It is a well documented fact that Britain’s new-build homes are the smallest in Europe. In fact, an official government report once claimed that that families are living in properties so cramped, there isn’t enough space for them to live comfortably. Utilising a small space to create a functional, comfortable feeling room is a big task, so the question on everyone’s lips is ‘how can you make a small room look bigger?’
Paint the ceiling
Few of us pay much attention to the ceiling but did you know that anything that draws the eye upwards will actually make a room appear bigger? Try painting or putting wallpaper on the ceiling to make it a bit more of a feature so it’s one of the first things people notice when they walk into the room. Another great tip is to hang shelves near the ceiling as this too will help to divert people’s gaze upwards, creating an illusion of your room to look and feel bigger.
Pull furniture away from the wall
When decorating a small room, it seems logical to push everything as close to the wall as possible so you can make the most of the floor space you have. Contrary to popular belief however, pushing furniture up against the wall makes everything look and feel cramped. Instead, try to leave a few inches between the wall and bigger items such as tables and sofas. This will help to make the space look more open and create the illusion of space.
Choose furniture that fills the room
When decorating a small room, large furniture is surely a big no-no? Again, this would seem like a common-sense approach but filling your room with lots of small pieces actually makes the place seem more cluttered. Choose big, statement pieces such as that huge corner sofa you’ve always wanted because the less clutter there is, the bigger a room feels. Another great sofa tip is to choose one where the legs are exposed. Being raised off the ground once again helps to create the feeling of space which can help to make the room look bigger.
Sabrina Soto from the American department store giant, Target also advises that anyone decorating a small room should follow the cantaloupe rule:
“Decorative accents smaller than a cantaloupe crowd a room. Instead, go for fewer decorations that are bigger.”
Use bright colours
Light colours are key when it comes to making a small room feel larger. Shades like soft whites, light greys, pastels, and creams reflect more natural and artificial light, which enhances the brightness of the room. Darker colours absorb light and can make a room feel more confined or cosy, but in smaller spaces this can create a sense of heaviness.
By painting the walls and ceilings in lighter tones, you’ll create the illusion of more space. A monochromatic colour palette, where the walls, furniture, and even décor share a similar hue, is also an option. Such continuity helps reduce visual clutter, making the room feel more expansive.
If want to add a splash of colour without sacrificing the light, think about accenting with lighter pastel shades or subtle patterns, either in artwork or soft furnishings, which will still maintain the overall open feel.
Hanging mirrors
Mirrors are a tried and tested tool in for interior designers wanting to get the most out of smaller spaces. By reflecting light, both natural or artificial, they’ll brighten a room and make it feel more open. Placing a large mirror opposite a window gives the best results, because it reflects the outdoor view. This gives the impression of a second window and increases the amount of light that enters the space.
Besides increasing light, mirrors also create a sense of depth. A well-positioned mirror can make a narrow hallway or compact living area look longer or wider by drawing the eye further into the room. Go for large, simple mirrors without ornate frames, as this adds to the illusion of continuity in the space.
For even greater impact, consider using mirrored furniture or incorporating mirrored panels on closet doors, which not only reflect the room but also act as practical, space-saving additions to the design.
Window shutters
If you’re trying to make your home look bigger, a great way to create the illusion of space is with window shutters. One of the key benefits of shutters is how they fit snugly into the window recess. Unlike curtains, which often hang on the outside of the window frame and extend into the room, shutters take up no additional floor or wall space. This streamlined design creates a more open, airy feel, making any room look less cluttered and more spacious.
Shutters work particularly well with bay windows because they’re fitted onto the actual windows. This allows you to maximise natural light during the day while maintaining privacy, which can be especially useful in smaller living rooms or bedrooms where every inch of space matters.
With a range of stunning styles available — like full-height shutters, tier-on-tier, and café-style shutters — you can choose the perfect look to complement your interior design. Each of these design options allow you to control the amount of light that’s coming into your home.
Whether you’re after a sleek, contemporary feel or a more classic look, our window shutters come in a variety of finishes and colours, allowing you to personalise your space even further. To explore the perfect shutter solution for your home, get started with a free home survey
Get in touch today and let’s get started.
