How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger in 22 ways
In today's world of compact living spaces, knowing how to make a small room look bigger is an essential skill for people with limited space. Whether you're dealing with a tiny bedroom, a cramped living room, or a compact bathroom, there are numerous techniques you can employ to create the illusion of space and maximize the potential of your small home.
Author: Valeria Torres
Editor: Michelle Bell
Contents
- So, how to make a small room look bigger? Starting with good decisions
- Declutter and organize
- Use color and light
- Master visual tricks
- Use optical illusions in design
- Choose the right finishes and materials
- Selecting the correct furniture
- Half-Hour Challenge: Quick Room Transformation
- Did you know?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What's Next?
So, how to make a small room look bigger? Starting with good decisions
Photo credits: Suriyawut
When working with a small space, every design choice matters. Here are some tips to guide your decisions:
1. Embrace simplicity
A clutter-free, minimalist approach can make a small room feel more spacious. Keeping things simple can help prevent collecting unnecessary items, and maintaining a clear mind when making purchases.
2. Plan and visualize
Before purchasing furniture or decor, plan your layout carefully to ensure everything fits and flows well. Measure the space and create a floor plan to determine where each piece will eventually go.
3. Consider scale and proportion
Choose furniture that's proportionate to your room size to avoid overwhelming the space. This will give you some comfortable wiggle room.
Declutter and organize
Photo credits: Andrea Piacquadio
One of the most effective ways to make a small room look bigger is to keep it tidy and well-organized:
4. Create hidden storage solutions
Using built-in storage will help keep any clutter in check. Consider pullout shelves and cabinets, whether you opt for a built-in solution or potentially a fun DIY project.
5. Establish clear pathways
Ensure there's enough space to move around freely, which can make a room feel larger. Consider open shelving instead of large cabinets and ditch any furniture that is unnecessarily bulky.
6. Develop a regular declutter system
Set aside time periodically to reassess your belongings and remove unnecessary items. By regularly reassessing your belongings, you can prevent clutter from accumulating and keep your space organized.
Use color and light
Color and lighting play crucial roles in the perception of space:
7. Select a spacious color scheme
Opt for light or neutral colors to create an airy feel. Consider painting the walls and ceiling the same color to blur boundaries. This technique will create a seamless flow throughout the room, making it appear larger.
8. Maximize natural light
Keep windows unobstructed and use sheer curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. If privacy is a concern, consider using frosted window film. Top-down or bottom-up shades can work too.
9. Strategic light placement
Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and brighten dark corners. Incorporate floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces to provide layered lighting that enhances the overall ambiance of the space.
Master visual tricks
Photo credits: Jens Mahnke
Creating the perception of a larger space is all about clever design tricks and optical illusions. Here are some key strategies:
10. Employ vertical elements
Draw the eye upward with tall bookshelves or vertical stripes to create the illusion of height. This classic design trick will create a sense of height in a space and make it feel more open and expansive.
11. Embrace negative space
Don't feel the need to fill every single empty corner; some empty space can make a room feel more open. Allow for breathing room between furniture pieces or any decorative items.
12. Create a featured ceiling
If structure allows for it, use a stylish wallpaper or a bold color on your ceiling. Don't be afraid to experiment with different textures and finishes to achieve the result that creates a larger sense of space.
Use optical illusions in design
More clever design tricks can fool the eye into perceiving more space:
13. Implement mirrors strategically
Place large mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and create the illusion of another room. Consider using a gallery wall of smaller mirrors or one full-length mirror instead.
14. Use glass and lucite furniture
Transparent furniture takes up less visual space. Incorporate glass coffee tables, acrylic chairs, or lucite console tables to maintain an airy feel while still providing functional surfaces.
15. Employ trompe l'oeil techniques
Use wallpaper or paint to create the illusion of depth or additional architectural features. Try adding a large mural to your wall that gives the impression of an expanded view.
