Bigger isn’t always better, but nobody wants their home to feel cramped. If you’re feeling too snug as a bug, there are plenty of ways you can make a room feel bigger.
And if you’re considering a move into a bigger space, thinking about downsizing, or just want to see what’s on the market, Julia Monaghan Real Estate can help. We know the Portland Metro area and are happy to guide you toward the next right home. Reach out today to get started.
How To Make a Small Room Look Bigger
Many homes have small areas. Small rooms make great sitting areas, libraries, and work-from-home spaces.
You want every part of your home to feel comfortable and inviting, but that can be a challenge with a small room. Start by considering how you want the room to work for you. Deciding what role the space fills will help you determine what belongs in it.
Once you know the function of your room, you can address its form. Consider these ideas to help make that room look cozy and not cramped.
1. Incorporate Negative Space
One of the most significant impacts on the feel of a room is how full it is. While it can be challenging to decide what belongs in your smaller space, being selective about what’s allowed will make the room feel and function better.
Keep tables and flat surfaces free of clutter. Choose a couple of your favorite pieces of art or conversation items, and find other places for the remainder of your collection. You can also cycle different things into the spotlight every few months.
Open, uncluttered spaces will make the whole room feel more expansive and comfortable. And less clutter always makes cleaning easier, too, no matter how big the room.
2. Use Smaller Pieces to Make a Room Feel Bigger
When working with a smaller space, avoid large, bulky furniture. If you have pieces that predate your home, you may be trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It simply may not work.
Take a look at the way your furniture sits in the room. Chairs and couches should fit without protruding into doorways. Your path through the space should be straightforward and clear, without any awkward detours around large pieces of furniture.
When you’re ready to purchase furniture to suit your space, start by taking some measurements. An empty room can feel deceptively large, so try taping off the footprint of items you’re considering. You’ll have a much better visual idea of the dimensions that will fit well in your room.
3. Show Off Your Floor
Furniture with a solid base can make the whole room feel heavier. Choosing chairs and sofas that sit up a bit on legs can help create a sense of openness throughout the space.
4. Add More Light
Bring more light into your room to make it feel bigger. Natural light is best, so uncover windows or choose sheer window coverings in light, neutral colors.
Hanging a mirror perpendicular to your window will also help the light move around your room. Choose a mirror that fits comfortably in the space.
If you don’t have windows in your small room, add a small table lamp to incorporate a gentle, diffuse light source.
5. Make Use of Vertical Space
Small rooms have the same ceiling height as larger rooms. Make use of that vertical space with a tall shelf or piece of artwork. You can add visual interest and draw the eye up to lend an air of openness.
6. Horizontal Accents Can Add Visual Movement
While a vertical shelf helps your eye travel up through the room, horizontal accents can create a sense of movement. Experiment with shorter, wider wall art in your room. Or, try dimensional wallpaper to add horizontal texture.
7. Let It Flow
When all is said and done, this room needs to function for you. Move around and take note of any area that interrupts your flow. If the placement of a side table makes it more difficult to access your chair, look at other locations for it. Or consider whether a different piece of furniture would meet your needs better.
8. Choose Colors That Make Your Room Look Bigger
The wall color can considerably impact how a room feels, so determine the vibe you want to convey before choosing your color scheme.
Cool colors help the walls to blend into the background, making the room feel airier. Whites can lack the character that homeowners may be looking for, but layering shades of white can add depth. Pale gray or blue tints also work well to bring personality to a white room.
For a cozy feeling, warm colors are your best friend. Deep earth tones can go a long way toward the ‘snuggled up in a cozy library while it’s raining out’ feeling.
If you choose a light wall color, you can make the room look bigger by painting the ceiling the same hue. If you go with a darker wall color, this technique can work against you since dark ceilings make a space feel more closed in.
9. Choose Accent Pieces Within the Same Color Family
Throw pillows and drapes are often the best places to be bold with your color and pattern choices. But if you want to maximize your room visually, a different approach will work better. Choose accent pieces within the same color scheme as your primary room color. If your walls are taupe, layer your windows with rich mocha drapes. The smooth layering of colors will make your room feel bigger.
If You’re Ready to Find Your Dream House, We’re Ready to Help
Are you ready to start the search for your perfect home? We would love to help. Reach out to Julia Monaghan Real Estate today to start the journey. From Mt. Tabor to Lake Oswego and each neighborhood around, we know the area. Contact us today to get the ball rolling.
