5 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger By Kerrie Kelly, ASID

 

Living in a small home is nothing new, and nowadays many people even prefer a quaint and cozy atmosphere. However, smaller rooms mean less square footage to decorate. If things are starting to feel cramped, you may want to take a step back and create a strategy to emphasize the parts of your home that you love and camouflage those that you don’t. Read on for five ways to efficiently plan a larger-than-life look in a small space.

 

1. Add New Windows

 

If you’re able to, we highly recommend installing new windows. Bigger windows expose the room to natural lighting and a great view, both excellent ways to visually expand a space and emphasize the best aspects of it. They also prevent a smaller room from feeling too dark or cramped. If you want to accessorize your new view, we recommend adding drapery. Mount the rod close to the ceiling to make the room appear taller, and let the drapes pool slightly at the bottom for an elegant look.

 

2. Declutter and Add Storage

 

 

One of the best ways to create a sense of openness is to declutter your home. A little clutter feng shui goes a long way, so try moving trinkets and accessories around on shelves or concealing some of your dishware inside a credenza or cabinets. If you need more storage, consider using stylish baskets and bins to stow items around your home. You can also install or build a floor-to-ceiling shelving unit for more storage space. Stash your books, magazines and accessories on these shelves, which also adds visual height to your space.

 

3. Refresh with New Paint

 

 

Automatically open up your space by using bright white paint throughout your home. White paint creates a blank canvas for abstract artwork or your favorite photographed prints and it also visually recedes the space. If white feels too stark for you, opt for a light gray or beige instead. Neutral color palettes are always the best way to make your space look longer and leaner, as light colors tend to reflect more light and create a more airy, open feel. If you prefer not to paint the entire room, consider painting an accent wall to create a soft focal point that draws the eye in towards a light, pleasant color.

 

4. Accessorize Strategically

 

 

Add a little extra “oomph” to your home with strategic accessorizing. If you want to inject some style into a room, consider using small prints or plain colored fabrics and rugs to create a unified theme throughout the space. Next, hang or lean oversized mirrors to reflect natural light and make the room appear larger and more open. Lastly, add translucent elements like acrylic tables and chairs to serve as contemporary focal points that don’t add to the clutter of the room. Other great finishing touches for small spaces include bar carts and multifunctional pieces like storage ottomans. Bar carts can be used as storage components in the kitchen or dining room or wheeled out of the way.

 

5. Fill in the Finishing Touches

 

 

If you’re looking for a few finishing touches to help fool the eye, try switching out traditional doors for pocket doors to increase the sense of space in your home. You could also try installing floating wall shelves in your living room and bathroom to add more storage that won’t take up valuable floor space.

 

Whether you’re opening up your room with bigger windows or using mirrors and tall shelves to create depth and height, it’s easy to make even the tiniest room in your home feel a little loftier. What are some of your favorite ways to visually expand your home?

 

Kerrie Kelly, an interior designer, writes about home beautification. She provides great advice on how windows can open up a room and make it feel bigger. Visit The Home Depot to see a wide array of window options discussed in this article.