Choose the right finishes and materials
Photo credits: Max Vakhtbovycn
The materials and finishes you choose can significantly impact the perception of space:
16. Select light-reflecting surfaces
Glossy finishes on walls and floors can help bounce light around the room. Consider using high-gloss paint on an accent wall or incorporating polished tiles or hardwood floors.
17. Opt for low-profile hardware
Choose sleek, minimal hardware for cabinets and doors to reduce visual clutter. Look for flush or recessed handles and knobs that don't protrude, maintaining a smooth and streamlined appearance.
18. Coordinate wall and furniture colors
Using similar hues for walls and large furniture pieces can create a seamless look, making the space feel larger. This monochromatic approach can help blur the lines between different elements in the room.
19. Incorporate lightweight fabrics
Use sheer curtains and lightweight upholstery to maintain an airy feel. Choose soft fabrics with a light and breezy texture, such as linen or cotton.
Selecting the correct furniture
Photo credits: Studio2013
Furniture selection is crucial in small spaces:
20. Select foldaway or multi-functional pieces
Choose furniture that can be tucked away when not in use or serves multiple purposes. Look for innovative designs such as expandable dining tables or ottomans with hidden compartments.
21. Embrace minimalist furniture
Opt for sleek, streamlined pieces with exposed legs to create a sense of openness. Avoid oversized pieces that can get in the way of movement or obstruct door swing.
22. Opt for a statement piece
Instead of cluttering the space with many small items, choose one eye-catching piece to anchor the room. Try a bold piece of artwork, a unique light fixture, or something vibrant that draws the eye.
If you're stuck with a large bed, read here for large bed small room ideas.
Half-Hour Challenge: Quick Room Transformation
If you're ever struggling to get the motivation to make household changes, I totally understand ( I've been there many times myself! ). Try this 30-minute challenge to instantly make your small room look bigger, each number below should be roughly 4 to 5 minutes each. But, before you begin, take a before photo of your progress:
- Quick Declutter
- Grab a large durable box or bag
- Quickly remove any visible clutter, focusing on surfaces and floors
- Don't overthink, just clear!
- Rebalance Color
- Quickly scan the room for any items that clash with the overall color scheme
- Remove or relocate these items to create a more cohesive look
- Mirror Placement
- Find a mirror (wall-mounted or freestanding)
- Position it opposite a window or light source
- Angle it slightly to reflect the most open area of the room
- Furniture Shuffle
- Identify the largest piece of furniture
- Move it against a wall, creating more open floor space
- Ensure it doesn't block pathways or windows
- Maximize Light
- Open all curtains/blinds fully
- Turn on all available lights
- If possible, add a small lamp in a dark corner
- Final Touches
- Stand in the doorway and look for any remaining visual obstructions
- Make quick adjustments to create clear sight lines across the room
Did you know?
In the 1940s bedrooms were as small as 100 square feet, due to people having less children and the events of World War 2. This resulted in functional furniture being favored over style and less decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color makes a room look bigger?
Light, neutral colors like white, cream, or pale gray and even soft pastels. If your walls has exposed brick material or a patterned wallpaper for example, try using a near white color instead.
How can I decorate my room to make it look bigger?
Choose small or vertical decor that wont take up much space. Going for wall mounted shelves and items than hang can be a smart move if you want to save space. For in-depth decor tips read our post on small studio decor ideas.
What to do when your room is too small?
Declutter if you haven't already. Only your essentials matter in this situation. However, there is always room for small decor and multi functional furniture, once the rooms purpose is established.
What's Next?
Now that you've learned how to make a small room look bigger, it's time to put these tips into action. Start by assessing your space and identifying areas where you can implement these strategies. Remember, creating the illusion of space is an art that combines smart design choices, clever organization, and a touch of optical illusion. With practice and patience, you can transform even the tiniest room into a spacious and inviting oasis.
If you're looking to optimize further your small room, continue exploring our post on small rooms.