Woman painting a wall blue in a small room
Updated on Jul. 21, 2023
Small rooms can feel cozy and efficient, but they often present the challenge of feeling cramped and difficult to organize. Fortunately, there are numerous design strategies to visually expand a small room. This article explores 15 clever small room ideas and optical illusions that can be effortlessly incorporated into any compact space.
Small Room Design Tricks to Maximize Space
A small room doesn’t have to feel limiting. With the right design choices, you can create the illusion of spaciousness and airiness. Here are some effective strategies:
Embrace a Light Color Palette
A light and airy living room with white walls
Dark colors absorb light, making a room feel smaller. Opt for lighter colors like white, cream, pastels, and light grays to reflect light and create a sense of openness. While dark colors can be stylish, they are best suited for larger spaces. In a small room, they can make the walls feel as though they are closing in.
Choose Furniture with Legs
A living room with furniture that has exposed legs
Furniture that sits directly on the floor can appear bulky and take up visual space. Select furniture with exposed legs to allow light to flow underneath, creating a sense of airiness and making the room feel larger. This visual trick draws the eye upward, enhancing the perception of height. Consider a DIY furniture revamp to update existing pieces. For more inspiration, browse these ideas for couches and sectionals ideal for small spaces.
Opt for Sheer Window Treatments
Sheer curtains allowing natural light to filter into a room
Heavy, ornate window treatments can block natural light and make a room feel smaller. Choose sheer curtains, blinds, or shades that allow sunlight to filter through while still providing privacy. Maximize natural light to brighten the space and create a sense of openness. Explore different window treatment ideas to find the perfect fit for your small room. Learn how to strategically use curtains to enhance the size of any room.
Strategically Use Mirrors
A mirror reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space
Mirrors are a classic trick for making a small room look bigger. They reflect light and create the illusion of depth. Consider placing a large mirror opposite a window to maximize natural light or using mirrored closet doors to visually double the space.
Color-Coordinate Open Shelves
Color-coordinated items on open shelves
Open shelving can be a great way to add storage and display items in a small room, but clutter can quickly make the space feel cramped. Organize items by color on open shelves to create a visually appealing and organized display. This simple trick can make a significant difference in how spacious the room feels. Find more tips for organizing a small living room.
Incorporate Stripes
A room with striped walls
Stripes can create the illusion of more space. Vertical stripes draw the eye upward, making the ceiling seem higher, while horizontal stripes can make a wall appear wider. Choose colors that complement your existing decor. Use painter’s tape effectively to achieve crisp, clean lines.
Utilize Multifunctional Furniture
A room with multifunctional furniture
Maximize space with furniture that serves multiple purposes. Consider a sofa bed for guest sleeping, an ottoman with storage, or a coffee table that can also be used as a workspace. Downsizing furniture can also significantly impact the perceived space.
Draw Attention to the Ceiling
A room with a contrasting ceiling color
Create the illusion of height by installing molding a foot below the ceiling and painting the ceiling a contrasting color, preferably lighter than the walls. This technique draws the eye upward, emphasizing the vertical space. Consider installing wood trim to add architectural detail and further enhance the effect.
Declutter Regularly
Clutter can quickly overwhelm a small room. Regularly declutter and organize your belongings to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Less is more in a small space. Removing unnecessary items will instantly make the room feel larger and more breathable.
Choose Light-Colored Flooring
A room with light-colored flooring
Light-colored flooring, like light walls, reflects light and makes a room feel larger. If replacing dark flooring isn’t an option, use light-colored area rugs to cover a significant portion of the floor. Coordinate flooring colors with wall paint to create a cohesive and spacious look. Explore budget-friendly decor ideas that look expensive.
Embrace a Monochromatic Color Scheme
A room with a monochromatic color scheme
Using varying shades of a single color creates a sense of continuity and visually expands the space. Choose light and airy colors like whites, creams, and pale blues or grays. You can add pops of color with accessories without overwhelming the room.
Maximize Vertical Space with Built-in Storage
A bathroom with a built-in storage cabinet
Utilize vertical space with built-in storage solutions. In a bathroom, for instance, a built-in cabinet within the wall can provide valuable storage without taking up precious floor space. Find inspiration and instructions for bathroom storage projects. Consider utilizing wall space in other rooms as well with creative wall ideas.
Consider Clear Furniture
! Clear acrylic furniture in a small room
Clear furniture, such as a glass coffee table or acrylic chairs, allows light to pass through, making the room feel more open. These pieces can add a modern touch while maintaining a sense of airiness. This trick is especially effective in a small living room.
Install a Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase maximizes vertical space and provides ample storage while drawing the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the room. Find detailed plans for building a classic floor-to-ceiling bookcase.
Choose Plain Upholstery
Busy patterns can make a small room feel cluttered. Opt for furniture with plain, solid-colored upholstery to create a cleaner and more spacious look. This helps maintain clean lines and a sense of order. Find more expert advice on decorating tips for small spaces and small living room decorating ideas. Learn how paint choices can make a difference with these paint ideas for small rooms.