How to Make a Small Room Feel Bigger

How to Make a Small Room Feel Bigger

Small rooms can be cosy, charming… and occasionally a tiny bit claustrophobic. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to knock down walls or move house to give your space some breathing room. With the right design choices, you can make even the smallest corners feel open, airy, and effortlessly stylish.

Here are my go-to designer tips to help you trick the eye, maximise your layout, and fall back in love with your space.

1

Start With a Clear-Out

Let’s get the unpopular truth out of the way first... clutter shrinks a room faster than anything else.

  • Keep only what you love and actually use

  • Choose stylish storage that hides the rest

  • Keep surfaces as clear as possible

A tidy space feels instantly bigger AND calmer, and we all need that!

2

Use Light, Warm Tones (Not Just White!)

A common misconception is that white is the only way to brighten a tiny room. Not true!
Light, warm neutrals, olives, soft taupes, sandy beiges, warm khakis reflect light beautifully while still adding character.

These tones add depth rather than washing everything out, making your room feel bigger and cosier.

3

Add Mirrors

Mirrors bounce light around the room and create the illusion of extra space.

Some places that work well...

  • A large mirror opposite a window

  • A floor mirror leaning casually in the corner (très chic) 

  • You could even use glass for a similar effect by adding large framed prints or art in areas that the light hits.

Just remember: secure them properly. (Safety first, people!)

4

Let Natural Light In

Natural light is your best friend in a small room.

  • Avoid heavy blackout curtains during the day. If your space needs thick black-out curtains, try extending your curtain pole past the edge of your windows so that when you open them, you can leave the window un-obstructed.

  • Choose sheer curtains, or blinds that can be fully tucked away

  • Keep windowsills clutter-free

If you’re short on natural light, don't rely on your overhead light. Always make sure to layer your lighting... overhead + wall lights + lamps = sexy.

5

Use Multi-Functional Furniture

Small room? Big thinking.

  • A bed with storage underneath

  • A coffee table with hidden compartments

  • Nesting tables

  • Ottomans that double as seats or tables

These clever pieces do the heavy lifting so the valuable floor space doesn’t have to be compromised.

6

Go Big With Rugs (Yes, Really)

It sounds backwards, but a larger rug makes the room feel more open.

Tiny rugs make the space feel chopped up, while a generous one anchors the room and gives the illusion of more floor space. Just make sure to leave a decent sized border or the existing floor around the room.

Choose a warm, textured rug in a soft neutral tone instead of a flat, busy looking rug.

7

Keep It Cohesive

Your colour palette, materials, and finishes should flow and work together.

Using too many bold tones or patterns can visually shrink the space. Stick to complementary colours and introduce subtle variations through:

  • Textures

  • Natural materials

  • Soft patterns

  • Contrasting or curved shapes

8

Think Vertically

If you are working with a smaller room, extending outwards should be avoided where possible. Have a look around and search for opportunities to expand upwards instead.

Try these tips to make it seem like your room is bigger (because you can see a larger portion of the floor).

  • Tall bookshelves

  • Wall mounted furniture
  • Sofas that are on feet instead of sitting flat on the floor

These tricks draw the eye up and give the illusion of taller ceilings.

  • High curtain poles (hung close to the ceiling)

  • Vertical panelling

9

Choose Leggy Furniture

As mentioned in the previous point, furniture with exposed legs creates more visual space underneath, making your floor space seem larger.

Sofas, chairs, and tables that hover slightly off the floor help your room breathe and stop everything feeling bulky.

10

Edit With Purpose

When styling a small room, every choice matters. Go for:

  • Fewer, larger décor pieces rather than lots of tiny bits

  • One standout focal point

  • A layout that allows movement. Think about how you would naturally walk into a room if there weren't any obstructions or how you would move from one area to the other within the same room and try to let that natural movement be unblocked. 

Making a small room feel bigger is completely achievable with the right design approach, and it doesn’t require a huge budget. With thoughtful choices, intentional styling, and a few clever tricks, you can create a space that feels open, functional and balanced.