HOW TO MAKE YOUR SMALL SPACE FEEL LARGER

If you’re living in a small home, chances are you’re always looking for ways to make your small space feel larger. After all, living in a small space certainly has its unique challenges.

Whether you live in a small house, a condo, or a small apartment, it’s not always easy. I know there certainly have been times that I’ve struggled with contentment in my small home.

But I’ve also learned that there are a lot of benefits to having a small home. The truth is we really don’t need as much space as we think we do.

At the same time, small home living can make you feel a bit cramped and even claustrophobic. It is during these times that I think we all want to know how to make a small space feel bigger! 

I’ve raised my family in a small home of less than 1000 square feet. As much as I’ve loved it, I also needed to find ways to make our small space look and feel bigger.

As a result, there are a lot of different tricks I’ve learned over the years to do just that! I thought I’d share a few of them with you in case you too, are feeling a little cramped in your small space. These are foolproof ways to make your small space feel big!

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How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

Whether you are living in a small home as I do, or you just have a small space that feels cramped there are things you can do to make that space feel bigger than it is. 

Here are 11 ways to make your small space feel bigger without feeling like you need to completely remodel. 

1. Keep Your Decor Simple

I’m starting here because, without question, this is the most important thing you can do to make your small space feel larger.

Small spaces do not do well with large over the top statement pieces, large collections, or complex designs.

Instead, aim for simplicity. Pick a neutral and light color palette with simple tasteful personal touches. Doing this will expand your space visually and help the room feel much bigger.

I like to carry a neutral color palette throughout my home. To do this choose neutral throw pillows, throw blankets, or accessories like vases and decorative bowls made of natural materials. Just add interest by varying the textures.

However, if you love color, you can add pops of color throughout your home simply by switching out your neutral decor pieces for colorful throw pillows, throw blankets or accessories.

2. Choose Furniture With Simple Lines

Furnishings with ornate designs and large legs or heavy fabrics will weigh the room down making it feel even smaller.

If at all possible avoid slipcovered and heavy furniture. Go for pieces on raised legs which create a feeling of more space.

Mid-century modern furniture is extremely popular right now and a perfect choice for making your small space feel larger.

Mid-Century Modern design is known for its sleek and minimalistic design. Yet incorporates a contemporary feel.  If you’re not familiar with it, you can read more about it here. You can also see some examples of mid-century design pieces here and here.

Just remember the key to making a small space feel bigger is staying away from big and heavy furnishings and decor items.

3. Clear Out The Clutter 

When you live in a small home it really doesn’t take much at all to make your space look cluttered and overly crowded. Regularly decluttering and editing your home is vital!

Edit your clothing at least twice a year. I usually opt for the beginning of the spring and fall seasons, as it helps me be prepared for the changing weather.

When editing your closet, think about the items you wore, the current shape they are in, and how they made you feel. This will help you determine which items to declutter and which ones to keep.

In looking at the other items in your house, if there are things you haven’t used in a year get rid of it. It’s not important enough to be worth the space it’s taking up. Keep only those things you truly love or are useful!

By regularly editing the stuff in your home you’ll keep the clutter at bay which will help to make your home feel larger.

If you’d like some detailed tips on decluttering your home make sure to check out a few of these articles!

4. Limit Supplies on Hand

I really do love to stock up on things we always use, especially when I find a good deal. However, over the years I’ve discovered that while I may be saving a couple of bucks with my sales purchases, the truth is those purchases are actually costing me a lot more, especially in terms of the space I’m giving up.

Everything we own takes some of our time to maintain and care for. It also takes some of our limited space to store. Personally, I’ve discovered that neither the time nor the space I have to give up, by having a stockpile of sale items, make the few dollars I save worth it.

Also, it’s not just sale products that cause us to stockpile. We tend to stock up on other items without even being aware of it. Let me ask you, how many types of shampoo, hair products that all do the same thing, or jars of facial products do you own? You might be the exception, but for most of us, it’s way more than we need!

To make your small space feel larger, limit the number of supplies you keep on hand. Find your favorite and stick with that.

5. Get Creative With Storage

To make your small space feel larger look for storage items that serve a dual purpose. Something like this storage ottoman will hold all of your throw blankets and extra pillows or double as a toy box, while at the same time serving as a coffee table and/or extra seating.

