Small Space, Big Impact
In this economy, a big space is a hard thing to guarantee. But you can turn even the smallest of nooks into a cozy and complex haven, given a few tips and tricks. To stretch out even the smallest spaces, here are 20 things that will have you living large.
1. Built-In Storage
Built-in storage is a great way to keep your small place from looking cluttered and even smaller. Using every nook and cranny in your home as hidden storage opens up the rooms, making them feel bigger than they actually are. It’s a perfect combination of functionality and a more open area.
2. Mirrors
Mirrors can be a very simple way of making a small space feel bigger. They reflect light and create the illusion of the room being bigger. Try using one big mirror on the wall to transform the room completely.
3. Multi-Functional Furniture
A great way to make your small space feel bigger is to have multi-functional furniture. A simple sofa bed removes the need for both a bed and a sofa while offering you solutions for both. Even smaller things, such as ottomans with storage, can double as a coffee table.
4. Smaller Furniture
Having big pieces of furniture in a small space is just going to make it look extremely crowded and even tinier than it is. Appropriate-sized furniture for a smaller space makes it feel balanced and comfortable. It also allows for better traffic flow around the rooms.
5. Keep the Floor Clear
Keeping stuff off the floor can make the room feel more light and open. Wall-mounted shelves, lifted furniture, and even glass tables for transparency can give an illusion of bigger floor space. This also allows for easier cleaning and vacuuming.
6. Maximize Vertical Space
Tall shelves, hanging plants, and vertical storage are great solutions for a small place. Going vertical with your furniture can make the rooms feel a lot bigger and more open. It keeps surfaces off the floor and opens up the space.
7. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
A consistent color palette makes a small space feel less visually cluttered. Light colors such as white or beige reflect light, making rooms feel larger. Adding slight and subtle variations within the palette can add a bit of depth without being too overwhelming.
8. Furniture with Legs
Having furniture that is lifted off the floor with legs opens up the space a lot. It allows light to flow underneath, giving it a sense of more space. This is especially effective in more compact areas with less light.
9. Light Ceiling Paint
Painting your ceiling a lighter color than the walls can give the effect of a taller and more open space. Light colors reflect natural light, giving the illusion of height. This works particularly well in rooms with low ceilings.
10. Sliding Closet Doors
Another great way of making a place feel bigger is avoiding doors that open in or out. Sliding doors are a very practical alternative that provides more usable space. If you want to go even a step further, make the sliding doors mirrored or glossy to enhance the spacious effect.
11. Utilize Corners
Whether places are big or small, corners are usually underutilized. When it comes to making a small place feel bigger, they add extra functionality. By implementing a shelf, corner desk, or even seating, you can make sure no space goes to waste.
12. Floating Shelves
By putting most of your storage away from the floor, you can make the room feel a lot more open and spacious. That’s where floating shelves come into play. They are a blend of functionality and decor, freeing up much more space around the room.
13. Limit Decorations
When it comes to decorating a smaller place, less can often be more. Not cluttering your space with random trinkets and accessories can be crucial in making the place feel more open and bigger. Thoughtful decoration or meaningful statement pieces are probably all you need.
14. Avoid Bulky Window Frames
Having heavy-looking and bulky window frames can visually and physically shrink an already small room. Having a slim and modern frame can maximize space inside a room, making it feel brighter and more modern. Minimalist approaches are important when trying to make a small palace feel bigger.
15. Keep the Walls Clear
Putting up pictures, paintings, random posters, or decorative pieces on the wall can easily become too much. This makes the rooms feel smaller and stuffy. Clear walls give a sense of a more open space, but be sure to have at least one or two interesting pieces to keep the space feeling lived-in.
16. Create a Visual Focal Point
If you really want to have a piece of art or some other decoration, make sure it’s a bold and unique statement piece. Having multiple smaller decorations can crowd the room, making it feel small and cluttered. A well-chosen art piece adds character without making the room feel tight.
17. Incorporate Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are a great way to make a space feel like it has more depth. Removing walls or partitions creates a seamless flow between spaces. It gives more light and less cluttered-looking areas around the house.
18. Arrange Furniture Away from Walls
Placing your furniture slightly away from the walls can create an illusion of more space. It prevents the room from feeling boxy. It also makes the room feel more thoughtfully designed.
19. Opt for Low Furniture
Low furniture can make the ceiling look higher, giving the impression of a bigger space. It allows for more vision across the room. This is a great minimalist tip for making modern and practical small homes feel bigger.
20. Add Vertical Plants
Plants are a great way of making the place feel brighter and more open. A wall-mounted potted flower draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height. It also brings the room to life with a more natural and inviting look.
