How to Make A Small Space Feel Bigger
Are you working with limited space? Don’t fret, a small footprint doesn’t need to mean cramped, claustrophobic quarters. In fact, if executed well, with the right elements (like high ceilings and large windows, for example), a small room actually has the potential to feel much larger than rooms with a larger square footage.
Here are a few tricks to help you maximize the space you have to create a sense of openness in your tight-quartered room.
High Ceilings
Does your space have a high ceiling? If so, you’re already off to a great start. High ceilings create an airy and open feeling, even in a small room. If you have a drop ceiling or attic space above the room in question, consider opening the ceiling up for maximum headspace. Don’t have the ability to “raise the roof”? Try choosing furniture and wall hangings that are set lower to the ground in order to create the illusion of a taller ceiling.
Appropriately Sized Furniture
And speaking of furniture, as you choose items for your small space, make sure you’re taking space into consideration as you do so. For example, you might want to avoid that oversized couch and opt for a minimalistic loveseat for a small living room space, or choose a double bed instead of a king sized mattress for a tightly spaced bedroom. And less is more in a small space: limit the number of end tables, free-standing shelves, and ottomans. One hack to save space? Consider installing built-in shelving.
Natural Light
Oversized and/or plentiful windows go a long way in a small space. By allowing a healthy amount of natural light in to bounce off of walls and mirrors, a room can be opened up drastically. Think about replacing small windows with larger ones to bring as much light in as possible. Does your room include a door to the outside? Consider replacing it with a glass one to instantly open the space up.
Mirrors
And while we’re speaking of light, don’t shy away from hanging a large mirror or two in your space. Not only will light bounce off of it during the day to keep the room feeling open and bright, but it will create an illusion of a larger space by reflecting the room’s image back. A classic trick of the eye that has proven effective time and time again.
Light Paint Colors
Sticking with our theme of brightness and light, our next tip is to stay away from dark, warm wall colors for a small space. Dark paint immediately closes up a space, primarily because it prevents light from reflecting off of the walls. Choose paint colors that are light and airy – the closer to white the better.
Declutter
Our last tip for you today is to declutter. From extra pieces of furniture, to knick knacks, to rugs and even curtains, keep the space clear of any unnecessary items. Curtains and rugs are perfect for making a large space feel cozier, but that’s the opposite of what you need in your tiny space. Leave hardwood floors bare, leave windows unadorned (or if you do opt for curtains, choose light and airy materials and colors that allow light to pass through), choose minimalistic wall hangings (stick to mirrors or simplistic and selective decor items), and keep the knick knacks to a minimum. All of this will help you to maximize your limited square footage so you can live large in your small space.
Looking for light accentuating windows and doors, space saving staircases and shelving units, and other items to help open up your space? Take a look through CBM Mart’s catalog of items for a wide variety of building materials to fit all your needs.
