How to Make Any Room Look Larger

Keep clutter to a minimum to make a room appear large.

A small house or apartment can feel cramped -- or comfortably cozy. A few design changes can help you achieve the latter, and may even make your space feel larger than it is. Examine a room for ways to make it lighter and more open. While you won't actually gain square footage, it may ultimately feel like you did.

Instructions

1. Keep the room organized and free of clutter, which makes a space feel cramped and crowded. Cleared-off table tops and open walkways contribute to an open and spacious appearance.

2. Choose furniture carefully. Search for multifunctional pieces, such as an ottoman that serves as storage space or a bench that can hide blankets. These pieces cut down on the amount of furniture you need, resulting in more open space.

3. Choose lightweight materials in light colors for window treatments, wall colors and floor coverings. Dark colors on the walls or framing windows make a room look smaller and more closed in. A monochromatic color scheme in a pale neutral makes a room feel expansive, rather than cramped.

4. Avoid displaying many small items in a small room, which accentuates the crowded feeling. Choose one or two large pieces of art or just a couple of decorative items for your room.

5. Use mirrors, stainless steel, reflective tiles, wire baskets or see-through shelves to make your room feel more spacious. A glass-topped table, for example, contributes to a more open space than a dark-stained one.

References

• Real Simple: Make the Most of Small Spaces
• Apartment Therapy: 10 Ways To Use Mirrors To Make Your Space Look Larger