31 Top Tips to Make a Small Room Appear Larger

1. Use Light Colors

Light colors can make a room feel airy and open. Choose whites, pastels, or soft neutrals for walls and furniture to create the illusion of space.

2. Incorporate Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light and make rooms feel larger. Place a large mirror on one wall or use mirrored furniture to enhance the sense of openness.

3. Optimize Lighting

Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed. Use sheer curtains and add layered lighting with floor lamps and sconces to brighten the space.

4. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

Furniture that serves more than one purpose, like a sofa bed or a coffee table with storage, can save space and reduce clutter.

5. Go Vertical

Utilize vertical space with tall shelves or cabinets. This draws the eye upward, making the room feel larger.

6. Keep it Clutter-Free

A cluttered room feels smaller. Regularly declutter and use storage solutions to keep items organized and out of sight.

7. Use Stripes

Stripes can elongate a space. Consider a striped rug or wallpaper to create an illusion of depth and width.

8. Select Low-Profile Furniture

Choose furniture with low profiles, like low sofas or beds, to create a sense of height and openness.

9. Add Large Art

A large piece of art can create a focal point and make the room feel bigger. Opt for one statement piece instead of many small ones.

10. Utilize Hidden Storage

Hidden storage solutions, like ottomans with storage or beds with built-in drawers, keep your room tidy without taking up extra space.

11. Choose Light-Reflecting Surfaces

Furniture and decor with glossy or metallic finishes reflect light and make the room appear more spacious.

12. Limit Patterns

Use minimal patterns to avoid overwhelming the space. Stick to simple designs and focus on texture for visual interest.

13. Go for Glass Furniture

Glass tables and shelves maintain an open feel because they don’t obstruct the view, helping the room feel less crowded.

14. Paint the Ceiling

Painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls can create an illusion of height, making the room feel taller.

15. Keep Flooring Consistent

Using the same flooring throughout connected spaces can create a seamless flow, making the area feel larger.

16. Use Floating Furniture

Floating shelves and vanities free up floor space and create a clean, airy look.

17. Hang Curtains High

Hang curtains close to the ceiling to make windows and walls appear taller and grander.

18. Create a Focal Point

Directing attention to one area, like a feature wall or a unique piece of furniture, can make the room feel more open.

19. Choose a Monochromatic Palette

A monochromatic color scheme minimizes visual breaks and creates a cohesive, expansive look.

20. Limit Door Swing

Use pocket or sliding doors to save space typically taken up by swinging doors.

21. Arrange Furniture Strategically

Position furniture to allow easy movement and sightlines, making the room feel more open.

22. Use Light, Airy Fabrics

Choose light fabrics for upholstery and curtains to enhance the sense of openness.

23. Incorporate Large Rugs

A large rug can define a space and make it feel bigger than it is.

24. Embrace Minimalism

Adopt a minimalist approach by keeping only essential and cherished items in the room.

25. Play with Scale

Use one or two oversized elements, like a large lamp or artwork, to create drama without cluttering.

26. Use Transparent Barriers

If you have partitions, consider using glass to maintain an open feel while defining spaces.

27. Decorate with Plants

Add greenery with small or hanging plants to bring life to the room without overwhelming it.

28. Opt for Armless Furniture

Armless chairs and sofas take up less visual space, making the room feel less cramped.

29. Highlight Vertical Lines

Vertical lines in design elements, like paneling or tall bookshelves, draw the eye upward and create height.

30. Limit Furniture Pieces

Choose fewer, larger furniture pieces instead of many small ones to reduce visual clutter.

31. Keep Windows Uncovered

If privacy isn’t an issue, leave windows uncovered to let in maximum natural light and open up the view.

By implementing these ideas, you can transform a small room into a more spacious and inviting space. Use these strategies to enhance the room’s aesthetic and functionality, creating a comfortable environment that feels much larger than it is.