Expert Tips to Maximize Your Space
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped! With the right design choices, you can make any room feel open, airy, and inviting. At Sunny Side Interior Design, we specialize in transforming tight spaces into stylish, functional havens. Here are our top expert tips to make small rooms appear larger.
1. Use Light Colors & Neutrals
Light colors create the illusion of a more spacious room by reflecting natural and artificial light. Stick to shades like white, soft grays, pastels, or beige for walls, furniture, and decor. These hues make a room feel brighter and more open.
💡 Pro Tip: Painting walls, trim, and ceilings the same light color will blur boundaries and give a seamless, expansive look.
2. Maximize Natural Light
The more light you bring into a room, the larger it will feel. Avoid heavy curtains or dark window treatments that block sunlight. Instead, opt for sheer drapes or blinds that let light in while maintaining privacy.
💡 Pro Tip: Place mirrors near windows to reflect light and create the illusion of depth and openness.
3. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
In small spaces, every inch counts. Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as:
✔️ A sofa bed for seating and sleeping
✔️ A coffee table with storage compartments
✔️ Floating shelves instead of bulky bookcases
💡 Pro Tip: Choose furniture with exposed legs or glass elements to create a sense of openness.
4. Create Vertical Storage
When floor space is limited, go vertical! Use wall-mounted shelves, tall cabinets, and hanging storage solutions to keep your space clutter-free.
💡 Pro Tip: Floor-to-ceiling curtains give the illusion of higher ceilings, making the room feel more expansive.
5. Keep It Minimal & Declutter
A cluttered space instantly feels smaller. Keep your decor simple and functional, and avoid overstuffing rooms with furniture or accessories. Use hidden storage solutions to keep surfaces clean and organized.
💡 Pro Tip: Stick to a “one in, one out” rule—if you bring in a new item, remove an old one to maintain balance.
6. Choose the Right Flooring
Using one type of flooring throughout a space (like light wood, large tiles, or seamless rugs) creates visual continuity, making the area appear larger. Avoid chopping up a small room with different floor patterns.
💡 Pro Tip: Diagonal floor patterns can trick the eye into perceiving more space.
7. Incorporate Mirrors & Glass Elements
Mirrors double the perceived space by reflecting light and surroundings. A large mirror placed opposite a window or a mirrored wall can instantly open up a room.
💡 Pro Tip: Glass tabletops and acrylic furniture maintain a clean and open aesthetic without visual heaviness.
8. Opt for Stripes & Vertical Designs
Just like in fashion, stripes can create the illusion of length and height in a room. Vertical striped wallpaper or tall bookshelves can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal patterns make a room seem wider.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep patterns subtle and neutral to avoid overwhelming the space.
9. Keep a Cohesive Color Scheme
Using too many colors can make a small room feel chaotic. Stick to one cohesive palette, incorporating different shades of the same color for depth and warmth.
💡 Pro Tip: Monochromatic color schemes work best in small spaces for a seamless, airy effect.
10. Use Smart Lighting
Proper lighting is key to making a small space feel bigger. Combine overhead lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to eliminate dark corners and add dimension.
💡 Pro Tip: Recessed lighting and LED strips under cabinets create a soft, spacious glow.
Final Thoughts
Making a small space look bigger is all about smart design choices. By using light colors, maximizing natural light, keeping furniture functional, and reducing clutter, you can create a home that feels open, stylish, and comfortable—no matter the size!