How to Make Small Bedrooms Appear Bigger

A room of choice

A small room can make a house look cramped. Expansion can be impossible but a few changes will make an immense difference. Color choice, arrangement of furniture and pattern will make a small bedroom appear spacious and more livable.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Color swatches
• Measuring tape
• Camera

1. Shoot some pictures of your room with a digital camera. Determine what particular areas are crowded and if there any items or furniture you want to remove.

2. Measure the size of your room to determine how much you have to work with. Determine how large your furniture is in proportion to the room size.

3. Choose the right color paint for your room. Dark colors in a small room will make it appear even smaller. Visit your local paint store and pick some colorful swatches. Pastel yellows or pinks will open a room up, as will light coffee colors.

4. Observe the lighting in your room. Do you have just one lamp or one ceiling light? Add more lighting. Consider two lamps instead of one plus a ceiling light. The more the room is lit, the more open it will look.

5. Purchase fancy shades and light colored valances to replace any curtains you may have in your room. This will allow more outside light in during the day and not darken the room at night.

6. Angle furniture to increase the size of a room as well. Instead of placing a chair or dresser flat against a wall, angle it in the corner. The furniture will look less crowded this way and your room can appear to double in size.

7. Purchase colorful bedding. A bright patterned comforter and some matching throw pillows will make the room shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss your room size with your paint store clerk. Ask him for his recommendations for the proper paint shades.