The choices we make when decorating and furnishing our homes can have a huge impact on the sense of space we create. Using clever tactics can maximize even the smallest rooms, making them feel larger.
In recent years, there’s been a huge shift to open-plan living and there are countless stunning examples online showing innovative, light and airy designs. But what if you simply don’t have the space – or the money – to complete renovations on that kind of scale? What other options exist for making the most of the space we have and creating inviting, relaxing areas in our home? Read on for some ideas.
Paint or decorate in pale, light colors
Light colors reflect daylight better than dark and can create an airier feel in a room. If you want to give the illusion of space, always paint and decorate in lighter colors – particularly in smaller spaces. Paler colors give a relaxing feel to a room by making it feel calmer and less cluttered.
Create the illusion of bringing the outside, inside
If your home has a garden, one of the best ways you can give a sense of space is to remove the confines of walls and create the illusion that the inside space stretches far outside. Try replacing a wall with full-length glass doors to merge the interior of your home with the exterior. For example, Cover Glass Nevada’s frameless folding glass doors do a fantastic job of increasing the impression of space while also bringing in more light to a room.
If you can, build vertically
If space in a room is at a premium, consider using the vertical areas for shelves and storage. Not only will you improve your storage capacity, you’ll also make the room feel taller. Full-length, floor-to-ceiling shelving makes your eye travel the height of a wall, increasing the sense of vertical space and helping you keep things tidy.
Create simple lines with furniture
While furniture serves a practical purpose, it is also one of the defining aspects in any room – no matter what size. Using clean, minimalist lines in furniture (and furnishings) helps stop the eye from becoming distracted or focused on particular elements in an area. Instead, our eyes travel around the space freely, increasing the illusion of space.
When choosing furniture, aim for simple lines and choose colors that complement existing décor, to allow items in the room to flow into one another. Also, try to keep things off the floor. Choosing furniture with open space underneath can highlight floor space, making a room feel bigger.
Use symmetry
Keeping a room’s décor and furniture symmetrical can help it appear neater and more organized which, in turn, gives the illusion of more space. When a room feels balanced, your eye is better able to make sense of the area, scanning round rather than focusing on particular items. Try organizing tables, chairs, ornaments and any pictures so they have symmetry.
Keep rooms clean and tidy
It should be obvious but keeping a room clean and free of clutter helps create an immediate impression of space. Tidiness is particularly important with small rooms which will give the impression of appearing even smaller if left untidy.
