6 Ways to Make a Small Space Feel Larger

We all have that one small space in our house that we wish was just a teensy bit larger. Maybe it’s a spare “bedroom” that feels more like a closet, or maybe it’s an awkward pass-through room that serves as your dining area (ahem, hello to whoever did the addition on my house in 1969). And now that we’re all spending more time at home, it’s probably bugging you a little more than usual. Same here.

But there’s hope. I’ve made a list of my top tips for making a small space feel larger – take a look below!

1. Avoid Overcrowding

Try to limit the number of furniture pieces in a small room. Go for a handful of appropriately sized pieces, rather than cramming in as much as it’ll fit – you need some negative space! A great rule of thumb: allow for at least 30″ of walking space between the wall and the side of the bed, 30″ behind any dining chair, 15″ between the sofa and coffee table, and 36″ for any major walkways that get a lot of traffic.

 

2. Make Your Furniture Do Double Duty

There are so many options out there for furniture pieces that can do double duty! Find a coffee table that doubles as a desk, an ottoman that doubles as an extra storage bin, or even a small daybed that serves as a sofa when nobody’s staying over. You’ll save a lot of space, and keep the room stylish in the process.

 

3. Baskets Everywhere!

I love a good basket. Set a large one next to your sofa to store all of your blankets, or place some smaller ones on your open shelves so you can easily group smaller decor or store your less attractive items without sacrificing style. You can even set some underneath your entry bench or next to your front door to encourage guests to remove their shoes – we have one and I’m loving it!

 

4. Maximize Vertical Space

Hang shelves on the wall, or go for a tall cabinet instead of a shorter dresser or buffet. You’ll gain extra room to hide clutter and/or display your favorite decorative items. Plus, adding height to the walls will draw the eye upward, making your space feel taller.

 

5. Pay Attention to Lighting

Make sure your space has plenty of lighting, especially if it doesn’t get much natural light. A dark space always feels much smaller than a well-lit one. Installing small LED can lights is my favorite go-to option, but you can also bring in some floor lamps or table lamps, or even a plug-in pendant if you prefer a less permanent option. And consider adding mirrors as part of your decor! They’ll help to bounce the light around the room.

 

6. Hang Your Drapes High

If you’re considering hanging drapes in your small space, hang them close to the ceiling instead of just above the top of the window. You’ll create a long panel of fabric that hangs nearly floor to ceiling, which will have an elongating effect, and your ceiling will suddenly feel a lot higher! Go for white drapes in a small space to keep it bright, and consider sheer drapes if you don’t need them to be light-blocking. Let that light shine in!

Let me know if you decide to implement some of these tips. And if you need additional help, I’m here for you. Contact me here!

Cheers,