How to visually enlarge a small room: 10 design tips.
A small space can be cozy and stylish if the right design solutions are chosen. Real Simple suggests using the following 10 tips to visually enlarge a room and make it more functional.
Hang Mirrors
Placing large mirrors on the walls reflects natural light throughout the room, creating a sense of greater space. At night, the mirror doubles the warm light emitted by lamps. This is one of the most effective ways to enhance space.
Buy Furniture with Storage Space
Choose furniture or beds with built-in drawers. They help maintain order without cluttering the room and serve multiple functions at once.
Use Light Colors
Utilizing light shades on the walls and floors adds space and brightness to the room. Light hues maximize the effect of natural light and create a sense of openness. In contrast, dark colors absorb light and make the room feel smaller.
Let Light into the Room
A large amount of natural light makes a room feel spacious, and in a small space, this natural illumination is often an advantage. Keep windows free from furniture taller than the sill.
Think Vertically
If your room is too small, just look up. You are likely not making the most of the upper half of the room. For instance, cabinets and shelves that reach the ceiling allow for effective use of vertical space. This trick can also be applied to lighting, opting for wall lamps instead of floor lamps.
Utilize Corners
This area is often overlooked, yet it can be a great place to squeeze in an accent chair or a bookshelf.
Match Curtain Color to Walls
Hanging curtains that blend in with the walls create a continuous line, making the room appear larger. There are also several other options:
Choose curtain material that lets sunlight through, especially if the curtains are usually closed.
Opt for curtains with a vertical pattern or weave to make the room feel taller.
Avoid medium-length or window-sized curtains that ruin the room's appearance and emphasize the limited space.
Install a decorative rod to direct the eye upward.
Add a Plant
Greenery can make even the smallest space feel fresher and lighter. A tree adds "vertical interest" to the room. But if you lack floor space, place a houseplant on a high bookshelf or shelf, or try hanging it.
Don't Push Furniture Against Walls
When air and space visually circulate around furniture, a small room will appear larger. Move the sofa a few centimeters away from the wall, for instance, to make the living room look more open. This tactic will help you avoid leaving an awkward, wasted space in the center of the room.
Leave Open Space
Another important element to consider when arranging furniture in a small room is ensuring adequate "walking space." Experts recommend leaving enough room between the chair or sofa and the coffee table, as well as space to move freely between the furniture.