Practical Suggestions on Making Small Spaces Appear Larger

In most urban environments there is huge pressure on space, and homes can really be quite small for the majority of people. It can be extremely challenging to convert a few hundred square feet to an open and airy atmosphere. However, if the process is adequately and properly thought out, it is possible for even a small space to be as functional and beautiful as a larger one. Some practical tips on how to decorate small spaces to lend them a more spacious effect:

Use Mirrors

Mirrors are really wonderful for creating the illusion of space because of their ability to reflect light and thereby produce a sense of openness. When you have a space that is cramped it can be very helpful to place a large mirror opposite a window. Make the mirror oversize so that it will reflect more light and perhaps a more pleasant view of what can be seen through it. When a window is placed like this it creates the illusion of the space having more windows than it really does and thus it looks bigger.

You can also determine a focal point in the room and angle a mirror or even two facing it to create an illusion of more depth. It is invariably a better strategy to use a single large mirror than a number of smaller ones to lessen the clutter. It is not necessary for the mirror to be plain and boring; you can have it hung with a really beautiful frame so that people will be drawn to its splendor as if it were a work of art.

Use Large Furniture

Contrary to what most people assume, placing large pieces of furniture in relatively smaller spaces can actually have the result of making the place look more spacious. It is essential though that the large pieces be well thought out for their functionality. The mistake most people make is to try and cram a lot of small pieces of furniture into small rooms in residential properties; for example instead of a number of chairs and tables, place a few larger armchairs or sofas and maybe a single large table. If you must have storage, then think about replacing open shelves that have a tendency to look cluttered with closed cupboards.

Make the Furniture Selection Sensible

Apart from using larger pieces of furniture, it can also help a lot if a few pieces are of the same color as that of the walls as then they can blend in and help make the room appear to be larger. It is a good policy to avoid items that are boxy; rather have large pieces that stand on their legs – the space below the main part of a sofa or a cabinet will serve to make the room airier. Small spaces are also ideal for using furniture made out of glass or similarly transparent material as the eye can travel through them without any obstruction. This is the same reason why it is preferable to use chairs without any arms. The visual clutter is substantially reduced; however you need to think it out carefully as the comfort level of the furniture needs to be as per expectations.

Use Light Color Schemes

While dark colors can create a sense of drama, they, unfortunately, make the room look smaller. If you want your rooms to look larger then stick to colors that are light and soft. It is best to completely avoid accents of any kind so when it comes to paintwork on the trim or any other spots, stick to the color that is on the wall. If that looks to be extremely boring, then at maximum you could think of applying colors of the same family but of a little different hue. The soft and subtle color treatment extends to the fabrics and furnishings too; the use of light neutrals, whites, and pastel colors are best to lend the space a feeling of airiness.

Author bio: Andrew Thompson is an architect working with a prominent developer of large residential projects in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Being passionate about interior décor, Andrew writes extensively on the subject.