If you are currently living in a small space, you may sometimes feel a sense of claustrophobia or a feeling of being cramped or limited. This does not have to be the case. With thoughtful design choices and creativity, small apartments or rooms can feel bigger than they really are. Consider the following eight tips.
1. Make Use of Light Colors
Using light colors can affect how space is perceived. Try light, neutral tones like white, cream, pale gray, and soft pastel colors, which can reflect more light than darker ones. This can make a room feel more open and expansive. Darker colors can absorb light and make walls feel closer together. If you feel that lighter colors are too bland, you can add decorations like artwork, pillows, rugs, and other accents to make the space more to your liking.
2. Reduce Clutter
Reducing clutter throughout your home is a direct way to free up space and make a small area feel bigger. Having too many items can make a space feel chaotic and cramped. If you adopt a minimalist mindset and keep only the things you truly need or enjoy, rooms can appear more open. Utilize storage options such as baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to keep items out of sight. A tidy room often appears more spacious by design. Declutter regularly as items accumulate over time.
3. Use Mirrors to Your Advantage
You can make a room feel bigger by using a mirror, which takes up very little space aside from part of a wall.
"It’s an old chestnut of advice, but a well-positioned mirror can make a room look larger," says Laura Fenton at Food52.* "In my own home a mirror hung
above my husband’s desk (strategically high enough not to capture the
reflection of work clutter) doubles the view opposite. I once stayed in a hotel
that had narrow mirrors fitted into the narrow strips of wall on either side of
the window—a tiny detail that seemed to expand the view and amplified the
daylight. However, beware of mirrored glass furniture, which can make a room
look cluttered when it reflects its surrounding furnishings (and household
clutter)."
4. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
When purchasing furniture, consider items that serve more than one purpose and can help maximize available space. For example, a bed with built-in storage or a coffee table that can also function as a desk can reduce the need for additional furniture. Ottomans with hidden compartments and foldable or expandable pieces, such as drop-leaf tables or wall-mounted desks, can be stored away when not in use to reduce visual and physical clutter.
5. Use Vertical Space
Look for opportunities to use vertical space. Install shelves, cabinets, or wall-mounted storage units to help keep items off the floor. Tall bookcases and vertical storage options can hold a large number of items without using much horizontal space, which can help a room feel less crowded. Hanging artwork or curtains closer to the ceiling, rather than directly above windows, can also create the appearance of added height.
6. Utilize Natural Light
Whenever possible, allow natural light to flow into your space. Natural light can help rooms appear more open and airy.
"In small spaces, it's important to do whatever you can with whatever natural light you have to work with," says Lauren Jones at The Spruce.** "Leave windows uncovered or window treatments light, like with a roll-down mesh shade or linen curtains. In this space, color blocking separates the ceiling from the walls and gives a foreground and background, plus a custom-designed bed with built-in storage and a desk focuses on function and saving square feet."
7. Create Spaces Without Walls
Defining areas without adding walls can help maintain an open feel. In open layouts, use rugs, lighting, or furniture placement to establish separate zones. For example, a rug can define a living area, while a small desk positioned in a corner can signal a workspace. This approach can provide structure while helping the space remain visually open.
8. Buy Furniture with Legs
Furniture with visible legs can help create a sense of openness. When furniture sits directly on the floor, it can make a room feel heavier and more crowded. Furniture raised on legs allows more of the floor to remain visible, which can create the illusion of additional space. Choosing sofas, chairs, and tables with slimmer legs and proportions can contribute to a lighter visual effect. Avoid oversized furniture when possible.
You do not need to renovate your home to make it feel bigger. With thoughtful design choices and consistent clutter reduction, smaller spaces can feel more open and comfortable.
* https://food52.com/story/27272-how-to-make-a-small-room-look-bigger
** https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-a-small-room-look-bigger-11919645