Make Small Rooms Feel Bigger With Clever Decor Tricks
Living in a compact space can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle against clutter and claustrophobia. But fear not, my fellow small-space dwellers! With a few strategic design tricks up your sleeve, you can transform even the tiniest of rooms into a spacious and inviting oasis.
Embrace the Power of Mirrors
As the old saying goes, “Mirrors are the windows to a bigger world.” Okay, maybe that’s not an actual saying, but the sentiment holds true. Strategically placing mirrors throughout your small space can create the illusion of depth and expand the visual boundaries of the room. As the Washington Post article notes, “It’s like doubling a room,” says Manhattan interior designer Kati Greene Curtis.
But mirrors aren’t the only reflective surfaces that can work their magic. Shiny tile backsplashes, lacquered furniture, and high-gloss painted ceilings can all contribute to the sense of openness by casting light and creating the illusion of volume. Just be sure to provide ample lighting to give your reflective elements something to bounce back.
Embrace the Vertical
When it comes to small spaces, thinking vertically is key. As the Remodelista article suggests, incorporating tall shelves, vertical shiplap, or a dramatic hanging light fixture can draw the eye upward and create the impression of a loftier, more expansive room.
But don’t forget the horizontal plane as well. Running your wall paneling or shiplap across the ceiling can seamlessly blend the boundaries between walls and overhead, giving the illusion of increased width and height. It’s all about striking the right balance between vertical and horizontal elements to achieve the desired spatial effect.
Color and Contrast, Carefully
When it comes to color, the conventional wisdom is to stick to light, airy shades to make a small room feel more open and spacious. As The Spruce points out, “Whereas dark, warm colors make space feel cozy and intimate, light, cool colors make space feel open and airy.”
But don’t be afraid to break the mold and experiment with darker hues. As the Remodelista article suggests, deep shades of navy, brown, or black can actually create the illusion of depth and vastness by blurring the room’s boundaries. The key is to apply these dramatic colors consistently, from walls to trim, to avoid creating a jarring contrast that can make the space feel even smaller.
And when it comes to patterns, less is more. Busy prints and bold color combinations can quickly overwhelm a small room, making it feel cluttered and claustrophobic. Stick to subtle, tone-on-tone textiles and wallpapers to maintain a cohesive, harmonious look that won’t visually compete for attention.
Furniture Finesse
Furniture selection is crucial when working with limited square footage. As The Spruce advises, “Use a few large, simple pieces of furniture or accessories in place of several smaller ones, which makes a small space look cluttered.”
Opt for low-profile, leggy pieces that allow light and air to flow freely around them, creating a sense of openness. Avoid heavy, bulky furniture that can weigh down a room and make it feel smaller. And don’t be afraid to “float” key pieces, like a sofa or armchair, away from the walls to establish breathing room and a more dynamic layout.
Maximize Vertical Storage
When square footage is limited, it’s essential to make the most of every inch – including the walls. Incorporate tall shelving units, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, and even curtain rods that extend all the way to the ceiling to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of increased height.
As the Washington Post article notes, “Vertical real estate is valuable in small rooms, not only for storage but also for drawing the eye upward. Curtains that are mounted near the ceiling, as well as kitchen cabinets and built-in shelving that extend all the way up a wall, create a feeling of expansiveness.”
Let There Be Light
Proper lighting can make all the difference in a small space. As the Remodelista article explains, “Any room will look larger if it’s well-lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting.”
Ditch heavy drapes in favor of sheer, lightweight window treatments that allow natural light to flood the room. Supplement with a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting to create depth and dimension. Strategically placed mirrors can also work wonders, reflecting and amplifying the available light to make the space feel brighter and more open.
At the end of the day, transforming a small room into a spacious oasis is all about clever illusions and strategic design choices. By embracing mirrors, vertical elements, thoughtful color palettes, and well-chosen furniture, you can trick the eye and create the sense of a room that’s far grander than its physical dimensions.
So don’t let a compact footprint hold you back – unleash your inner interior design wizard and make your small space feel bigger than ever. And if you’re in the Aberdeen, UK area, be sure to check out ABC Home for all your building and renovation needs. They’ll help you turn your tiny oasis into a veritable palace.
