors without making the room feel cluttered or cramped.
Additionally, light colour schemes can help to make a small space feel more cohesive when you choose a balanced palette for your walls and flooring, giving you a sense of flow and continuity throughout a room.

2- Keep the furniture minimal and choose pieces that are proportional to the room size.

K​eeping the furniture minimal and choosing pieces that are proportional to the room size is an important step in creating the illusion of a larger space in a small room. When a room is cluttered with too much furniture, it can feel cramped and overwhelming. By choosing minimal, well-proportioned pieces, you can create a sense of simplicity and calm, making a space feel more spacious. For example, a small loveseat or a pair of armchairs can take up less space than a large sofa. 
Tip: when arranging furniture, consider the flow of the room. Arranging furniture in a way that allows for easy movement through the space can help to make a room feel larger. Avoid placing furniture against walls or blocking doorways, as this can make a room feel cramped and cluttered.

3- Use mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of depth.

Using mirrors is a great way to reflect light and create the illusion of depth in a room. Reflection can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the natural light in a room, making it appear brighter and more open. You can place mirrors across from windows, as well as in corners or ceilings, to reflect the natural light coming in.
Another way to use mirrors is to use them as a focal point in the room. A large mirror can act as a statement piece and can be used to create a sense of depth and dimension in a room. 

4- Make use of multi-functional furniture, such as a storage ottoman or a coffee table with hidden storage.

Making use of multi-functional furniture is a great way to maximize space and create a more efficient living environment. Pieces like a storage ottoman or a coffee table with hidden storage, for example, can be quite useful in these situations.
A storage ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used as a footrest, a seat, and a storage space all in one. They often come with a removable top that can be lifted to reveal a hidden storage compartment inside. This can be used to store blankets, books, or other items that would otherwise take up valuable space.
​Coffee tables with hidden storage are also a great option. These types of tables often come with lift-top tops or drawers that can be used to store items such as books, magazines, or remote controls. This means that you can have a functional coffee table that also serves as an extra storage space.
Or, as seen below, multifunctional bedroom furniture can also be a great fit for small closet spaces.

5- Use vertical space, such as wall-mounted shelves, to add storage and create the illusion of height. 

Using vertical space, such as wall-mounted shelves, is a great way to add storage to a room while also creating the illusion of height. This can be especially useful in small spaces or rooms with low ceilings. These shelves can be used to store books, art, plants, and other decorative items, and can be easily customized to fit the style and size of the room. Additionally, using vertical space can help to make a room feel more open and spacious, as it draws the eye upward and can make the room appear taller.​

6- ​USE SHEER CURTAINS INSTEAD OF HEAVY DRAPES TO LET NATURAL LIGHT IN 

Sheer curtains are a great option for letting natural light into a room. They are lightweight and translucent, allowing sunlight to filter through while still providing some privacy. Heavy drapes, on the other hand, are typically made of thicker, opaque fabric and can block a significant amount of natural light. By switching to sheer curtains, you can brighten up a room and create a more open and airy feel. ​

7- AVOID CLUTTER, KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED AND ONLY KEEP ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN THE ROOM. 

Keep a small space simple. The more you add to it, the more you increase your chances of creating clutter. This is another reason why having multi-use pieces of furniture can be so useful- they let you ''hide'' what doesn't need to be out from the naked eye and allow you to stay organised. 

8- USE LIGHTING TO CREATE DIFFERENT ZONES AND MOODS IN THE ROOM. 

Lighting can be another powerful tool to use in small spaces, allowing you to create different zones and moods in a room. By using a combination of different types, you can have a variety of ambiences suited to different activities and times of the day.

• Task lighting: used to illuminate specific areas of the room, such as a reading nook or a workstation. It is bright and focused, making it easy to perform specific tasks.
• ​Accent lighting: used to highlight specific features of the room, such as artwork or architectural details. It creates visual interest and adds depth to the space.
• Ambient lighting: used to create a general sense of light in the room. It can be achieved through a combination of overhead and table lamps, and it sets the overall mood of the room.
• Dimmer switch: used to give you control over the brightness of the lights in a room, which can be used to create different moods. For example, you can dim the lights for a more intimate or relaxing atmosphere, or increase the brightness for a more energizing or productive environment.

Tip: to make it simpler for you, stick to a combo of 2 types of light max when designing a small space.

9- USE RUGS TO DEFINE DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE ROOM, SUCH AS A SEATING AREA OR A DINING AREA. 

Rugs are a great way to define different areas in a room and create a sense of visual organization. By using different rugs in different areas, you can create distinct zones within a single space.

• Seating area: A large rug can be used to define a seating area in a living room or family room. It can anchor a furniture grouping and create a cohesive look.
• Dining area: A rug under the dining table can help to define the dining area and add visual interest. It can also help to anchor the dining chairs and create a sense of continuity.
• Reading nook: A small rug can be used to define a reading nook or cosy corner in a living room or bedroom. It creates a focal point and makes the area feel more inviting.
• Entryway: A rug at the entryway can help to define the space, and also it can be used to catch dirt and debris from shoes, protecting the floors.

Tip: When choosing rugs, consider the size and shape of the room, as well as the overall style of the decor. Choose the right colour and pattern to complement the room, make a statement, and create an illusion of a bigger space.

10- AVOID DARK COLOURS, PATTERNS, AND TEXTURES THAT CAN MAKE A ROOM APPEAR SMALLER.

When decorating a room, be mindful of the colours, patterns, and textures that you use, as they can greatly affect the perceived size of the space. 

• Dark tones: These tones absorb light and can make a room feel smaller and more enclosed. Instead, opt for light, neutral colours like white, beige, or light grey, which reflect light and make a room feel larger and more open.
• Patterns: Large, bold patterns can make a room feel smaller and more overwhelming. Instead, opt for simple, small patterns or solid colours, which have a calming effect and can make a room feel larger.
• Textures: Heavy textures like shag rugs, velvet upholstery, or textured wallpaper can make a room feel smaller and more claustrophobic. Instead, opt for smooth, light textures like cotton or linen, which have a lighter, more airy feel and can make a room feel larger.

Final thoughts

​In conclusion, there are many ways to make a small space appear larger and more inviting. These 10 tips can truly help you create the illusion of depth and width in your room, but if in doubt make sure you get a professional opinion on how to make them work for your space, specifically. 
And remember: keep things organized. Prioritising essential items in rooms is the real key to creating a small but functional space that lets you enjoy your home to the fullest.

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