Look for end tables and coffee tables that have built-in storage. These Ikea end tables are on my wish list for the bedroom. I love their sleek neutral look and the built-in shelf at the bottom.

Another area that’s often overlooked for storage is your verticle space. When looking for creative storage solutions think about adding some shelves above doorways. This is a really simple way to make use of wasted space.

Invest in a few storage baskets to place on the shelf and it will be both functional and beautiful.

Working organization and storage systems are key components when it comes to making a small space feel bigger, you can check out some more creative ideas here.

6. Have a Space for Everything

While this is something that needs to be done in any home, no matter its size, it’s especially important to make a small space feel bigger.

Things that don’t have a home of their own quickly get left out and make your space look cluttered and weighed down. You are also much more likely to leave things out if nobody’s sure where to put them away.

However, when everything you own has its own home, it’s easy to put things away and keep everything neat and tidy.

A clean and uncluttered home naturally feels larger!

7. Hang Floor to Ceiling Curtains

I have to admit I was really surprised at how much of a difference moving our curtain rod up near the top of the ceiling made when I re-did our drapes a few years ago.

The average longer drape size is 84 inches, that’s what you’ll find in most stores. However, by switching curtains to between 94 and 108-inch panels it makes a huge difference in how much larger your space will feel. Ikea has a lot of options in this size or try Target, Walmart, or even Amazon’s online selection.

By moving the curtain rods up to the top of the ceiling and purchasing longer panels we made a big impact on the feel of the room.

Just remember to avoid heavy drapes and go for a lighter flowy curtain.

These tips are great for easily hanging the curtain rod. It worked like a charm!

8. Using Large Scale Art Work Will Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

When it comes to decorating the walls, to make your small space feel larger you actually want to choose one large-scale piece on your wall over a Gallery Wall.

Having a single piece to focus your eye on makes the room feel bigger than it is. While gallery walls can be beautiful in a large room, they tend to make a smaller room feel cluttered.

Have you seen the new Samsung T.V. that basically turns your television into a work of art? They are about as thin as a painting would be and you can program them to display a painting from your favorite artist. There is a variety of artwork to choose from so you can easily switch out your artwork instead of just staring at a black box. It’s on my wish list for sure!

And if having lots of family photo’s out is important to you, consider a digital photo frame. It takes up very little space while displaying all your favorite photos.

9. Use Rugs to Define Your Space

I am a big fan of using rugs in my home. Rugs are a great way to add warmth and personal style. But did you realize that rugs also help to define the specific spaces in your home?

Having specifically designed spaces will make your home feel larger.

We generally know the benefit of having a rug in the living room to define your seating space. However, adding rugs to the entry area of your home, the dining area, a work or play area, or the kitchen area can give the illusion of separate rooms and spaces, making your small space feel larger.

So if you’d like to feel as if you have a little more room, trying adding a few area rugs to define your space. My favorite place to purchase rugs is from Rugs USA. They have a massive selection of styles and price points.  I’ve also purchased a couple of rugs from Amazon and have been happy with them.

10. Add Mirrors Throughout Your Home

Adding mirrors is one of the most popular ways to make a small space feel larger for a reason —- it works!

Because mirrors reflect light, they’ll make your small space feel larger and more open. A great trick is to hang a mirror opposite a window, it will create the illusion of having a second window. I’m swooning over this floor mirror from Amazon!

Mirrors can, of course, be hung on the wall, but also consider large floor mirrors similar to these. Floor mirrors are very popular right now, no matter your decorating style and it will really open up your space.

11. Keep Clear Pathways

Because a small home is obviously limited in space, there’s a temptation to fill it up. However, leaving some empty floor space will help to make your small home feel larger.

This is because empty spaces give the illusion of more space. When you live in a small home, this requires you to be purposeful in not filling up your floor space.

Try moving furniture away from the walls and leaving that area empty. There’s a tendency to fill up corner spaces, try leaving those empty as well.

Also, keep all pathways clear as being able to move freely is going to make you feel like you’re in a larger space.

There really are some wonderful benefits to living in a small space. Being able to make your home feel larger makes these benefits all the better. Try out some of these little tricks to make your small space feel larger and let me know how it goes, I’d love to hear!