Let’s talk small spaces! If you’re anything like me, and have been struggling with living in these tiny places in Europe (or anywhere else) that cost your entire salary, wondering how on earth to make it feel like something out of a magazine spread rather than a glorified closet, or even have a tiny room in your house that you want it to look bigger, then this article is for you.
Small room struggles are real, but I’m here with some game-changing tips to help maximize every square inch without breaking the bank.
Do you want to trick the eye and transform your space? These designer-approved secrets will make your guests wonder if your room magically got bigger (spoiler: it didn’t, you just got smarter about decorating it!).
Disclosure: This blog post includes affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love.
By Payton Butler l Dupe
1. Choose light paint colors for small rooms
Color psychology is everything when it comes to how to make a room look bigger with paint. Think of your walls like you think about your wardrobe–dark colors create a slimming effect (great for your favorite black dress, not so much for your already tiny bathroom).
Light paint colors reflect more light, instantly making a space feel airier and more open. Soft whites, creamy neutrals, pale blues, and gentle greens are all great paint colors for small rooms that create the illusion of space.
2. Maximize natural light to brighten your space
Want to know how to make a room look brighter instantly? Ditch those heavy, dark curtains that are basically eating all your precious natural light. Open those windows up during the day and let the sunshine get in. If privacy is a concern, opt for sheer curtains that filter light beautifully without blocking it.
Pro tip: Hang curtains high and wide. Extending your curtain rod several inches beyond the window frame and hanging curtains close to the ceiling creates the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings. This designer trick works great all the time!
3. Mirrors to make room look bigger
Mirrors are small-space magic. They reflect both light and the view, effectively doubling the perceived space in your room. Position a large mirror opposite a window to bounce natural light throughout the room, or use a collection of smaller decorative mirrors as an eye-catching gallery wall.
Here are some of my favorites:
Vintage Arched Wall Mounted Mirror
3-Pack Decorative Mirrors Hanging Wall
Arched Full Length Floor Mirror (Can be hung or leaned against the wall)
4. Declutter like your sanity depends on it
I know you’ve heard this one before, but there’s a reason every professional organizer and designer on the planet repeats it: CLUTTER. EATS. SPACE.
A small room filled with stuff will always feel cramped, no matter what paint color or lighting tricks you try to make the room appear bigger. Be ruthless about what you keep in small spaces. As a rule for me, if it’s something I haven’t used in a year, it’s time to donate, sell, or toss it.
5. Choose smart furniture arrangements
The way you position furniture can make or break a small space. Pull furniture away from walls slightly (even just an inch!) to create the illusion of more depth.
Opt for furniture with legs that let you see underneath, as this visual breathing room makes the floor space feel more open.
Also, when arranging furniture, make sure to maintain clear pathways. Nothing makes a room feel smaller than having to navigate an obstacle course just to get from the door to the bed!
6. Select the right rugs for small rooms
Let’s talk rugs for small rooms as they’re absolutely game-changers! The right rug can visually expand your space, while the wrong one can make it feel chopped up and tiny.
For small rooms, choose a rug large enough to fit at least the front legs of your furniture pieces. This creates a cohesive look that draws the eye outward. Go for lighter colors and simpler patterns because busy, dark rugs can make a space feel cluttered even when it is not.
Here are my favorite rugs that make a small space look big:
Machine Washable Lightweight Rug in Taupe Brown
Ultra-thin Floral Rug, Machine Washable
7. Create vertical interest with ceiling-high curtains
Here is a designer secret I swear by: hang those curtains HIGH! I’m talking all the way up to where your wall meets the ceiling, not just above the window frame like most people do.
This simple switch draws your eye upward and creates the illusion of taller ceilings and bigger windows. Make sure your curtains touch the floor for that designer-approved look that elevates any small space!
8. Incorporate smart storage solutions
In small spaces, every item needs to earn its keep, preferably by serving simple functions. Look for ottomans with hidden storage, beds with drawers underneath, and coffee tables that offer shelving.
Wall-mounted solutions are your best friend, we’re talking floating shelves, pegboards, and wall-mounted cabinets. Take advantage of vertical space without eating into the limited floor area.
Here are my favorite smart storage solutions to make a small room look bigger:
Basic Round Ottoman with Storage in Beige
Flower-Shaped Ottoman with Storage in Different Colors (so cute!)
Round Leather Ottoman with Storage
Acrylic Shelves for Wall Storage
Mounted Wood Shelves for Wall Storage
9. Lighting small room
The mistake most of us make is having one big overhead light. This creates harsh shadows and makes a room feel smaller (not to mention unflattering; nobody looks good in overhead-only lighting!). Instead, distribute light sources throughout the room with a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and accent lighting.
This creates dimension and allows you to highlight different areas of the room, making the space feel larger and more dynamic. Bonus points for using LED bulbs that mimic natural daylight to make a room look brighter!
Here are my favorite lighting pieces:
A two-in-one solution here! This floor lamp with shelves
Dimmable Standing Tree Floor Lamp
10. Making a room look bigger by using corners effectively
Those corners in your room you have no idea how to make use of? They’re so valuable at making a small room look bigger! Adding floating corner shelves or a stylish corner desk can transform awkward angles into functional space without interrupting traffic flow.
A tall, narrow bookcase in a corner draws the eye upward (utilizing vertical space!) while providing storage that doesn’t protrude too far into the room. This is an easy way to make a room look bigger without major renovations.
Bonus tip: Stick to a cohesive palette
While I love a pop of color as much as anyone, too many competing colors in a small space can make it feel chaotic and smaller than it actually is. Choose a light, cohesive color palette with the same undertones throughout the room.
If you crave colors (I feel you), introduce them through easily changeable accessories like throw pillows, art, or a single statement piece. This gives you freedom to refresh your space seasonally without committing to bold permanent elements that might visually shrink your room.
Remember, beautiful things come in small packages, including rooms! With these designer-approved tips on how to make a small room look bigger, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that feels spacious, fairly, and absolutely gorgeous.
Would love to know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these tips or have any ideas to add here!
xo, Farah