How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger with Smart Design Choices
In addition to these ideas on making spaces look larger, we always recommend getting extra personal with your decor and making your own artwork for your home!
Bring in some of your handmade style and brighten up an room with a painting that YOU created at one of our classes at Pinot's Palette!
Here are some of our favorite ways to maximize your space while keeping it stylish and functional.
1. Use Light and Neutral Colors
Color plays a huge role in how spacious a room feels. Light and neutral shades like white, soft gray, beige, and pastels reflect natural light, making a space appear larger. If you love bold colors, try using them as accents rather than on large walls—think colorful throw pillows, wall art, or decorative vases.
2. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture
When every inch counts, multi-purpose furniture is your best friend.
Consider these space-saving options:
Storage ottomans that double as seating and hidden storage.
Murphy beds that fold up into the wall when not in use.
Extendable dining tables for when you have guests but need extra space daily.
Wall-mounted desks for a workspace that disappears when you’re done.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, look up! Tall bookshelves, floating shelves, and wall-mounted storage units help keep clutter off the floor while creating the illusion of height. Hanging plants and wall art can also draw the eye upward, making ceilings feel taller.
4. Incorporate Mirrors to Reflect Light
Mirrors are one of the oldest tricks in the book for making a space feel bigger. A well-placed mirror can:
Reflect natural light to brighten a room.
Create the illusion of depth.
Make a narrow hallway or small living room feel more expansive.
For the best effect, place a mirror opposite a window to maximize light reflection.
5. Choose Sleek, Low-Profile Furniture
Bulky furniture can overwhelm a small space. Instead, opt for pieces with:
Slim legs (like mid-century modern designs).
Transparent materials (like glass coffee tables).
Compact designs that don’t overpower the room.
6. Keep It Clutter-Free with Smart Storage
A cluttered space will always feel smaller. Invest in smart storage solutions to keep things tidy:
Under-the-bed storage bins.
Hanging organizers inside closets.
Decorative baskets and bins to hide everyday essentials.
Floating shelves instead of bulky cabinets.
7. Use Curtains Strategically
Floor-length curtains create the illusion of taller ceilings. To make a window seem larger, hang your curtain rod a few inches above the window frame and let the fabric extend to the floor.
8. Define Spaces with Rugs
If you live in a studio or open-concept space, area rugs can help define different zones—like a living area, dining space, and workspace—without putting up walls. This creates structure while maintaining an open feel.
9. Opt for Clear or Reflective Surfaces
Glass, acrylic, and glossy finishes help reflect light and keep things feeling airy.
Try:
A glass dining table or coffee table.
Lucite or acrylic chairs.
High-gloss cabinets or backsplashes in kitchens.
10. Let There Be (Layered) Light
Good lighting can completely transform a small space. Instead of relying on a single overhead light, layer your lighting with:
Wall sconces to save floor space.
Table and floor lamps for a cozy ambiance.
Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for a bright and modern feel.
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