When it comes to our homes, most of us yearn for a bit more space. Whether you’re squeezed into a tiny apartment, living in a mid-sized home that’s cluttered with kids’ toys, or simply trying to make the most of a small room in your otherwise spacious abode, we could all use some tips on making our living spaces feel larger.
And that’s what this post is all about: sharing some simple, practical strategies that can make any space feel more expansive and inviting. No, we’re not talking about expensive renovations or major furniture overhauls. These are things you can start doing right now, today, with minimal effort or cost.
1. Use Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to make a room feel larger. By reflecting light and creating a sense of depth, they can instantly transform a space. Place them opposite a window to maximize natural light, or use them to reflect a favorite piece of artwork or a beautiful view.
Don’t limit yourself to wall mirrors. Consider using mirrored furniture or accessories, like a coffee table or decorative box, to add an extra touch of sparkle and spaciousness. Even a collection of small mirrors, arranged artistically on a wall, can make a big difference.
2. Choose Light Colors
When it comes to creating a sense of spaciousness, light colors are your best friend. They reflect light, making a room feel airy and open. Consider painting your walls a soft white, cream, or pastel hue. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a trendy color like pale pink or mint green.
But it’s not just about the walls. Light-colored furniture, curtains, rugs, and bedding can also contribute to the overall lightness of a room. And don’t forget about your ceiling — painting it a light color can create the illusion of height.
3. Declutter
It might sound obvious, but one of the best ways to make your home feel more spacious is to get rid of stuff. Too much clutter can make a room feel cramped and uncomfortable. Start by tackling one room at a time, sorting items into piles to keep, donate, or discard. Remember, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things.
It’s also about finding smart storage solutions for the items you do keep. Look for furniture with built-in storage, use baskets and bins to keep smaller items organized, and make the most of vertical space with shelves and wall-mounted racks.
4. Use Vertical Space
Speaking of vertical space, this is one area that’s often overlooked when trying to maximize space. By using your walls for storage or display, you’ll free up valuable floor space. Install floating shelves, use wall-mounted racks for books or magazines, or hang pots and pans on a wall in the kitchen.
This strategy isn’t just practical — it can also add visual interest to a room. For example, a gallery wall of artwork or photos can draw the eye upward, creating a sense of height. Or try hanging a large, statement-making item, like a rug or tapestry, to serve as a focal point.
5. Keep Furniture Low
Low-slung furniture can make a room feel taller and more spacious. Think low beds, sofas, and tables. Not only does this style of furniture visually open up a space, but it also physically takes up less room.
But going low doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Look for pieces that are both stylish and comfortable, with plush cushions and soft fabrics. And remember, you can always add height with throw pillows or a tall lamp.
6. Use Multi-functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is a space-saver’s dream. Think ottomans that double as storage boxes, tables with built-in shelves, or a sofa that transforms into a bed. These pieces allow you to make the most of every square inch of your home. The key is to choose pieces that truly serve multiple purposes.
A coffee table with a lower shelf is great for storing books or magazines, while a bed with drawers underneath can provide much-needed storage in a small bedroom.
7. Use Light and Sheer Curtains
When it comes to window treatments, light and sheer curtains are your best bet for creating a sense of spaciousness. They let in lots of natural light, which can make a room feel larger and more open.
Plus, they add a lovely, airy feel to any space. If privacy is a concern, consider layering sheer curtains with a heavier, opaque curtain or blind. That way, you can have the best of both worlds: light and privacy.
8. Choose Furniture with Exposed Legs
Furniture with exposed legs can make a room feel more spacious. By showing more of the floor, it creates a sense of lightness and openness. This works for all types of furniture, including sofas, chairs, and tables.
When shopping for furniture, look for pieces with slim, tapered legs. This style not only looks more modern and streamlined, but it also visually takes up less space.
9. Use Stripes to Elongate the Space
Stripes are a great way to visually elongate a space. A striped rug or wall can create the illusion of a longer or wider room. Just make sure the stripes are running in the direction you want to elongate.
If stripes aren’t your thing, you can achieve a similar effect with other linear patterns. For example, a chevron or herringbone pattern can also draw the eye lengthwise or widthwise, making a room feel larger.
10. Limit the Number of Colors
Using too many colors in a room can make it feel cluttered and chaotic. Stick to a limited color palette to create a sense of cohesion and order. Choose one or two main colors, and then add interest with different shades and textures.
This doesn’t mean your room has to be boring. Even a monochromatic color scheme can be visually interesting if you play with different tones, patterns, and textures.
11. Use Glass or Lucite Furniture
Glass or lucite furniture can make a room feel more spacious because it doesn’t block sight lines. A glass coffee table or a lucite chair can add style and function without adding visual weight to a room.
These materials can be used in any room, from the living room to the bedroom. Just make sure to keep them clean — fingerprints and dust can be more visible on these surfaces.
12. Create Focal Points
Finally, creating focal points can make a room feel more spacious. By drawing the eye to a specific area, you can make the rest of the room feel larger. This could be a piece of artwork, a beautiful rug, a statement-making piece of furniture, or even a brightly colored wall.
The key is to choose something that you love, and that adds character to your space. After all, the goal isn’t just to make your home feel larger — it’s to make it feel like you.