Small Space? 10 Ways To Make A Room Appear Bigger

A very common question online is “How to make a room appear bigger?” Does this resonate with you? Do you ever feel like your walls are closing in, barely leaving space for your bed and toys? It can feel like living in a cramped apartment with no breathing room! But fear not! I have the secret to transforming your tiny house into a spacious haven, no magic spells required.

Just a few clever tricks will unlock the hidden vastness within your little nest and turn it into an airy, expansive oasis. So, grab your metaphorical paintbrush and let’s get started on painting your own spacious sanctuary!

Why It Matters To Make Your Small Room Appear Bigger!

Having a small room can feel claustrophobic, overwhelming, and uncomfortable. It’s not just about the physical limitations of the space but also the emotional impact it can have on you.

It can make you feel anxious, cramped, and confined, which can lead to stress and frustration. It’s essential to make your small room feel bigger because it can positively impact your mental and emotional well-being.

By creating a sense of space and airiness, you can feel more relaxed, comfortable, and at ease in your home. A small room that feels bigger can give you the freedom to move around, breathe, and enjoy your surroundings, which can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

So, don’t underestimate the power of creating an illusion of more space, and use these tips on how to make a room appear bigger to transform your small room into a spacious and inviting sanctuary.

If you are looking for a way to style your space with wall art without breaking your piggy bank, then I recommend reading “10 Surprising Benefits of Printable Wall Art”

Decluttering

The first and most essential step on how to make a room appear bigger is decluttering. Get rid of anything that you don’t need or use regularly. Think of it as sculpting your space, removing anything that doesn’t spark joy or serve a purpose. Each unwanted item banished becomes a breath of fresh air, an inch reclaimed for spaciousness.

Cluttered spaces tend to look smaller and more cramped, while clean and uncluttered spaces give the impression of more space and airiness.

“Don’t underestimate the power of decluttering! Removing unnecessary items creates a sense of spaciousness and allows the remaining furniture and decor to breathe.”

Kelly Hoppen

No longer do furniture pieces huddle defensively, covered by piles of belongings. Instead, your possessions, carefully curated and thoughtfully displayed, become partners in crafting a serene oasis. Your bookshelf showcasing treasured novels, a sleek desk adorned with inspiring art, a cozy chair inviting quiet contemplation – each element contributing to a symphony of spaciousness.

But decluttering is more than just aesthetics. It’s a psychological liberation. Each unnecessary item removed becomes a weight lifted, a mental burden eased. The cluttered chaos that once constricted shrinks away, replaced by the calming certitude of order. 

Also: Step-by-Step Guide to Declutter Your Home

Mirrors

Mirrors are a tried and tested way of creating an illusion of more space. Hang a large mirror strategically on one of the walls in your small room, and see how it instantly makes the room appear larger and more open.  

It’s like adding a window to another dimension, reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth. Opt for a lean mirror with a thin frame to maximize the reflecting surface and avoid a heavy look. Consider positioning it opposite a window to capture and amplify natural light.

How To Make A Room Appear Bigger With Paint Colors

Walls are the canvas of your space, and the colors you choose play a starring role. Embrace light, airy shades like soft white, creamy beige, or calming pastels. These hues act like light magnets, stretching your space beyond its physical bounds.

“Consider a monochromatic color scheme. Light, cool tones like pale blues or greys make the space feel airy and expansive. Use patterns strategically, like vertical stripes on accent walls, to create the illusion of height.”

Justina Blakeney

They make your room feel fresh, open, and inviting, a welcome contrast to dark, constricting colors. Remember, lighter walls don’t have to be boring! Add pops of color with artwork, throw pillows, or accent rugs to personalize your space.

Also: The Rule Of Three For Decorating Your Home

Lighting

Proper lighting can also make a big difference in how your small room appears. Bright and well-distributed lighting can make your room feel larger and more open. Consider installing overhead lights, wall sconces, or floor lamps to brighten up your space.

“Light is everything. Use mirrors strategically to bounce natural light around the room. Opt for light, airy curtains and keep windows clear. This will open up the space visually.”

Emily Henderson

Create layers of light to banish shadows and add depth to your space. Consider warm-toned bulbs for a cozy ambiance or cooler tones for a more energetic feel.

Furniture Placement

The way you arrange your furniture can also impact how your room appears. Placing furniture away from the walls can create an illusion of more space.

