Living in a smaller house or apartment can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, your home is so cute and cozy. On the other hand, the space may seem cramped, messy, or disorganized no matter what you try. Luckily, there are some simple tips and tricks you can use to make a small space feel nice and roomy.
Opt for light colors
Light, neutral colors have a way of opening up a space and making it feeler larger than its postage-stamp size. When it comes to choosing paint colors, shades of white, soft gray, and light pastels can all achieve the open, airy look you’re going for. Paint with a slightly shiny or glossy surface will reflect light and further add depth and dimension. Lastly, sticking with a monochromatic or low-contrast color scheme will create a sense of visual flow.
Let there be light!
Just like the color palette, lighting can also be harnessed to make a small room feel bigger. This includes both natural and artificial light sources! Replacing heavy drapes with a pair of gauzy, lightweight curtains can help maximize the amount of sunlight your room gets during the day. At nighttime, you can switch over to a combination of ceiling lights, floor lamps, and wall sconces to chase away those room-shrinking shadows. You can also install a mirror opposite a window to reflect light and make the room feel bigger.
Create the illusion of space
There are a couple of simple tricks you can use to create the illusion of height and depth. One of the easiest ways is to hang curtains higher and wider than the actual window. For optimum impact, install the curtain pole roughly halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. The curtain pole should also be wide enough so that the curtains, when drawn back, cover the wall instead of the window. Lastly, floor-to-ceiling curtains will make the room feel taller than curtains that end just beneath the window frame.
There are a couple of other décor elements you can play with to make a small room feel taller. Vertically striped wallpaper will dry the eye upward, heightening the room. Bookworms will be happy to learn that a tall bookshelf can also add the illusion of height, in addition to being a great home for your treasured literature collection!
Choose Smart Furniture
Furniture selection can make or break a tiny room. Large, bulky furniture items in a tight space can make the room feel cramped and crowded. On the other hand, furniture made of glass or clear plastic is far less blocky and visually imposing. Furniture with exposed legs also creates a sense of lift and space. Keep an eye out for multi-purpose furniture options. Storage ottomans, fold-out futons, and extendable tables double as both furniture and storage solutions.
Be intentional with décor
When it comes to decorating a small room, the old adage “less is more” should be your guiding star. Lots of small knick-knacks or decorative items can create a sense of clutter, but a few larger décor items can add a sense of size and sophistication. A big oil painting, a large floor vase, or an indoor tree can create nice points of visual focus without totally overwhelming the room.
With a few clever design choices, you can turn even the smallest room in your home into an open and inviting space. From selecting the right color palette to choosing smart, multi-purpose furniture, you can strike the perfect balance between style and practicality.
Do you have any tips for making a small room feel bigger? Let us know in the comments!
