Are you currently sprucing up a tiny room? Small spaces can feel cramped, but it’s not always possible to knock down walls or add extensions. Some people may also prefer a small room as it’s easier to decorate, clean, and maintain.
Even when you mean to keep the room the same size, there are ways to make it appear larger. Wondering how to go about this? There are some tips and hacks to open up a small room. Here are some of these now:
1. Draw attention upwards
Go for a vertical theme throughout the room. You want to draw the viewer’s eye upward to give the impression of more space. Here are some examples to consider:
- A long, narrow vertical bookshelf that stretches to the ceiling or as close to it as possible.
- Long pendant light fixtures
- Vertical shiplap on the walls
- Wallpaper vertical stripes or any pattern that forces vertical eye movement
- Curtains with vertical patterns or vertical blinds
2. Have a floating effect
Select pieces with visible legs and space underneath when choosing furniture for this room. It will give a floating effect that won’t dominate the space. Avoid pieces with upholstery reaching the floor, as this will create a heavier, cramped effect.
A small bathroom
If the room in question is a bathroom, consult the Quality Craftsmen bathroom remodeling company for glass and Lucite options. These materials are see-through and help create the illusion of more space. If the current shower enclosure is opaque, put in a clear one. If possible, choose a frameless model. The change can be significant; it will allow you to view the whole bathroom at once.
3. Lighten up everything
White walls (or any other light color) are best for a small room. White will reflect light, opening up the space. However, there are several other ways to lighten up a room’s decor. You can make your space seem bigger without moving by adopting these changes:
- Paint the trim, ceilings, and walls in the same color, preferably white
- If you don’t want white, opt for pastels, pale blues, or light grays
- Stick to mostly one color for the room’s decor: the cushions, curtains, rug, etc.
- Try semi-gloss or high-gloss paint, as the finish will reflect more light
4. Make a statement
There’s no need to stick to small designs and decor for a small room. Add something oversized and eye-catching, like a large armchair or an interesting wall hanging. Several small objects lead to a cluttered look, while a couple of big ones will lend a cleaner, more spacious vibe. They will also act as a focal point of the room, drawing attention away from the limited space.
If you’re still concerned about the large options taking up a lot of space, see if you can work out a compromise. For instance, get that large, stylish ottoman if it has storage space inside. Check out some more ideas that can save space in such rooms.
5. Focus on the center
Instead of setting most of the furniture against the wall, focus on a central layout. It will allow you to leave the wall open as much as possible.
If your future is right against the wall, a viewer’s attention will usually go towards the latter. Instead, you want to draw attention away from the room’s edges. Place the furniture in the center of the room, creating a nice conversation space or workspace. This way, you’ll be able to see more of the floor, which will give the impression of having more space. Plus, it’ll make your cleaning easier.
6. Bring in some nature
Plants can brighten up the vibe of a room. If you already have houseplants, bring them in. If not, consider some succulents or other hardy plants that won’t require much attention. You can also try adding plants of varying heights. They’ll create depth and variety in the room, making the space more open and dynamic.
7. Work on the clutter
Unnecessary, unused items in a small room will create a cramped, oppressive atmosphere. Even if some of these items make you happy, think about ways to store them out of sight.
For example, you may have a beloved collection of small toys. Instead of having them out in the center of the room, try arranging a few pieces on a floating shelf. This way, you can rotate the figures for a change now and then. Other ideas may include:
- Investing in an inbuilt closet to gather all the loose items
- Using other forms of closed storage, like clear boxes that can slide under a bed or chair
- Get over-the-door or other hanging organizers for smaller everyday things that you have to keep around
- Do away with any furniture that isn’t frequently utilized, such as a side table or an extra chair
The small room will feel more orderly and airy when the excess stuff is out of the way. It still won’t be any larger, but you’ll hopefully get more use and satisfaction from this space.
Conclusion
A small room can seem limiting, but it can still be a very useful space. You can make it functional and attractive with a little effort and ingenuity. With time, that cozy little room can become your favorite home place. Use the tips mentioned above to get started.
