Here are some top tips to help you create a space that feels larger and one that is big on style!
1. Colour: The colour palette you choose for your room plays a huge role in how spacious it feels. Light and neutral colours a warm white, soft cream, light grey, and soft pastels reflect more light, making a room feel airy and open. See our blog post on how to pick the right white for your space (insert blog post 1 link) Darker shades will absorb light, so use them carefully and sparingly. They can be used in accessories, rugs, cushions as a contrast to neutral walls. Using the same colour for the woodwork as you do the walls will make the room feel bigger as there is no contrast to detract the eye. Creating an illusion of a larger space.
2. Scale – You need to think carefully about the proportion of the furniture you use. I am a big fan of sofas or chairs with feet so you can see part of the floor underneath creating an illusion of space. If each piece of furniture sits directly on the floor without legs it can feel blocky in a small space. When you are thinking about seating its worth noting armchairs can take up more room than a sofa due to the space you need to around each chair. Low profile furniture will make the ceiling feel higher than it is.
3. Multi-Functional Storage: Try doubling up an ottoman as a coffee table with a glass or wooden tray on top for storage. Some corner sofa beds have the option of ottoman storage. You can use an ottoman storage bench to sit at the end of your bed. This doubles up as a place to sit as well as storing all sorts of items. If you have a bay window, a window seat with storage is a great idea with a seat cushion on top for storage. If you have a small kitchen you will want to hide as much away as possible. Pan drawers are amazing for storage for bulky items not just pans! If you have tall cabinets invest in pull down storage and baskets to make the most use of every nook.
Kitchen plinths go can now be pull out drawers which is a smart when storage space is minimal.
4. Use Vertical Space – When you are struggling for space go up! If you have alcoves a slim tall unit can sit inside giving you storage. Built in or floating shelves will draw the eye upwards. By allowing as much floor space as possible this will make the room feel much bigger than it is. Artwork or Decor can be hung slightly higher to create the feeling of the walls being taller than they are. A vertical wall bed if the bedroom needs to be multi-purpose. A wall desk but remember you’ll need to remove everything off from it. Perfect if you are just using a laptop for example.
5. Creating the illusion of height with curtains: Hang your curtains on rails that are ceiling fixed. If you can, try to use lightweight curtains they add a subtle flow without feeling big and bulky. If you need to insulate or blackout team with a roller or roman blind on the inside recess. This is one of my favourite ways to make a room feel bigger and grander.
6. Rugs: Using a rug to define your space can be helpful. Use a larger rug that your furniture sits on to create a larger feel. Rugs can also break up open plan zones for example a large rug (easy clean!) under the dining table with another rug where the sofas, coffee tables sit to identify the areas. Not all open plan spaces are huge! There can be a lot to pack into one space with the need to create separate areas.
7. Declutter & minimalism: You can’t beat decluttering, getting rid of things you no longer need, use or love. As William Morris famously once said “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or beautiful” This quote has stood the test of time as it and is as relevant as ever.
Final Thoughts
Even the smallest room can be made to feel larger with clever design techniques. By choosing the right colours, furniture, and decor, and making the most of any natural light, you can transform a small space into one that evokes calm and an airy feel. Whether you’re living in a tiny apartment or simply dealing with a small room, these strategies will help you maximize every square inch and create a more spacious, inviting atmosphere.
Do you have any tips for making a small room look bigger? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
