Small spaces are becoming more common now whether we want it or not. Thanks to an increasing push towards cities, limited space, and a generation trending towards renting rather than owning, we’re living in tighter quarters than we grew up in.
Sometimes, small means cozy, but other times, it can feel incredibly cramped and claustrophobic. Not all hope is lost, though!
There are tons of ways to trick the eye into thinking there’s more space than there in actuality; tweaking scale, light, and movement are key to making your small space look like a palace. Read on for our favorite hacks to make your small space feel bigger. Though your space may be little, it can be fierce.
1. Scale Furniture Down.
Since you’re already stretched for space, you want to create a sense of roominess. Instead of getting pieces of furniture that touch the walls, get slim pieces that leave enough spaces that you can walk through. Opt for lighter, sleek pieces versus heavier ones. Additionally, furniture that’s lower to the ground create a feeling of openness more than their taller counterparts. For example pick a low-profile coffee table for your living room, instead of a big chunky table that swallows all the space between your sofa and media center.
2. Keep it Simple.
It’s as easy as it sounds. Keep. Things. Simple. The more items you have, the more cluttered the room will feel. Busy patterns, artwork, tapestries, and colors will overcrowd and complicate your already confined space. Keep home decor to a minimum, selecting a few standout pieces that will have maximum impact. Too many knick knacks can make your space feel cluttered.
3. Avoid Darker Shades.
When choosing textiles or furniture pieces, opt for light colors over dark colors as much as you can. Dark colors have a tendency to make a room feel cramped, while lighter shades create a stronger sense of openness. Simplify your color scheme to insure that it doesn’t feel like there is too much going on.
4. Use Clever Space-saving Furniture.
When it comes to small spaces, storage ottomans and drop-leaf tables are your best friends. We love this wall-mounted desk that could double as a bar table or eating area. Functional furniture allow to you make more efficient use of your space, which means you need less pieces of furniture overall.
5. Keep Furniture Open.
As we mentioned earlier, heavier objects will give your room a sense of being closed off and restricted. Instead, choose furniture that gives the impression of facilitating light and air flow. When you can, choose furniture that reveals as much floor space underneath as it can. For example a glass top dining room table can make a room feel more spacious.
6. Go Round and Round.
Be sure to incorporate round furniture pieces in your living room and dining room. Too many square pieces with sharp corners can make it feel like the walls are closing in. Round pieces create a sense of open space.
7. Clear Pathways.
Create a pathway by grouping your furniture on one side of the room, so that people can get around without bumping into edges and feeling like they’re the ones in the way.
8. Use a Clear Shower Curtain in a Small Bathroom.
Similar to transparent furniture creating the illusion of more space, a clear shower curtain can bring your bathroom some openness. We like this semi-transparent liner.
9. Add Some Mirrors.
It’s not a myth; mirrors are integral to creating a feeling of openness. Because they both reflect light and the room, they trick the eye into perceiving more space.
10. Go Easy on Tapestries and Rugs.
Curtains cue the eye to stop before looking outside, and also add more “stuff” for the viewer to notice in the room. Instead, consider shutters or light filtering shades or cloth blinds. The more natural light you can let into your room the better, so avoid blackout shades.
The same goes for rugs, too many can crowd your floor space. Use rugs sparingly.
11. Light Rooms With Smaller Lamps.
Smaller lamps spread light and draw the eye around the room, instead of collecting all the light in one area like overhead lights.
12. Pick Lightweight Fabrics.
Avoid heavy materials and fabrics that absorb light and weigh your room down. A good alternative is linen, which will actually increase the sense of airiness in the room. In addition, pick different shades of the same color when it comes to furniture and other decor. This will break up the visual monotony and at the same time keep too many mix-matched colors from overpowering the space.
13. Buy Some See-through Furniture.
Glass tables and lucite chairs are perfect for fooling the eye into thinking there’s more space. For example, we love these transparent dining chairs that will make your dining area appear more spacious.
14. Use White.
White is the holy grail of colors when it comes to opening a room up, and you’d be wise to make sure your walls are painted this color for maximum openness. If you must choose a different wall color, be sure to choose lighter shades and tones. White is ideal because it connotes a sense of lightness and serenity. If you’re hesitant to commit to all white, consider adding a gallery wall featuring a few large, impactful pieces of art.
