Do you have a space in your home that’s looking a little cramped and cluttered? If so, you’re not alone! Whether you’re living in a small apartment or you have a small room in your house that you’re not sure what to do with, we’ve rounded up the best interior design tricks to help create the illusion of more space. Here’s how to make your space go from feeling a little too cosy to open and airy:

Remove all clutter

First things first: you need to declutter your space! A cluttered space can make even the largest room feel small and cramped. Remove any unnecessary items that may be taking up precious floor and wall space, like bulky furniture or décor. When dealing with a smaller space, less is more. Consider investing in multi-functional pieces like ottomans or storage benches that serve both as seating and storage to help keep things organised and out of sight.

Lighten up the colour palette

Dark colours can make a room feel smaller, closed in and more cramped than it actually is. To open up your small space, stick to light and neutral colours down to the paint colour and furnishings. Whites, creams, and light greys work wonders in reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness. If you want to add pops of colour, try incorporating them through smaller décor items like throw pillows or curtains.

Use mirrors

Mirrors are one of the best tools to create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror on one of the walls to reflect light and the rest of the room and you’ll find it makes the room feel more open, and the mirrors will do the hard work for you.

Make use of vertical elements

Don't forget to use the walls to your advantage! Incorporating vertical elements will help make a room feel larger. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves to draw the eye up, making the space feel taller. Additionally, consider using furniture with taller legs, which will create the illusion of more floor space. Choose stools with thinner, long legs and steer clear of bulky pieces with hidden legs.

Hang curtains high

Hanging curtains high above the window frame can give the illusion of a taller ceiling and a larger room. Choose curtains in a light fabric that will allow light to filter through and avoid heavy drapes that can weigh down the room.

Consider lighting

Good lighting can transform a small room. Natural light is always the best option, but if natural light is limited, consider adding additional light sources like floor lamps or table lamps to brighten up the space. Opt for lighting that provides a warm, even glow and avoid any harsh overhead lighting.

Think about the scale of your furniture

Be mindful of the scale of your furniture. In a small space, it's crucial to choose pieces that are proportional to the room's size. Oversized furniture can quickly make a small space feel cramped, so opt for pieces that are more petite in size. Consider using furniture that is low profile to help create an open and spacious feel.

Incorporate a large artwork on smaller wall

If you thought that your smaller walls don’t have room for a larger piece of artwork, you thought wrong! Create the ultimate interior design optical illusion by placing a large artwork on a small wall. It’ll make the walls look bigger than they actually are in comparison to placing small artwork on small walls.

Pull furniture away from the wall

While it may be tempting to put all the furniture on very edge of the room to create space in the centre, this isn’t doing the room any favours. Instead, let the furniture breathe and remove it from the edges of the room. This classic interior trick will open any space up completely. We don’t know how or why, but it just works.

 

With these tried and true tips, you’ll have the tools to make any small room feel bigger than it is and create light, airy spaces that you’ll love spending time in.