Have you ever struggled to make a small room feel bigger than it actually is? Tight spaces can be tricky to work with, but with the right home furniture and clever styling, it is easier than ever to open up your living area and make it look bright and spacious. Here are six ways you can create an airy, overflowing living space no matter the size of your room.
One way to instantly elevate the feel of your room is with multifunctional furniture. Invest in pieces that can be used for various tasks, such as an ottoman with integrated storage spaces, or a bed with drawers for added storage. These clever pieces offer maximum functionality without taking up too much of your room’s precious space.
Make use of your walls. Mirrors can help to create the illusion of extra space in a room, while floating wall shelves don’t take up any valuable floor space and can be used to store and display items. Tall ornaments, such as a decorative pendant light, can also instantly add an eye-catching feature to the space, as well as making it feel bigger.
Choose furniture in all the right places. Awkward shaped rooms can work to your advantage if you place your furniture in the correct position. Opt for furniture with legs and taller pieces to allow the eye to move around the room without being blocked by furniture. Embrace multifunctional pieces and ensure all of your storage solutions are tucked away out of sight.
Furniture placement is key. Furniture can visually divide a space, making it look much smaller than it actually is. Try to keep furniture close to the walls and far away from the centre of the room. If you can’t ignore the centre, try to get furniture with wheels so it can easily be shifted when necessary.
Don’t forget the details. Instead of cluttering the room with too many small things, opt for bigger pieces with subtle detailing. A large vase with a cluster of fresh flowers can add life to a room and create a stronger feature. If you have an awkwardly shaped corner, add a bright armchair and a floor lamp to zone the area.
Rethink your lighting. Invest in stylish standing or table lamps to add another layer to the room’s design. Place them strategically around the room, adding a warm and inviting atmosphere. Replace heavier curtains with lightweight ones to allow natural light to fill the room and create a happier and brighter atmosphere.
Add personality with inclusive wall art. On-trend wall murals are perfect for making any room look bigger. Incorporate wall art with neutral colours and avoid patterns that are likely to make the room feel cluttered.
Bring life into the room with house plants and glazing. Strategically placed plants will ensure the area looks alive and energized. If you have large windows, heighten the feeling of brightness and openness by dressing them with sheer or lightweight materials.
Incorporate hidden seating. When deadlines draw near, you can turn any room into a makeshift home office with foldaway chairs and mobile desks. Strategically placed footstools and poufs are also perfect for a quick rest. If you can’t find the perfect one for your room, upcycle an ordinary stool or blanket chest with fresh fabrics and trims.
Go for a light shade of paint. Lighter shades will reflect light more easily than darker shades, making a room look larger. If you are looking to add colour to your walls, try choosing a matte finish instead of a glossy one, as this will help to diffuse the light and reduce the prominence of the walls for a more spacious feel.
Use furniture to define different zones within your room. Consider painting your walls in two or more shades for a subtle but effective way to visually bee line one area in the room from another. When purchasing home furniture, use each piece as a design opportunity. Create an open space by selecting multi-functional furniture with a light and airy feel.
Consider the placement of furniture in relation to other items such as rugs, lighting, and art. If you place the furniture against the wall, this will visually create a bigger area. Hang larger artwork pieces higher on the wall to give the illusion of height and allow your eyes to be drawn upwards.
Think practically. Look for clever storage solutions that can help to maximize the space and display items in an orderly fashion. Utilize wall hangings for compact storage solutions, such as wire baskets and cork boards for organizing notes and progressive assignments. Or, opt for a foldaway shelving unit, which can easily be stored when not in use.
Bring outdoor elements indoors. Incorporate elements that can be found in nature such as textured spreads or wood accents to give your room a calmer, more inviting atmosphere. Incorporating outdoor pieces will help to bring life into the room, allowing the space to look larger and inviting to everyone.
Opt for high hanging lights. When faced with a small room, lighting can make a huge difference, so opt for tall, statement pieces when choosing lighting fixtures. Keep the rest of the space minimal and clutter-free to create a sense of openness and let the light illuminate your room.