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As land and property becomes more expensive and scarce, the growing trend towards smaller homes isn’t very difficult to notice. Whether it be an apartment or house, spaces are shrinking – but this doesn’t mean that our lifestyles need to! With a few tips and tricks, even the smallest of spaces can look larger, bringing a feeling of spaciousness where it’s very much needed. Here are some ideas to make your small space look a little larger.
Choosing paint colours
The colour in which your walls are painted can have a profound impact on the feeling of a space. Lighter colours, particularly shades of white, tend to have an expansive effect on a room. Simply painting your walls white can immediately make a small room feel much larger.
Accentuating the ceiling
As with the walls, painting your ceiling white can make it feel as though it is significantly higher than it actually is. This creates an illusion of upward space, opening up the room. Simple wallpaper patterns on a ceiling can also have the effect of drawing the eye upwards, creating an illusion of a vertical space.
Letting in light
Natural light is an excellent way to open up a room. The brighter it is, the more expansive it will feel. If you don’t have an abundance of natural light, however, you may like to recreate the effect using lamps. Ceiling based lights can have a harsh and claustrophobic effect, but strategically placed lamps can make a small space feel much larger while simultaneously projecting a softer ambience.
Use mirrors to create the perception of space
A proven trick that is used by hotels and professional decorators is to make use of mirrors. This can make a room feel much larger than it really is, with the added effect of reflecting light to create a brighter space.
Selecting appropriate furniture
Furniture choice is extremely important when dealing with small spaces. The key when furnishing a small space is to select pieces that don’t crowd the room. This is not to say that a small sofa is better, as one larger sofa can actually make a room appear more spacious than a few smaller pieces, particularly if it’s a sofa that is low to the ground.
Some simple tricks like using furniture with exposed legs and positioning it slightly away from walls can have the effect of additional space. Smart furniture, such as folding dining tables, can also do wonders for increasing living space.
Glass or clear surfaced furniture can also free up valuable visual space. For example, a glass dining table, side table, or console allows light to pass through, making it appear like there is more room available.
Getting rid of clutter
One of the biggest mistakes that people make in small spaces it to allow for the buildup of clutter. This creates all sorts of distractions, making a room look cramped and busy. Simply decluttering your space will have a dramatic impact on the perception of space and it’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to reclaim space in your home.
Making use of patterns
Using stripes to accentuate height and length can make a space feel taller and longer. For example, a striped rug can make floor space look extended while a feature wall with striped wallpaper can also have a similar effect in a vertical space. When it comes to floors, larger patterns, such as large square tiles, can make a room appear much larger.
Hidden storage and multi-function pieces
When living in a small space, smart storage is paramount. There are plenty of creative storage options nowadays, with ottomans revealing storage, and sofas having room beneath the cushions for stowing away larger items. Multi-functional pieces of furniture, such as coffee tables with book storage underneath, can also make a big difference and help with decluttering efforts.
Removing curtains and window coverings
If possible, avoiding any form of window covering will create a space which feels much larger than it actually is. Crowding the windows and frames with fabric can have the illusion of bringing the walls in, which is not the desired effect when space is limited.
Shelving
Installing shelving can help with storage and display, but the key is to mount them as high as possible. This elongates the walls and makes the ceiling look higher. In addition to this, shelf space should never be completely filled. Empty space should always be maintained, otherwise there is a risk of creating an excessively condensed look.
Having a small space does not mean that it necessarily needs to feel like a small space. With proper planning, careful choice of colour schemes, and positioning of furniture, the smallest of spaces will benefit from an increased perception of space. This can do wonders for the practical livability of a space and the mental capacity of its occupants, as space equates to freedom.