Try creating a focal point in the center of the room, such as a coffee table or a rug, and arranging your furniture around it. This opens up spaces, making your room breathe easy and feel more inviting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts until you find one that feels spacious and functional.

Multifunctional Furniture

When dealing with a small room, every inch of space counts. Invest in furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a storage ottoman. This can free up valuable space in your room while also providing you with additional functionality.

But the benefits of multifunctional furniture go beyond mere space-saving. It can also streamline your life, eliminating the need for multiple, single-purpose items. This translates to less clutter, a more organized space, and ultimately, a calmer and more relaxing environment.

So, embrace the magic of adaptability in your small space. Let your furniture work overtime, and watch your cramped quarters blossom into a functional and stylish haven.

Also: How To Create a Hypebeast Bedroom Decoration On a Budget

Window Treatments

Window treatments can also make a big difference in how your room appears. Hang curtains or blinds that match your walls’ color to create an illusion of more space. Additionally, hanging curtains from the ceiling to the floor can create a sense of height and airiness.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Elevate your curtains to celestial heights! Hanging them from the ceiling to the floor creates a dramatic vertical line, drawing the eye upwards and making your room feel stately and expansive.

Imagine sunlight cascading down a sheer curtain, its gentle waves echoing the ripples of an endless field. This simple trick stretches the room’s perceived height, adding an air of grandeur to even the most humble abode.

Don’t forget the practical side of window treatments. Opt for translucent or semi-transparent fabrics that let in precious natural light while maintaining privacy. Consider sheer linen, voile, or light cotton blends that diffuse sunlight, creating a soft and airy ambiance.

And remember, pattern can be your friend! Vertical stripes on your curtains can subtly elongate the perceived height of the room, while subtle geometric patterns can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Window treatments are more than just functional coverings; they’re powerful tools for creating the illusion of spaciousness. With a little planning and some strategic fabric choices, you can transform your windows into partners in your quest for a room that feels vast, airy, and infinitely inviting.

Also: How To Create a Dining Room Gallery Wall

Wall Art

Wall art can also be used to create an illusion of more space. Hang art pieces that have a light and airy feel, such as watercolor landscapes that dissolve into distant horizons, or abstract prints that swirl with the playful grace of clouds. Choose pieces that breathe, that whisper of open skies and sunlit fields.

Avoid hanging anything too dark or heavy, as this can make your room feel more cramped.  Heavy landscapes that press the horizon close, or stark portraits that demand attention, can inadvertently shrink your already precious square footage. Let the walls breathe, let them reflect the openness you crave.

Think beyond traditional frames! Consider leaning a large abstract canvas against the wall, creating a sense of casual elegance and visual intrigue. Or explore the magic of tapestries – their flowing textures and soft hues evoke a sense of movement and depth, stretching the perceived boundaries of your space.

Remember, scale matters! Overpowering art can overwhelm a small room, while miniature pieces can get lost in the vastness. Find the sweet spot – choose art that feels proportional, that whispers rather than shouts. And don’t be afraid to play with negative space. A minimalist print set against a light-colored wall can create a powerful illusion of depth and expansion.

Wall art is your secret weapon in the battle for spaciousness. Choose wisely, and watch your walls transform from barriers to boundless horizons, painting your small room with the magic of perceived vastness

Also: 10 Surprising Benefits of Printable Wall Art

Flooring

The type of flooring you choose can also impact how your room appears.  The right choice can stretch the perceived boundaries of your room, while the wrong one can inadvertently shrink it. So, cast aside the heavy, dark carpets and embrace light-colored flooring.

Think light wood grains, creamy tiles, or even crisp white vinyl. These hues act as reflectors, bouncing light deeper into the room and making it feel vast and airy. Remember, the lighter the shade, the greater the illusion of expansiveness.

But the magic doesn’t stop at color. Embrace the power of patterns! Subtle horizontal stripes can visually widen your room, while vertical stripes can work their magic on perceived height. Just avoid overly bold or busy patterns, as they can create a sense of visual clutter.

Now, add another layer of intrigue with a large rug. Imagine a plush carpet in a light, neutral shade unfurling in the center of your room. It anchors the space, defines areas, and, most importantly, creates a sense of depth.

The contrast between the rug and the flooring tricks the eye into perceiving greater distance, making your room seem larger than it actually is. Choose a rug size that is proportionate to your space, leaving enough floor space around the edges to maintain an airy feel.

Don’t underestimate the power of rugs with subtle textures. A low-pile wool rug with a slightly raised pattern can add visual interest without overwhelming the space, while a woven jute rug can infuse a touch of natural warmth and depth.

