How to make small look big

Not all people can afford houses with large spacious rooms. Many a time one has to make do with a small room, and small rooms can be claustrophobic. Fortunately, we can make the most of a small room with minor changes that will give the impression of a happy,  open living space Some of the key aspects which can make a room look bigger are colour combinations, furniture placement and lighting, and these are the areas that we are going to focus on in this article. So here goes.

Brightening up a drab window

The first thing you have to do to make your room look roomier is to keep it organised and clutter-free. With things efficiently arranged and out of sight, half the work is done. The visible space will look  tidy and open.

When you furnish a small room, keep in mind that furniture can take up a lot of room. To avoid that, you can use space-efficient furniture, like a trunk that can double up as a coffee table, a sofa cum bed, folding tables, dressers or beds with storage space, etc. Placing large pieces of furniture along the wall can create undisturbed open spaces in the middle and will allow freedom of movement to the residents. Remove bulky rugs to create the impression of more floor space. Remember to keep as much part of the floor visible as possible. This will help in making a room feel spacious.

Avoid bulky furniture.  Overstuffed sofas tend to make the available space seem smaller. An ideal piece of furniture for the living room is a bean bag, which offers comfortable seating and can later be stored in a closet when not in use. It is a good idea to have the bigger pieces of furniture match the wall paint; it will help them to blend into the background and thus widen out the room. Choose sofas and chairs with open arms and freestanding legs. Glass as a tabletop gives the illusion of  open spaces.

Select fabrics in natural colours and designs for the furniture instead of bold stripes or prints. You can always compensate by experimenting with different textures. A small dining table with removable sections that can be stored away can make a dining room look commodious.

Countertops in pale colours can brighten a kitchen, and room for storage under the counter for small appliances will increase counter space and make for a tidy kitchen. Use of pastels, whites and natural colors will improve a tiny bathroom space and make it appear larger. Vertical wallpaper can create the illusion of a high ceiling. Take care to select patterns that draw the eye upward, and try to avoid those with horizontal lines.

Lighter shades of  airy blues, cooling greens and joyful yellows are only some of the color combinations that can open up a small space. Darker colors absorb sunlight, making a room look smaller, and gloomy. After all, it is all about appearances. Pale colours reflect light and make your living space look larger. This will make the most of the effect created by natural sunlight.

Adding depth to a room with mirrors

Try to avoid putting too many pictures or paintings on the wall. Hang up mirrors instead. You can admire yourself from various angles, and the mirrors would reflect light, making a room brighter, both by day and night. Placing mirrors opposite a window will reflect outdoor light inwards. Another option is the use of mirrored cupboard doors to make spaces feel bigger and uncluttered.

Make optimum use of any natural light that you have access to. Full-length glass windows work great for this purpose. Keep the curtains or blinds pulled back, to let more light in. If you do not have a great view, hanging potted plants and creepers on the window sill should do the trick.

With the right colour, furniture re-arrangement and appealing lighting, your room won't feel overcrowded and stuffy. So, happy redesigning with these easy and cost-efficient tips. Get set to be amazed at the huge difference that these small changes make.