Living in a smaller space doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped or limited. With the right design tricks, you can make your home feel open, airy, and more spacious. Whether you're dealing with a tiny apartment, a small bedroom, or a cosy living room, these strategies can help you maximise your space and create a room that feels much larger than it actually is. Here are the top five ways to make your space feel bigger.
One of the oldest tricks in the book for making a space feel bigger is using mirrors. Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, instantly making the room appear larger and brighter. They also create the illusion of depth, which can add a sense of openness to any room.
To get the best effect, try placing a large mirror opposite a window to reflect the outdoor view, giving the impression of an extended space. You can also use mirrored furniture or a gallery wall of smaller mirrors to achieve a similar result without overwhelming the room.
The color palette of a room plays a huge role in how spacious it feels. Light, neutral colors like white, soft beige, or light gray are perfect for creating an open, airy atmosphere. Darker colors, while cozy, tend to absorb light and make a space feel smaller.
For an even bigger impact, paint the walls, ceiling, and trim in the same light shade. This creates a seamless transition between surfaces, blurring the edges of the room and making it feel larger. If you prefer a bit more color, pastels or soft hues like pale blue or mint green can also have a space-enhancing effect.
When space is limited, every piece of furniture should earn its place. Multi-functional furniture is a great way to save space and keep your room from feeling overcrowded. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose, like a sofa that doubles as a guest bed, a coffee table with storage, or an ottoman that can be used as extra seating.
Choosing furniture with built-in storage, such as a bed with drawers underneath or a desk with shelving, helps you keep your space organized and clutter-free. The less visual clutter there is, the more open and spacious your room will feel.
When you're short on floor space, it’s time to start thinking vertically. Utilising your walls for storage and decor can free up valuable square footage and make your space feel taller. Tall bookshelves, wall-mounted storage, and hanging plants draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height and making the room feel bigger.
Another tip is to hang your curtains closer to the ceiling rather than directly above the window. This gives the impression of taller ceilings, which instantly adds to the feeling of spaciousness. The same goes for artwork—hang larger pieces higher up to elongate the walls and enhance the sense of openness.
The more items you have in a small space, the more crowded and cluttered it will feel. Adopting a minimalist approach can go a long way in making your space feel bigger. Stick to a few key pieces of furniture, and avoid overloading the room with unnecessary decor or bulky items.
Choose sleek, streamlined furniture that doesn’t overwhelm the room. For example, opt for a slim-legged coffee table or a glass dining table to create the illusion of openness. By keeping surfaces clear and focusing on a clean, simple aesthetic, you’ll make your space feel more breathable and open.
Making a small space feel bigger is all about smart design choices. By incorporating mirrors, using light colors, opting for multi-functional furniture, embracing vertical space, and keeping things minimal, you can transform even the tiniest of rooms into an open and inviting space. Whether you’re living in a small apartment or simply trying to maximize a particular room, these tips will help you create a space that feels much larger and more comfortable. If you need assistance with making your space feel bigger, get in touch today for a complimentary quote.