16 Tricks To Make Your Small Rooms Look Bigger + Mistakes To Avoid

February 12, 2017
80 Comments
Posted in: interior design

Post updated August 22, 2022

It’s funny. Well, maybe not funny. But there’s often a lot of talk about how to make the most out of your small rooms.

However, I think that in a lot of ways, decorating a very large, cavernous room is far more difficult.

Still, if space is tight–and it often is in large cities where small cramped spaces can be a problem. And some free-standing homes may be lacking in space, as well.

The first thing I’d like to say regarding small rooms is…

Unless a room is insanely small, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Small rooms are cozier and more intimate. But still, we need places to put all our stuff.

PARE DOWN

I know. I know. It’s a bloody drag. And I know about the konmari book. The only thing I have to say is, it’s better to start doing it before it comes time to downsize. Otherwise, the task can be quite difficult.

Annouchka Engel

Very pretty apartment with a fireplace. Open, but not too open.

MOULDINGS TO MAKE THE CEILING LOOK HIGHER

my living room

We’ve been through this before.

here is where you can see more ceiling mouldings.

MIRRORS

Mirrors are wonderful to expand space AND light. In fact, if you put a mirror directly across from a window, it’s like having two windows.

STORAGE IN HIDDEN PLACES

Hiding the stuff is always a good idea.

Via OKL

DRAPES HUNG HIGH

Yep, we know that one. If you are lucky enough to have a high ceiling, even if the foot-print of the room is not so big, it will give a sense of space.

Fawn Galli

Yes, it’s a gorgeous room. Great bones! But perfectly done. The upholstered furniture is just the right scale. The tall lamps look perfect because the ceiling is so high.The large scale art adds the right amount of drama. And the light, but large plant adds a note of chic.

GO HIGH

And

PIECES THAT SERVE MULTI-FUNCTIONS

Yeah, we already know that one. But also finding creative ways to find space such as an office that can disappear when necessary.

But going high can also mean creating storage situations, especially in closets that make use of every bit of space.

William McLure

I just have to interrupt myself. Anyone notice anything?

Yes, it’s our yummy William McLure lamp. In the first image, it looks like it’s covered with primer before they were sprayed with red lacquer. haha. Very possible!

Moving along…

PAINT

So much can be done with paint.

Dark paint will lift the ceiling. Even a pale grayed down blue-green will make the ceiling appear to float higher. Here is a good post for ceiling colors.

The entire home is gorgeous! It’s the same one as the dining room at top with the mirrors.

William McLure

Do you really think that he’s painting on his rug? haha. And with the dog right there? So cute they are! And talented. But William changes his entire decor as frequently as some women change their hair styles. And he paints EVERYTHING. He painted the stripes on the floor. That’s a great room expanding trick.

He painted the stripes on the kitchen floor too!

It was a black and white linoleum floor (see below) before he got his paint brush and tape out.

That’s lovely too!

I understand that he moved a few months ago, so we’ll be seeing a lot more from him, I’m sure.

LARGE-SCALE ART

William McLure

It may seem counter-intuitive but a large piece of art can make a room feel far more expansive than a couple of dinky pieces. But if doing an art-wall, like the ones below, you can still cover the wall. I really hate it when the art feels to small for the wall or the composition feels too small.

Heather Clawson

Heather’s style is incredibly charming, and she makes the most of her small New York apartment.

If you don’t already read her wonderful blog you can check it out here.

James Klein and David Reid via Lonny

I’m sure that for some people this is “busy,” but I think it reads as personal and homey in a sophisticated way.

WALLPAPER

Anthropologie’s Edith Wallpaper

It reminds of a cross between Timorous Beasties and the book matched stone. I’ll be doing small kitchens soon, but I wanted to get this one in because I think it’s so cool!

Anthropologie

This mural is only $298.00! It’s nine feet high x twelve feet wide.

I’m seriously thinking about it for my entry and hall. Thinking, I said. :]

An important thing about wallpaper is that the pattern need not be ditsy because the room is small. Larger scale patterns look great in small spaces.

FURNITURE PLACEMENT

Alex Reid and Cole Wilson

Just watch that the art isn’t butting up against the moulding. I would’ve put the bottom piece of art over the chair. Sometimes things show up in photos that don’t show up in real life, so much.

Uh oh… Great idea, but what happens when someone tries to come through the front door?

“Oh, sorry Aunt Edith, I hope you’re okay!”

Guess, that’s why the chairs are covered with that thick piece of animal skin. It’s one of those trends that annoys me. Sorry if you feel differently. It’s okay, I’ll still be your friend. :]

This entry is lovely, and I love the Pembroke table. Alas, it’s a little too big for the space. Furniture should not overlap door and window casings. Poor pooch looks like he’s wondering what the milk-bone is going on with these strange folks in the house.