How to Make a Small Room Feel Larger

by Lauren Busser The House Designers Editorial Director

You might not immediately embrace the idea of smaller rooms or a small house plan, but much of how the size of a space is perceived comes from how you decorate it. Everything from the colors on the walls to the size of furniture, and how much 'stuff' is placed in the space can really affect the feel of the room. Here are a few simple tips and tricks that will fool the eye and make those small spaces feel larger.

Play with Color

When it comes to paint, you can trick the eye in many ways. When looking for a paint color, pick a lighter hue. The lighter and more washed out the hue, the further back the walls will look. As a result the room will feel larger and more open.

If you have your heart set on a darker color, consider dividing the room. Paint two opposing walls the same color, but with different shades keeping one deeper and the other lighter. The change in intensity is eye-catching and will give the room depth.

Light it Up

There is no substitute for good lighting. Be mindful of window treatments and choose window shades that soften harsh light while letting in enough to brighten. Consider devices like floor lamps for spotlighting certain sections. Well placed, quality lighting will warm and open up any space, but is especially effective in smaller ones.

Mirrors

Mirrors are not just for the bathroom anymore. They can also be used to make any tight space seem larger. Hanging a mirror in the right spot will trick the eye into thinking a room is larger than it is, and it will also reflect the light, maximizing the effect of both natural and artificial light sources.

Furniture and Built-Ins

Careful selection of furniture is another key in making sure that your rooms feel spacious. Oversized furniture in a small room can make the room feel crowded, so be sure to keep things in correct proportion to one another.

Using built-in cabinetry and mounting your televisions to walls are other good tricks to keep floor space open. When you are thinking of mounting a television, work with your carpenter and electrician to create a niche in the wall for the rest of your electronic equipment.

Colorful Accents

If you want to keep a neutral color palette, consider adding some depth with colorful accents. Placing a colorful vase with flowers on a coffee table or some beautifully colored frames on a shelf against the wall will extend the eye even further.

Whether you are working in the smallest room of your house, or the largest, you can make it feel even bigger by using some of these tips and tricks. By following these guidelines your small space will feel open and airy.

READ MORE: Decorating On a Budget