Many people reside in a small home, apartment, mobile home, or condo. Although an intimate feeling is nice, sometimes things can get too intimate. If you have too many things crammed into a room, it may start to close in on you. You may even feel that you’re always having to climb over things to get where you are going.
If you’re looking for solutions for opening up those small spaces, fortunately there are tons of them. By simply following the tips below, you can take a tiny room and make it appear twice as big.
Create a Balance of Large and Small
A common misperception many have is that small accents and accessories should be used in small rooms. Although some are okay, when you use too many tiny decorating pieces, it just ends up adding to the small, cluttered look. The best approach to use here is to create a balance of large and small. This will eliminate that messy, cluttered look, all while helping to create interest in the décor.
Light Up the Room!
If your small room is also dark and dreary, then by all means light it up! Remove anything in there that blocks the light, such as heavy curtains or other window coverings. Instead, go with Venetian blinds or another style of window covering that lets you open things up completely so the sunshine spills in. Make sure your lamps are placed strategically around the room, and choose lampshades light in colors so you get the maximum amount of light in the evenings. If you feel the room really needs some curtains, use sheers.
Remember—Less Is More
For small rooms, large, oversized furniture is great, as are large paintings for the walls. What you want is only a few large pieces like a tv stand or entertainment center. A large sofa and recliner, for instance, won’t overcrowd the room but will give you plenty of seating space. It’s the same with the walls: go for a single large portrait or painting rather than groupings of smaller pictures. This will give your small room a look that’s airy and spacious.
Make Good Use of What Space You Have to Work With
You’ll often see mission bookcases, lamps, and other items placed in the middle of the wall. Try using your corner space instead. By freeing up more area in the middle of the room, you’ll make it appear larger. Unless you just can’t get it to look attractive, always try to use the corners. Plants also look great in a corner space.
Mirrors Double the Size of a Room
This has long been known by designers, but mirrors can visually help create a larger looking room. Mirrored tiles can be hung across an entire wall, or one large mirror can act as a focal point. The reflection of your small room in that mirror will make the space look double the size!
Don’t Forget Color
When it comes to making tiny spaces look bigger, don’t forget the color. Don’t be afraid to go beyond white and use bright greens, blues, and peaches. When you keep the shades light, color will work to add interest and depth to the space. You might also look to see what colors are in your furnishings and accents, and paint a single wall a bright, vibrant shade to blend or contrast with that.
Remember, when you’re dealing with a small space, less is always more. So choose single items for your décor rather than collections of small knick-knacks. By mixing and matching a few small pieces with several large ones, your room will open up right before your eyes.