Small rooms have a special kind of charm, don’t they? They’re cosy, efficient, and they force you to find your inner minimalist. However, there’s a fine line between "cosy" and "cramped," and if your small space is veering into the latter, it might be time for a decorating overhaul.
With a few clever tricks, you can transform even the tiniest room into a space that feels more open, airy, and yes—dare I say it—spacious! Here’s some ideas for how you can make your small room feel larger…
1. Embrace Light Colours
It’s no secret that light colours make a space feel bigger and brighter. Sticking with with pale neutrals, soft whites, and pastels—think airy beiges, light greys, or delicate blush tones can help. These colours reflect more light, giving the illusion that the walls are farther away than they are.
Pro tip: If you love bold colours and can’t bear to say goodbye, use them sparingly as accents. A bright cushion, picture or an accent wall (or ceiling in the case of my office) can still add personality without overwhelming the space. Or if that isn’t enough colour for you, keep reading…
2. Drench The Room in Colour
Where you add more than one colour to a small room, your eye will be drawn to the edges and boundaries of the walls. Pick a colour you love and drench the room in the colour – walls, ceilings, skirting boards – THE LOT! By eliminating contrasting lines and boundaries, colour drenching blurs the edges of the room, tricking the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is. To keep it light and open, opt for soft shades like pale blues or calming greens, but if you’re a fan of bold, deep colours, this can be a way to embrace them without overwhelming the space.
3. Mirrors: The Oldest Trick in the Book (And For Good Reason!)
Mirrors are like magic in a small room. They reflect light and views, tricking your eyes into thinking there’s more space than there is. Hanging a large mirror across from a window is particularly effective because it bounces the natural light around the room, making it feel both brighter and larger. Mixing and matching smaller mirrors in different shapes and sizes can create a more informal feeling, like a work of art, while increasing the sense of space.
4. Multi-Functional Furniture: Because You Deserve More Bang for Your Buck
In a small room, every piece of furniture needs to work overtime. Think storage ottomans, beds with built-in drawers, shelves with built-in desks. Look for pieces that can serve more than one purpose—because in a small room, floor space is precious, and furniture should earn its keep.
5. Float It!
No, I’m not suggesting levitating furniture, but using furniture that’s off the ground can work wonders for creating the illusion of space. Choose sofas and chairs with exposed legs rather than bulky, grounded pieces. Wall-mounted shelves, floating desks, and even hanging planters can help keep the floor space clear, giving your room a more open feel.
6. Go Vertical
If you’re short on floor space, look up! Vertical storage is a great way to maximize a small room. Install shelves or bookcases that go all the way up to the ceiling. This draws the eyes upward, making the room feel taller.
Using vertical lines in your decor as well can be useful too. Striped wallpaper or curtains that start from the ceiling and go down to the floor can elongate the room, giving it a grander feel without needing to knock out any walls.
6. Clear the Clutter
Clutter can quickly make a small room feel suffocating. Keep it simple by reducing the number of items on display and finding clever storage solutions for the rest. Invest in attractive storage baskets, hidden bins, and streamlined shelving or cabinets to keep things out of sight and out of mind.
7. Let There Be (Lots of) Light!
Natural light is your best friend in making a room feel larger. Avoid heavy curtains or dark blinds that block out sunlight. Instead, opt for sheer or light-coloured window treatments that allow as much light as possible to stream in.
If natural light is limited, get creative with artificial lighting. A mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps can add dimension and depth to the room, making it feel much larger. Just be sure to spread the light sources throughout the room—nothing makes a space feel smaller than a single sad overhead bulb casting dark shadows into corners.
8. Large Rugs = Large Room Vibes
This might sound counterintuitive, but a large area rug can make a small room feel bigger. A tiny rug can break up the flow of the room, emphasizing its small size. But a larger rug that covers most of the floor area will help unify the space, making it feel more cohesive and—surprise—more expansive.
Just make sure the rug’s design is simple and not too busy. A chaotic pattern might undo all your hard work of creating that airy, spacious vibe.
Conclusion: Size Isn’t Everything
At the end of the day, small rooms have plenty of potential. With the right decor, they can feel just as comfortable, stylish, and practical as a larger room. It’s all about using a few clever design tricks and maximizing the space you do have.
So embrace your tiny room, experiment with colour, light, mirrors, and furniture, and watch as your space opens up before your very eyes—no demolition required.
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