10 Tips to Make a Room Feel Bigger

When it comes to home design, creating a spacious and airy room is always a top priority. However, the size of the room may pose a challenge, especially if you live in a smaller space. Fortunately, there are some tricks you can employ to make your room feel bigger without having to undergo major renovation work or breaking the bank.

The first key trick to making a room look bigger is to declutter. A cluttered space not only feels cramped, but it also looks disorganised and chaotic. Start by getting rid of unnecessary items and organise the rest in a way that maximises storage and reduces visual clutter. This will not only make your room feel lighter and more spacious but will also help you to keep it tidy and organised. With that in mind, here are some additional tips and tricks to help you make your room feel more significant and more welcoming.

1. Declutter Your Space

One of the simplest ways to make a room feel bigger is to declutter your space. Get rid of anything that is not needed or necessary in the room. Remove the excess furniture, appliances, clothes, and other items that take up space but do not serve any purpose.

Instead, only keep the essentials and focus on creating a streamlined look. This will not only make the room feel bigger, but it will also ensure that you have more space to move around and breathe.

2. Use Light Colors

Using light colors in a room can also create the illusion of space. Light-colored walls, flooring, and furniture can reflect more light and make the room feel bigger and brighter.

White is an excellent color choice for creating the perception of space, but you can also use other light colors like beige, light gray, and pastel shades. Additionally, using contrasting colors can further enhance the sense of openness and spaciousness in a room.

3. Optimize Lighting

While natural light is best for creating a sense of space, you might not always have enough natural light to work with. In such cases, you can use artificial lighting to your advantage.

For example, you can install recessed lighting or track lighting which can be used to illuminate dark corners and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, uplighting can also increase the perceived height of a room while creating subtle shadows that can make the room feel more voluminous.

4. Choose the Right Furniture

When choosing furniture for a small room, it is essential to opt for pieces that are both functional and visually appealing. Multipurpose furniture is an excellent choice as it can serve more than one purpose and takes up less space.

For instance, a bed with built-in storage drawers can provide extra storage space while minimizing clutter. Opt for furniture with a sleek, modern design that lends itself to a minimalistic aesthetic.

5. Utilize Mirrors

Mirrors are a great tool for creating the illusion of space. Mirrors reflect the light, making the room appear brighter, while also creating a sense of depth and dimension.

You can hang large mirrors on the walls, place them strategically to reflect light, or even use mirrored furniture like a console table or cabinet to add both functionality and an illusion of space.

6. Use Vertical Space

When looking to maximize space, it’s essential to use all available space. This means looking beyond the floor and exploiting the vertical space in a room.

For instance, you can install shelves or cabinets along an entire wall, from floor to ceiling. This not only provides ample storage space but also draws the eye upwards, creating the illusion of a taller ceiling.

7. Opt for Minimalism

When decorating a small room, less is more. Keep the décor to a minimum, with simple and clean lines. This allows the room to feel more spacious and open.

Avoid using too many accessories or doing too much with the décor. Instead, focus on simplicity and functionality. This will help to create a calm and uncluttered space.

8. Use Area Rugs

Area rugs can help to define different areas in a room, creating the illusion of space and adding texture and warmth. Additionally, using a rug that covers the majority of the floor can create the perception of a larger room.

Be sure to choose a rug that is the right size for your space and complements your existing décor.

9. Hang Drapes High

Hanging drapes up high can make the ceiling appear taller, creating the perception of a larger room. Opt for drapes that are long and flowy, which can add texture and movement to a room, while also helping to make the space feel more open.

Avoid heavy drapes that take up wall space and opt instead for lightweight fabrics that allow light to pass through.

10. Add Plants

Last but not least, adding plants can help to create an inviting and spacious atmosphere. Plants add a touch of nature to a room while also helping to purify the air and reduce stress.

Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light and humidity in your space, and opt for ones that are easy to care for. Add them to a tabletop or stand and enjoy the added benefit of a brighter, more beautiful space.

10 Tips for Making a Room Feel Bigger

Expanding your space visually might seem like a daunting task, but fortunately, there are many ways to make a room feel bigger. In this section, we’ll discuss ten tips that can help you achieve this goal.

1. Use Mirrors

Mirrors are an excellent tool for creating the illusion of more space. By reflecting light, they can make a room brighter and more expansive. When placed strategically, mirrors can also create visual depth. One popular placement technique is to hang a mirror opposite a window to reflect the outdoors back into the room.

2. Choose Light Colors

Lighter colors reflect more light, which can make a room feel brighter and more spacious. Opt for white, off-white, or pale shades of blue, green, or pink. Neutrals are also an excellent choice, as they create a clean, fresh look.

3. Declutter

Clutter makes a space feel cramped and uncomfortable. Minimize visual distractions by removing any unnecessary objects from the room. Take a Marie Kondo approach and keep only the essentials. When everything has its place, the room will feel more open and inviting.

4. Hang Curtains High

A common mistake people make when hanging curtains is to install them just above the window frame. Instead, install curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. This will create the illusion of higher ceilings and larger windows, which will make the room appear more spacious.

5. Increase Natural Light

Natural light is the best friend of a small room. If possible, maximize the amount of natural light in the space. Remove heavy drapes or curtains and opt for light-filtering shades or blinds. If privacy is a concern, consider installing frosted window film, which will allow light to filter in but maintain privacy.

6. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture

When choosing furniture for a small space, opt for pieces that can serve multiple purposes. A fold-out sofa bed, a storage ottoman or a coffee table with hidden storage are all excellent choices. Reducing the amount of furniture in the room will help it feel more spacious.

7. Use Vertical Space

Maximize your space by using vertical storage options. Shelving units, bookcases, or wall-mounted cabinets can provide storage without taking up floor space. This will free up more room in the main living area, making it feel more open.

8. Create Zones

Creating functional zones in a small space will make it feel more organized and spacious. Use area rugs or large pieces of furniture to define separate areas of the room, such as a reading nook or a work desk.

9. Keep Patterns Simple

Bold or busy patterns can be overwhelming in a small space. Opt for simpler, more subtle patterns instead. Geometric shapes or stripes can create a sense of movement, while still feeling relatively calm and restrained.

10. Embrace Minimalism

When it comes to making a small space feel bigger, less is more. Embrace a minimalist aesthetic, and focus on quality over quantity. Incorporate high-quality pieces into the space, and keep the decor simple and uncluttered. The result will be a chic, inviting room that feels larger than it is.

Maximize Natural Light

One of the most effective ways to make a room feel bigger is to maximize the amount of natural light it receives. Light and bright rooms tend to appear more spacious and airy than dark and shadowy ones. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the natural light in your room:

By maximizing the amount of natural light in your room, you can create a bright and airy space that feels more spacious and welcoming.

Thanks for Hanging Out!

Thanks for joining me in this journey to make your room feel bigger! I hope you found some of these tips useful and easy to implement. Remember, a few small changes can make a big difference in the perception of space. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements and color schemes. And be sure to visit again for more practical and creative home decor ideas! Until then, have fun decorating and enjoy your newly spacious room!