5 Ways to Make a Room Look Bigger

Sometimes, even larger rooms can feel cramped and closed in with clutter and poor design choices. Oppositely, smaller rooms can feel spacious and inviting when designed correctly. The trick is to understand how to use space and design techniques to make a room feel bigger than it actually is.

Whether you're a student living in a small dorm room or a homeowner looking to maximize space, here are seven ways to make a room look bigger:

Invest in Baskets, Boxes, and Containers

Most people have some sort of clutter in their rooms, whether it's clothes, books, or other knick-knacks. These items can make a room feel cramped and chaotic, but they are also necessary for everyday living.

Instead of simply storing items in piles or on the floor, invest in baskets, boxes, and containers to keep things organized and out of sight. This can not only declutter your room, but add some order and organization. When things are stored away neatly, and in specific places i.e all paperwork and books on a designated shelf or box, it creates a sense of structure and makes the space feel more open and less overwhelming.

However, if you have larger items, i.e bulk furniture or seasonal items, consider renting a nearby storage unit. While these are popular for residents in between moves, they can also be used for storing off-season clothing or decorations. Self storage in Brighton, for example, has grown in demand as homes have become smaller and storage space more limited. Just ensure to label your boxes, group similar items together, and keep a quick list of what’s inside.

Use Paint and Color to Your Advantage

You probably know that light colors make a room feel more open and airy, while darker colors make it feel smaller and more enclosed. However, using both strategically can add contrast and depth, creating the illusion of more space.

When choosing colors, consider your room’s shape and size. If it’s small, light colors will make it feel more spacious by making the walls seem farther away. Adding darker shades on certain walls can create depth and balance. For example, in a long, narrow room, painting the shorter walls a slightly darker shade than the longer ones can make the space feel more proportionate. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize length, painting the longer walls in a darker tone can enhance that effect.

Here are a few painting techniques to maximize space:

• Stick to a cohesive color scheme – Too many different colors can break up the space, making it feel smaller. Using variations of the same color helps maintain flow.

• Use vertical stripes – Painting vertical stripes on the walls can create the illusion of height, making a low ceiling feel taller.

• Opt for lighter trims – Painting trims and ceilings a lighter shade than the walls can enhance brightness and openness.

The key is to use color wisely to shape how the space feels rather than overwhelming it with too many contrasts.

Purchase Multi-functional Furniture

Multi-functional furniture is an overlooked, yet effective way to create more space in a room. In essence, they work by serving more than one purpose, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of furniture. For example, a sofa bed can be used as both a place to sit and a place to sleep, saving space in a living room or guest bedroom.

Other examples of multi-functional furniture include storage ottomans, which can serve as both a seat and a place to store items, and convertible dining tables that can expand or collapse based on your needs. These types of furniture not only save space but also add functionality to any room.

In addition to these, you can invest in modular furniture, which allows you to customize different pieces and adapt them to your space. Due to their interchangeable nature, they can be rearranged to fit a wide range of layouts, making them ideal for small spaces.

Allow for Natural Light

Perhaps the most cost-effective way to make a room feel bigger is simply opening up the space and allowing natural light to flow in. Natural light is free, and it can make a room feel brighter, larger, and more inviting. However, apart from opening up the curtains or blinds, there are other ways to maximize natural light in a room.

One way is to strategically place mirrors across from windows. This will reflect natural light and create the illusion of more space as the mirror reflects the rest of the room. Additionally, using lighter-colored curtains or sheer fabrics can help diffuse and spread natural light throughout the room.

For even more brightness, consider removing heavy drapes or opting for window treatments that allow for adjustable light control, such as sheer roller blinds or Venetian blinds. Glossy or satin-finish paint on walls and ceilings can also enhance natural light by reflecting it rather than absorbing it.

Rearrange the Room

Your layout is only as spacious as you make it. Sometimes, even larger spaces get cramped simply because furniture and decor are not arranged properly. To create the illusion of more space, try rearranging your furniture to allow for better flow and visual continuity.

Open layouts promote traffic flow, meaning you should avoid placing furniture in such a way that it blocks pathways or creates dead ends. Instead, try to arrange furniture in a way that allows for easy movement throughout the room.

Here are a few other tips for maximizing space through furniture arrangement:

• Pick a focal point, like a fireplace or television, and arrange furniture around it.

• Keep furniture away from walls to create visual depth and allow for more walking space.

• Keep three feet of walking space around the room  to allow for easy movement.

• Don't place furniture in front of windows or doorways, as this can make the room feel smaller.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of creating more space in your home is that it doesn't always require a major renovation or expensive furniture purchases. With some strategic design choices and simply being proactive, you can make any room feel bigger and more open. Use the tips provided in this document as a starting point, but feel free to experiment and find what works best for your space.