Small space doesn’t have to feel small. With a few smart design moves, you can borrow light, stretch sightlines, and reclaim floor space—no remodel required.
Below are ten often-overlooked upgrades—think well-placed mirrors, light walls, vertical storage, and scaled-down, multi-tasking furniture—that instantly open up a room and make it easier to live in. Use one or mix a few for a home that looks bigger, breathes easier, and works harder for you.
1. Mirrors
Mirrors are often overlooked or considered purely decorative, but they can be a game-changer in small spaces. By reflecting the space around them, mirrors can give the illusion of a room being larger than it is. They can also amplify natural light, adding to the sense of spaciousness. Whether it’s a large statement mirror or a collection of smaller ones, mirrors can transform the feel of a room.
The trend of using mirrors strategically is gaining popularity. Especially in urban dwellings where space is a premium, mirrors are being incorporated in design plans from the outset. According to Architectural Digest, mirrors can help to visually expand a small room and make it feel more spacious.
2. Light-Colored Walls
People often overlook the color of their walls when trying to make a room feel bigger. Dark colors tend to absorb light, making a room feel small and cozy. On the other hand, light colors reflect light, making a room feel open and airy. Therefore, swapping dark wall colors for lighter ones can make a significant difference to the perception of space.
As minimalism and Scandinavian design trends continue to gain traction, light-colored walls are becoming more popular. According to Elle Decor, light colors not only make a room feel bigger, but they also create a calming, serene atmosphere.
3. Vertical Shelves
Vertical shelves are a clever way to maximize storage space without crowding the room. By drawing the eye upward, they create the illusion of height and space. These shelves are often overlooked in favor of traditional horizontal shelves, but the impact on perceived space can be significant.
Vertical storage solutions are currently trending in interior design. As living spaces become smaller, especially in urban areas, the need for creative storage solutions has increased. Apartment Therapy reports that vertical shelves can significantly enhance the functionality and feel of a small room.
4. Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture, such as beds with built-in storage or coffee tables that can be transformed into dining tables, are often overlooked. However, these pieces can save a lot of space and make a small room feel bigger and more functional.
The demand for multi-functional furniture is on the rise, especially among millennials and Gen Z, who are more likely to live in small apartments or shared spaces. Forbes notes that multi-functional furniture is one of the top furniture trends as it adds value and enhances the usability of small spaces.
5. Large Artwork
Large artwork may seem counter-intuitive in a small space, but it can actually make a room feel larger. It draws the eye, creates a focal point, and can give the illusion of depth. This is often overlooked as people tend to opt for smaller pieces in petite spaces.
A piece of large artwork can be a statement piece in a small room. HGTV suggests that large artwork is a bold trend that can help to balance a room and make it feel more spacious.
6. Clear Furniture
Clear furniture, like glass tables or acrylic chairs, can make a room feel more open and spacious. The transparency allows your eyes to move through their forms, making the room seem less cluttered. Despite the benefits, clear furniture is often overlooked due to concerns about durability or style.
Clear furniture is becoming a popular choice for small spaces. Architectural Digest reports that these pieces can maintain the functionality of a space without making it feel crowded.
7. Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting, or downlights, are a great way to illuminate a small room without taking up precious space with floor or table lamps. However, they are often overlooked due to the perceived complexity of installation.
As minimalistic design trends continue to rise, recessed lighting is becoming more popular. The Spruce notes that recessed lighting can provide ample brightness without making a small room feel cramped.
8. Large Rugs
Large rugs can make a small room feel larger by defining the space. While it may seem counter-intuitive to use a large rug in a small room, the right one can actually create the illusion of more square footage. However, large rugs are often overlooked in favor of smaller ones that match the room’s dimensions.
According to House Beautiful, using a larger rug in a small room is a design trick that’s gaining popularity. It can trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it is.
9. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves offer storage without taking up floor space, making them a great option for small rooms. However, they are often overlooked due to perceived installation difficulties or a preference for traditional cabinets.
With increasing urbanization and the trend of living in smaller spaces, floating shelves are gaining popularity. Elle Decor notes that floating shelves provide a sleek, modern look while maximizing storage space in small rooms.
10. Scale Down Furniture
Oversized furniture can make a small room feel cramped and claustrophobic. Scaling down furniture to suit the size of the room can make a significant difference in how spacious the room feels. Despite this, people often overlook the impact of furniture size on space perception.
Apartment Therapy suggests that scaling down furniture is a smart move for small spaces. This strategy is becoming increasingly important as urban living spaces continue to shrink.
