Do you have a room in your house that you wish you spent more time in, but you just feel like it is too small to be of much use? If so, then there is hope. With a little creativity and clever design, you can still turn that area into a usable space. You just need to get creative.
Let’s look into different ways you can use to set up your room and give the illusion that it is much larger than it first appears. Consider these tips, and then enjoy your new space.
1. Start by Decluttering the Space
If the room you are considering is often used for storage, or it is just a bit cramped because of all of the stuff you have, then consider decluttering the space. In addition to creating more room, downsizing can benefit your health — both your mental and physical health. You’ll get some exercise by moving things around and your mind will feel clearer when your space isn’t so cramped anymore.
Take it slow and go through the room as you create two piles. One for things you want to keep and the other for the belongings you no longer need. You may be attached to some of this stuff, but think about how often you use what you have, and if you think you’ll ever use it again. If not, then consider donating those items.
Many people can make a lot of room by decluttering their closets. When you do, look through every piece of clothing and remove anything torn or stained. Then, look at what is left and consider if you have worn it over the last 12 months. If you haven’t, give it away. If you want to keep it, but you need more space, then store it in air-tight storage bins to keep the clothing safe.
2. Reorganize
Once you have reduced the amount of clutter in the room, you can think about different storage solutions to get more items off of the floor, so you have more space to move about. Consider adding more shelving to the walls so you can get items up and out of the way. You can also make storage out of a piece of furniture. You can look online for a bench or ottoman that will double as storage space so you can relax without the mess.
You can also make more space by using foldable chairs and other items that you can store in a corner or a closet when not in use. You can even find full dining room sets that can fold up and be moved completely out of the way.
If there is anything left over that you want to keep, then consider renting a storage space to hold it until you make a final decision. Smart packing will be essential in this case. Properly pad any delicate or fragile items and add everything into water-tight containers in case there is ever a flood to prevent damage while your items are stored. Make sure to properly label everything in your storage locker so you can easily find it if necessary.
3. Use the Power of Mirrors
Mirrors serve multiple purposes. Not only are they essential when making sure your outfit matches, but they can also make a space look bigger. Utilizing this optical illusion is essential when you’re making a small room look bigger.
A mirror can make the room appear larger because it will create a greater sense of openness by reflecting the view of the room and the light that comes in the windows. On top of the illusion aspect, mirrors can also make great decorative pieces, and you can find one in just about any style by researching online.
4. Change the Color
Another trick that many designers try is changing the color of the room so it appears larger.
For instance, there are many variations of white that you can use for your room, and all of them give the illusion that there is more space. Darker colors can make the space feel a bit more closed in, so avoid black and brown unless you want to make a space feel cozy.
Light blue is another great way to go. In addition to making the space appear larger, it is also a soothing color that can help you relax when you are in your special sanctuary. Light green is another option because it reminds us of plants and as a cooler tone, it has shorter wavelengths that naturally calm one’s mind.
5. Remove Rugs and Drapes
We want to take all the steps necessary to make the room feel less cluttered and more open, and a great way to do that is to remove unnecessary elements, like rugs and drapes. Carpeting and rugs can make a space feel more cramped, while tile or wood flooring tends to make the space feel freer and more open.
Sometimes it can seem like thick drapes can be so invasive that they take up half of the room, so consider switching them out for blinds or no window covering at all. White blinds can add to the illusion of more space, and they are easier to open so that you can let in that natural light.
As you can see, there are many different tactics that you can try to make a small room appear larger. Consider the tips mentioned here and enjoy your brand-new space!