Small spaces are often stuffy and un-inviting, where as a larger spaces have a more relaxed and welcoming feel. In today’s environment, where space is at a premium and homes are usually much smaller than they used to be, there are still ways to create the illusion that your rooms are larger than they actually are.

1. Ideas to make a small room appear larger
Small spaces are often stuffy and un-inviting, where as a larger spaces have a more relaxed and
welcoming feel. In today’s environment, where space is at a premium and homes are usually much
smaller than they used to be, there are still ways to create the illusion that your rooms are larger than
they actually are.
One easy way to make a room seem bigger than it actually is, is to get rid of clutter. You can also use
cleverly designed furniture with built in storage to keep items out of view. Also choosing furniture with
dual purposes can save on space, such as coffee tables that double as stools and storage units, beds with
drawers underneath or a bench in the hall that encloses storage under the seat. Glass fronted cabinets
instead of solid doors also give the impression of more space and the glass reflects light. Do not cram
shelves but leave some empty space to give a more ‘airy’ feel.
The colour and way you paint a room can also make an enormous difference. Lighter colours
make a room feel larger and using semi-gloss paint to reflect light also helps, while darker
colours absorb light. Creams, beiges, light blues and lavender coolies make a room feel airy and
bright. And if you paint the skirting boards and any cornicing the same colour as the walls, it
gives the impression that the room has more height. Where-as a striped floor makes the room
feel much longer. Avoid bold heavily patterned curtains or wall-paper as this makes a room
appear crowded. And a small space should be decorated in similar tones and is not a place to test
out contrasting colours.
Similarly light surfaces and tiled areas in the kitchen and in the bathroom make the room seem
more spacious. And again keep surfaces clutter free. Use magnetic strips or hooks in the kitchen
to hang pots and pans and utensils on wall space previously not used for anything. And use wire
shelves within the cupboards to double the storage space. In the bathroom you can place a shelf
above the door to keep spare towels on and put shelving above the toilet to contain the smaller
items.
Mirrors placed at opposite ends of the room to each other also open up a room and a well lit area
always looks bigger than a dimly lit room. Do not rely on single overhead lights that pool the
light in just one area, go for several different lights placed around a room to draw the eye from
one to another. You can also use soft pink bulbs to give a warm glow and not create such a harsh
feel.
Take advantage of natural light and get rid of heavy drapes or canopies over the windows. Use
tie backs for curtains and make sure that the entire window is un-obscured. You can use curtains
to make a room look bigger. Long drapes that hang all the way from the ceiling to the floor make
a room appear taller, while you can make the curtains much wider than the window to give the
impression of more width.
See through or glass furniture fools the eye and if you choose furniture that is a similar colour to
the walls, then to the eye, this appears to take up less space.

2. Custom storage units and built-in furniture ensure you maximise space and make use of
otherwise difficult out of the way nooks, such as under the stairs, or behind doors.
Try thinking vertically – placing pictures or displaying art further up the wall draws the eye up
and makes the room feel more expansive and taller than it actually is. Shelving and cabinets can
reach right up to the ceiling.
A small room does not necessarily mean you have to stick to smaller pieces of furniture. Often
one large bold piece will work better than several small ones. And keep furniture out of the
centre of the room. Put your flatscreen TV on the wall or on a flexible arm bracket to eliminate
the need for a TV stand.
Most of these ideas do not cost much money but allow you to easily make a small space appear
much larger.
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