Remember, flooring is more than just a utilitarian covering; it’s an essential tool in your quest for a room that feels boundless and inviting. Choose wisely, and you’ll see how it will help make your room appear bigger.

Also: How To Decorate a Desk at Home

Shelves

Do you ever feel like your room is so small you can barely turn around? Don’t worry, there’s a magic trick to make it seem bigger! Imagine walls that stretch out forever and a floor that feels like an endless playground. All you need are shelves to help!

Think of shelves like little friends that climb up walls, saving all your toys and books from taking up floor space. No more tripping over blocks or squeezing past towers of blankets! Put shelves above your window or door, where they’re out of the way but still super useful. It’s like finding hidden pockets in your room!

These shelves can be any color you like, bright or light, but the best ones are the ones that match your walls. When they blend in, it makes your room look like it goes on and on and on, like a never-ending story! You can even add cool shapes, like triangles or hexagons, to make your walls look taller and wider.

And guess what? Putting things on your shelves is like making a picture! Choose toys or books with lots of open spaces, like pictures of mountains or beaches. These make your room feel bigger and brighter, like you’re looking out a window to a whole new world.

So there you have it! Shelves are like tiny superheroes that save space and make your room feel vast and amazing. Just remember, keep things tidy and choose bright colors and open spaces, and your little room will become a giant adventure!

Also: How To Design A Nursery: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Moms

3 Bonus Tips:

Go For Soft, Light Hues

Choosing soft, light hues for your small room can have a transformative effect on how it feels and looks. Soft, pastel colors can create an illusion of space, making your small room appear bigger and more inviting.

These colors reflect light better, creating a sense of brightness and openness, which can make you feel happier, calmer, and more at peace in your space. Imagine walking into a room that is painted in soft, creamy tones, with natural light streaming in from the windows.

It can make you feel like you are in a spacious and serene sanctuary, even if the actual square footage is limited.

In addition to making your small room feel bigger, light colors can also create a timeless, elegant aesthetic that can enhance the beauty and charm of your home. So, if you want to transform your small room into a beautiful, airy retreat, consider choosing soft, light hues that will create a sense of tranquility, comfort, and joy in your space.

Also: How to Design a Man Cave That Rocks

Choose Plain Upholstery

When it comes to making your small room feel bigger, keeping the upholstery plain can be a game-changer. Busy patterns, bold prints, and vibrant colors can make your small room feel cluttered and overwhelming, whereas plain, neutral colors can create a sense of calm and spaciousness.

Simple, understated upholstery can make your room feel more refined, elegant, and timeless, and can allow the focus to be on the beauty of your space rather than on distracting patterns or colors.

Imagine sitting on a cozy sofa with soft, plain-colored cushions, or sleeping on a comfortable bed with white, crisp sheets. It can make you feel like you are in a serene, luxurious retreat, even if the actual space is limited.

In addition to making your room feel bigger, plain upholstery can also be a perfect backdrop for other design elements, such as artwork, decorative pillows, or accent rugs. So, if you want to elevate the sophistication and beauty of your small room, consider keeping the upholstery plain, and let the elegance and simplicity of your space shine.

Using Smaller Pieces Of Furniture

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make a small room feel bigger is by using smaller pieces of furniture. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can have a significant impact on the perceived size of your room.

“Scale down! Choose furniture that’s proportional to the room size. Opt for multi-functional pieces like ottomans with storage or nesting tables that maximize space without feeling cluttered.”

Nate Berkus

Large pieces of furniture can make your small space feel cramped and crowded, whereas smaller pieces can make it feel more open and airy. Using smaller furniture can also create more visual space, allowing your eyes to move freely around the room without any obstructions.

Not only does this make your room feel bigger, but it also creates a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Imagine having a cozy chair that perfectly fits your space or a small coffee table that doesn’t take up the entire room.

It can make you feel more at ease, happy, and comfortable in your surroundings. So, don’t be afraid to downsize your furniture, and opt for smaller pieces that will enhance the beauty and spaciousness of your small room.

Also: Dopamine Decor: Design Your Home for Happiness and Productivity

Conclusion

There are numerous creative ways to make your small room appear bigger. From decluttering to the use of mirrors and light-colored paint, there are many tips and tricks that you can implement to create an illusion of more space and airiness. By following these ten steps, you can transform your small room into a spacious and inviting oasis that you will love spending time in.

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