Often when we buy a home, we don’t realize a particular room is small until we start to put furniture and other objects in it. When things simply don’t fit or the room just seems small, it can leave a person scratching their heads wondering how or if it can be improved. Having a home with a small bedroom, small living room, small kitchen, or small family room, can be challenging. Whether you are searching for ways to improve storage space or simply want to make the room appear larger from an aesthetic perspective, the following tips can help.
Use One Color In A Small Room & Stick To It
Sometimes homeowners believe that to make a room look bigger it needs a variety of colors and prints. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you want the room to appear larger, add depth with very light colors or very dark colors. Medium colors are a big mistake as they actually make a room appear smaller. Go with bold dark paint colors or bright whites to create a contrast. This creates depth and gives off the illusion of a much bigger space.
Floor Too Ceiling Curtains Create Length
Draw the attention upward with sleek, floor-length curtains. When you mount the curtain rod, do it close to the ceiling instead of the window frame, to give the room a more spacious look. In rooms with ceiling moldings, hang curtains about 4 inches above the window frame. If the room doesn’t have moldings, go ahead and hang curtains up to 6 inches. Opt for lightweight, sheer curtains with muted patterns and prints. Avoid heavily colored horizontal prints or large flower patterns. Those tend to dominate and crowd a room making it seem smaller.
Use Mirrors To Trick The Eye
Using mirrors to create the illusion of space is an age-old trick, but it works for any room. Ideal for small bedrooms or small living rooms, use a large mirror on the wall to give the perception that the space has doubled. Try using elegant or stylish frames to add to the décor while keeping the effect subtle.
Multi-Functional Furniture & Hidden Storage
From functional baskets to drawers under beds in small bedrooms, the more you can tuck away in a designated spot, the more you will eliminate clutter. Less clutter gives off the appearance of a bigger space
Use Large Decorative Pieces, Not Small Ones
Small decorations and nick knacks can quickly clutter a room, making it look smaller than ever. To make a room seem bigger, use the triangle rule of symmetry with styling vignettes on dressers, nightstands, dining tables, or coffee tables. Limit your décor to no more than 5 items and be sure not to cover every single surface of your home with decorative accents. To make a small living room, a small bedroom, or a small family room appear bigger, let it “breathe.” Remember, this is more!
Large Scale Art For Wall Hangings Goes A Long Way
Wall art can make or break a room. For that reason, you’ll want to use large art pieces and wall accents rather than smaller ones. If you only have small art and don’t want to buy more or simply are not a fan of large art, then limit the small art to just one wall. Keep in mind that it’s okay to leave walls blank. You do not need to fill every wall with art. Doing so will only make it appear overwhelming and cluttered.
When In The Small Room, Keep It Well-Lit
If you are selling your house or have guests over and want to make the room appear large, strategically place lamps around the room. Using a few lamps will help to expand the room by evenly spread quality lighting around the room. Using just one overhead light is a big no-no and can make the room appear even smaller! That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t use an overhead light, you absolutely should. Adding visually interesting ceiling lights that complement lamps will help to draw the eye upwards while adding height to the room.
Define With Area Rugs
Whether you have carpet flooring or hardwood flooring using area rugs is a great way to make a small bedroom or small living room appear pulled together. Strategically placed area rugs will give off the perception that the room has more square footage.
Go With Large Statement Furniture Pieces
Some people believe that rooms on the small side shouldn’t have large, bold furniture, but when done well, it can actually help improve the appearance of a room. If the small room is big enough for a king-sized bed, then add one in! You’d be surprised how adding the large statement furniture can help it feel larger. This is the same for a small living room. Go for the sectional sofa. It can actually make the room feel larger than a love seat would.
Furniture With Exposed Legs Makes A Space Feel Open
You’d be surprised how different furniture can change the dynamic of a room. Beds, tables, and desks are extremely boxy. Buying furniture with exposed legs will open up a room making it seem much bigger.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities, and underwhelmed by the size of any room in your house, give a Fairmarket contractor a call. They can help add the perfect coat of paint, hang curtains, add a closet mirror or anything else to make the most of any room in your home. Fairmarket contractors are professional, trustworthy, and extremely knowledgeable on all subjects related to the home, so you can have piece of mind.
