20 Tips to Make Your Small Living Space Look More Spacious

Sep 24, 2024

6 min read

Living in a small space can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make your home feel open, airy, and inviting. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a cozy house, maximizing your space is all about smart design choices and creative thinking. Here are 20 tips to help you make your small living space look and feel more spacious.

Explore the links under each interior décor style to shop for furniture that matches that particular aesthetic.

1. Use Light Colors

Sofa set linked in photo

Light colors can make a room feel larger and more open. They reflect light better than dark colors, creating an airy and expansive feel.

Tips:

Paint your walls in light, neutral shades such as white, beige, or soft gray.
Choose light-colored furniture and decor to complement your walls.
Add pops of color with accessories like throw pillows and artwork to keep the space interesting.

2. Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture

Sleeper sofa linked in photo

Multi-functional furniture helps you maximize your space by serving multiple purposes. This can reduce the need for extra pieces and keep your living area uncluttered.

Tips:

Choose a sofa bed or daybed that can double as a sleeping area for guests.
Invest in a coffee table with storage space underneath.
Use ottomans that can serve as both seating and storage.

3. Keep It Clutter-Free

Storage ottoman linked in photo

Clutter can make a small space feel cramped and overwhelming. Keeping your living area tidy and organized can create a sense of openness.

Tips:

Regularly declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or use.
Use storage solutions like baskets, bins, and boxes to keep items organized.
Keep surfaces clear and only display a few decorative pieces.

4. Use Mirrors Strategically

Whale shape mirror linked in photo

Mirrors can create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and making the room feel larger. They can also add a decorative element to your space.

Tips:

Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light.
Use mirrored furniture or decor items to enhance the sense of space.
Create a gallery wall with different-sized mirrors for a stylish look.

5. Choose Furniture with Legs

Minimalist air leather Upholstered bed linked in photo

Furniture with legs can make a room feel more open by allowing light and air to flow underneath. This can create a sense of space and prevent the room from feeling too crowded.

Tips:

Choose sofas, chairs, and tables with exposed legs.
Opt for floating shelves instead of bulky bookcases.
Use a bed frame with legs to create storage space underneath.

6. Maximize Vertical Space

Bookshelf linked in photo

Utilizing vertical space can help you make the most of your small living area. Tall furniture and shelving can provide additional storage and make the room feel more spacious.

Tips:

Use tall bookcases and shelving units to store and display items.
Hang floating shelves to save floor space and keep items organized.
Install hooks or racks on the walls to hang coats, bags, and other items.

7. Use Area Rugs to Define Spaces

Rug linked in photo

Area rugs can help define different areas in an open-plan living space. They can create visual boundaries and make the room feel more organized.

Tips:

Choose a large area rug to anchor your living room seating area.
Use smaller rugs to define dining or workspace areas.
Opt for rugs with light colors or subtle patterns to maintain a sense of openness.

8. Opt for Transparent Furniture

Transparent lamp linked in photo

Transparent furniture, such as glass or acrylic pieces, can make your living space feel larger by allowing light to pass through and creating a sense of transparency.

Tips:

Choose a glass coffee table or dining table to keep the space feeling light.
Use acrylic chairs or stools for a modern and chic look.
Incorporate glass or acrylic shelves for a minimalist touch.

9. Hang Curtains High

Curtains linked in photo

Hanging curtains high and wide can create the illusion of taller ceilings and larger windows. This can make your living space feel more open and airy.

Tips:

Mount curtain rods close to the ceiling and extend them beyond the window frame.
Choose light, sheer curtains to allow natural light to filter in.
Use floor-length curtains to create a sense of height and elegance.

10. Incorporate Built-In Storage

Storage ottoman bench linked in photo

Built-in storage solutions can help you maximize your space while keeping your living area tidy and organized. They can also add a custom and cohesive look to your home.

Tips:

Install built-in shelves or cabinets to store and display items.
Use built-in seating with storage underneath to save space.
Incorporate built-in desks or workspaces for a functional and streamlined look.

