5 Tips To Make Your Home Feel Bigger

Smaller spaces have many unique charms. They can be cosy, intimate, and delightful to decorate. Plus, they’re more affordable and easier to clean. That said, an open, airy space offers a certain serenity, giving us room to breathe. Luckily, there are ways to make your home feel bigger — no moving necessary! We share our top five tips in this article.

 

Brighten Up Your Space

 

 

Natural light can work wonders in a small space. Open up curtains and blinds during the day to let the light flood in. Consider painting your walls with light, neutral colours (like whites and creams), as these reflect light, creating an open and airy ambience. If you’re up for a major renovation, you could even consider installing skylights in a room or two.

 
Stick to the light colour palette throughout your home — this will create a sense of cohesion and continuity, making rooms feel elongated and your space feel larger throughout.
 

Opt for furniture in light hues to match, and ditch dark and heavy curtains that obstruct the flow of light. Instead, pick up some sheer, lightweight curtains that allow the light in even when they’re closed for privacy.

 
Mirrors are also excellent at reflecting light. When they’re placed strategically, they bounce and distribute light throughout a room, making it appear brighter and more spacious. Hang your mirrors opposite or beside windows to maximise daylight, brightening areas that would otherwise remain dim. Mirrored furniture and glossy or reflective surfaces will have the same effect.

 

Discover the Power of Furniture

 

 

It’s a no-brainer that the furniture you choose, as well as how you choose to use it, will have a massive impact on how spacious a room feels. But what does that mean, and how can we incorporate furniture in a way that maximises our space?
 

If you’re in the market for new furniture, look out for multifunctional pieces — can that bench double as a coffee table when you need it? Can you use your footstool as a seat when you have guests over? Think carefully about the pieces you choose and how much utility they bring to the room. Often, people think it’s a bad idea to get bigger pieces in a smaller space. But a few quality large pieces beats crowding your space with a bunch of small ones.

 

When it comes to the design, avoid bulky or heavily embellished items that can visually overpower a room. Look for furniture with sleek silhouettes and simple designs. Open-leg designs for sofas, chairs, and coffee tables are great, as they create an illusion of space by allowing light to pass through, maintaining a visual connection between the floor and the walls.

 

The arrangement of furniture also plays a vital role. Avoid overcrowding and instead opt for an open layout that invites movement and visual continuity. Also, make sure that furniture never blocks entryways or windows.

 

Décor Dos and Don’ts

 

 

With smaller spaces, you want to decorate sparingly and intentionally. A few large centrepieces can make your space feel expansive, whereas small trinkets throughout the room will make it seem cluttered. Think of oversized artwork and statement pieces like wall clocks.

 

Some would argue that patterns are a no-no when trying to visually expand your space, but if you use them the right way, they’re a help rather than a hindrance. Stripes, for example, help to elongate your space, so think vertical panels or striped carpets on plain hardwood floors. You can also play around with subtle textures to add visual interest, but avoid thick, plush materials and heavy fabrics. Also, be careful not to mix bold patterns as this can overwhelm the room.

 

Avoid standing pieces in small spaces since floor space is a precious commodity; instead, place decorative pieces on floating shelves or conservatively decorate tables and surfaces.

 

Use Vertical Visuals

 

 
A popular trick is to draw the eye upwards to highlight your vertical space, and a striking painting above eye level does just the trick. For a bolder choice, you could even paint your ceiling or cover it with eye-catching wallpaper. Another option is installing pendant lights or chandeliers to draw attention upward.

 

There are also simpler and subtler ways to highlight vertical space. For example, hanging curtains near the ceiling level elongates the windows and emphasises vertical lines, making the room feel higher. You can also use floor-to-ceiling furniture like bookcases and shelving units.

 

Embrace Minimalism & Declutter

 

 

Minimalism is in, and all the things you no longer need are out! Having a million bits and bobs can quickly overwhelm any space — but this is especially true if you have a smaller place.

 

Start by getting rid of items you don’t use — donate what you can and toss anything that’s damaged or broken. For the things you can’t part with, consider smart storage solutions so you can keep them without cluttering up your space. Underbed storage, wall-mounted shelves, and furniture with hidden compartments are your go-tos here.

 

When it comes to managing clutter, it’s not just about sorting through stuff; it also means rethinking what you bring into our space. Before buying anything new, take a moment to think about whether it truly fits into your life. Do you absolutely need it, and will you be able to make space for it at home? Consider adopting a “one in, one out” approach so that your space doesn’t become overwhelmed with things again.

 
Everything you keep should have a specific place. Sure, that umbrella in the entryway makes the space feel lived in, but every piece without a place to go adds to the problem. If you’re struggling with storage space, think about getting a storage unit to house your extra belongings.
 

Need a home away from home for your things? Turn to Louth Self Storage. Whether it’s bulky furniture or a few seasonal items you’d like to store, our wide range of self storage units means you’ll have the ideal space to declutter your home. Contact us now to secure your unit!