7 Tricks To Make A Small Room Feel Larger
If you live in a compact apartment or a smaller-than-ideal house, you’ll know all too well that the struggle to make rooms feel larger is real. Whether you’ve got a bedroom that’s consumed by your bed or a dining room that can’t quite accommodate a table, anything you can do to give the illusion that your room is bigger is invaluable.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 7 tricks to make a small room feel larger:
1. De-clutter
First and foremost, if space is at a premium in your house, de-clutter. And we don’t just mean move all the knick-knacks and souvenirs you’ve collected around a bit, we mean get rid of them completely.
Be brutal and apply this simple rule: If you haven’t used something in a year, or wouldn’t buy it today, either sell it, upcycle it or bin it.
Still can’t bring yourself to part with some of your stuff? See trick number 3.
2. Be smart with your furniture placement
Never position a sofa or a table so that it appears to block the view into a room. It will make the room look cramped and prevent people from seeing the open spaces (hint: if you can see the floor, the room will appear larger).
Also, try not to have any furniture pushed up against your walls. Even if it’s just a few inches, leave a gap. It will make the entire space feel more open.
3. Choose furniture that’s multi-functional
Hidden storage and multi-functional furniture are your two best friends when you’ve got a room that’s a bit on the small side. Look to take advantage of things like foot stools that have lift-up lids and coffee tables that open up to reveal storage underneath their tops.
These multi-functional pieces with hidden storage provide an excellent place to hide the knick-knacks and souvenirs you’re not yet ready to part with.
4. Bigger is better
Many people (wrongly) think that lots of pieces of small furniture are better in a compact room than a few larger pieces. The reality though is that smaller pieces make a room feel cluttered. Opt for just one or two larger pieces to give the illusion that the space is bigger than it actually is.
Indeed, floor-to-ceiling bookcases are an excellent way to make a small room feel larger (plus they are great for storage). They draw people’s eyes to them and up them, giving the impression that the ceiling is higher than it actually is.
5. Let in more light
Any room will feel larger if it has plenty of light, whether that’s natural light or artificial light. You’ve probably noticed that your bedroom feels airier and more spacious when the curtains are open and the same applies to any other room.
Whilst adding more artificial lighting is one option, it does not afford as many benefits as natural light.
So what’s the answer? Well, adding more windows is often a non-starter for a number of reasons e.g. the associated costs, lack of free walls, etc. That’s why more and more people are opting for rooflights instead.
The good news is that regardless of whether your roof is flat or pitched, there are numerous options available to you.
For example, in addition to our pitched rooflights and flat rooflights, we also design, manufacture and supply roof lanterns. These more elaborate rooflights are stunning and create an even bigger sense of space in your home.
6. Add some mirrors
One of the simplest, cheapest and most effective ways to make a room feel larger is by adding some mirrors. They work particularly well if you have plenty of light as they throw it (the light) across the room and into the corners of the room. With dark corners eliminated, your room will appear that little bit bigger.
If you really want to create an unusual impression, place two mirrors opposite each other. It will create a sort of infinity effect and your room will appear significantly larger.
7. Opt for a soft, light colour scheme and coordinate
Whilst darker colours make a room feel cosy and intimate, they also absorb light and that makes the space feel ultimately smaller. Choose light, cool colours and your room will appear larger.
It’s also worth noting that having several different colours in a room breaks up the space and that can make it feel more compact. Try and incorporate furniture (like sofas and chairs) and drapes that are the same colour (or similar) to your walls. This will help everything blend together and make a small room feel larger.
Are you considering buying a rooflight or roof lantern for your home? If you are, call Roof Maker on 0116 269 6297. Our rooflight experts will help you to choose the right solution for your needs. Alternatively, visit our showroom or get a quote online.