11. Use Foldable and Stackable Furniture

Foldable desk linked in photo

Foldable and stackable furniture can provide flexibility and save space when not in use. They can be easily stored away, freeing up your living area.

Tips:

Choose foldable chairs and tables that can be stored when not needed.
Use stackable stools or benches for additional seating.
Opt for foldable or collapsible storage bins to keep items organized.

12. Keep the Floor Clear

A clear floor can make your living space feel more open and less cluttered. Avoid placing too many items on the floor and use wall-mounted storage solutions instead.

Tips:

Use wall-mounted shelves and cabinets to keep items off the floor.
Choose furniture with built-in storage to reduce the need for extra pieces.
Keep walkways clear and avoid placing furniture in high-traffic areas.

13. Use Light and Airy Fabrics

Curtains linked in photo

Light and airy fabrics can enhance the sense of space in your living area. They can create a soft and inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the room.

Tips:

Choose light, sheer curtains to allow natural light to filter in.
Use lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen for upholstery and throw pillows.
Incorporate airy and breathable textiles like woven rugs and baskets.

14. Create Open Sight Lines

Sofa linked in photo

Creating open sight lines can make your living space feel larger and more connected. Avoid placing large, bulky furniture in the middle of the room and keep pathways clear.

Tips:

Arrange furniture to create open pathways and sight lines.
Use low-profile furniture to maintain a sense of openness.
Keep large furniture pieces against the walls to maximize floor space.

15. Choose Multi-Functional Decor

Decorative Bowl linked in photo

Multi-functional decor can add style and functionality to your living space. Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes and save space.

Tips:

Choose decorative storage solutions like stylish baskets and boxes.
Use decorative trays and bowls to organize and display items.
Incorporate multi-functional pieces like mirrors with built-in hooks or shelves.

16. Opt for Wall-Mounted Lighting

Wall-Mounted light linked in photo

Wall-mounted lighting can save space and add a stylish touch to your living area. It can also create a more open and airy atmosphere by keeping surfaces clear.

Tips:

Use wall sconces instead of table lamps to save space on side tables.
Install wall-mounted reading lights by your bed or sofa.
Choose adjustable wall lights to provide flexible and targeted lighting.

17. Use Large-Scale Art

Wall Art set linked in photo

Large-scale art can create a focal point and make your living space feel larger. It can add visual interest and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.

Tips:

Choose a large piece of art to hang above your sofa or bed.
Use oversized prints or paintings to create a statement wall.
Incorporate large-scale photographs or posters for a modern look.

18. Keep it Simple

A simple and uncluttered design can make your living space feel more open and inviting. Avoid overdecorating and focus on a few key pieces to create a cohesive look.

Tips:

Choose a minimalist color palette and stick to it.
Use a few carefully chosen decor pieces to add interest.
Avoid overcrowding your space with too many accessories or furniture.

19. Incorporate Vertical Stripes

Vertical striped wallpaper linked in photo

Vertical stripes can create the illusion of height and make your living space feel larger. They can add visual interest and enhance the overall design of your home.

Tips:

Use wallpaper or paint with vertical stripes to add height to your walls.
Choose furniture with vertical lines or patterns to create a cohesive look.
Incorporate vertical-striped fabrics for upholstery, pillows, and curtains.

20. Maximize Natural Light

Maximizing natural light can make your living space feel brighter and more open. Use light-colored and reflective surfaces to enhance the flow of light throughout your home.

Tips:

Use light-colored walls, furniture, and decor to reflect natural light.
Keep windows clear and unobstructed to allow maximum light in.
Use mirrors and glass surfaces to enhance the flow of natural light.

Transforming your small living space into an open and airy haven is all about smart design choices and creative solutions. By incorporating these 20 tips, you can make your compact home feel more spacious, stylish, and inviting. Whether you’re choosing light colors, opting for multi-functional furniture, or maximizing vertical space, each small change can make a big difference. Remember, creating a sense of space is about using what you have effectively and making thoughtful choices that enhance the overall feel of your home. Happy decorating!