Are you feeling a bit cramped in your small apartment or room? With a bit of interior design magic, you can create the illusion of a larger space. Here are some tips and tricks to make small spaces look bigger.
Use Light Colors and Clever Contrasts
Light colors make a room feel open and airy. Stick to pale colors like white, beige, or pastel shades. Additionally, adding a darker color contrast in an unexpected place, like the back of a bookshelf, can create depth that makes a room feel larger.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Large, wall-mounted mirrors are the most effective for this trick. Try placing a mirror across from a window to reflect the outdoors, which will make the space feel more open.
Opt for Multi-Function Furniture
Multi-function pieces, like a sofa bed or a coffee table with hidden storage, save space by serving multiple purposes. These pieces eliminate the need for extra furniture and make the room feel more spacious.
Use Vertical Space
Use the space from floor to ceiling to draw the eye upward. Tall, slender furniture pieces, vertical shelving, or hanging decor can serve this purpose. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, for example, can create the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Clear out Clutter
A cluttered room looks smaller. Regularly clearing out items you don't need or use can help maintain a sense of spaciousness. Try to keep surfaces as clear as possible and use storage solutions to keep items out of sight.
Use Stripes
Stripes elongate a space, similar to how they work in fashion. A striped rug or wallpaper can make a room look longer or taller.
Opt for Glass or Lucite Items
Furniture items made of glass, lucite, or any transparent material give the illusion of more space because they don't obstruct the view.
Keep Window Coverings Minimal
Heavy, dark curtains make a space feel smaller. Opt for minimal window coverings like blinds or light, sheer curtains to let in more light and make the room feel more open.
Choose the Right Lighting
A well-lit room feels larger. Make sure to use a mix of light sources like overhead lights, table lamps, and natural light to create a well-balanced and open space.
Scale Furniture to Room Size
Choose furniture pieces that fit the room's scale. A large sofa in a small room will make the space feel cramped. Opt for smaller, more compact furniture pieces.
Here's a quick look at some of these tips in a structured way:
By implementing these interior design tips, you can transform your cramped space into a more comfortable, open area.
