Maximize Your Small Space: Designer Tips for A More Spacious Feel

While furniture designed for tight spaces is a plenty, sometimes the room still feels rather claustrophobic. Frustrated with your limited square footage? No need for major renovations or an expensive upgrade. Interior designers have shared some savvy, non-invasive decor solutions for you easy adoption.

A number of design professionals stress the advantage of a well-lit room. Unfortunately, not all rooms come with a healthy supply of natural light. Nevertheless, there are a few clever tricks to bring more luminosity. Katherine Cunningham, the principal designer at Light and Dwell suggests incorporating reflective surfaces, like mirrors, to boost the room's brightness. Even a small window or a solitary light fixture can be leveraged by tactically positioned mirrors. White painted walls and ceilings can also contribute to the glow.

There’s also a bonus to using mirrors, as Asler Valero, principal of Asler Valero Interior Design, points out, they add depth and the illusion of a larger space.

For a clever storage solution, Autumn Pochiro, CEO of Autumn Dawn Design, suggests double-duty furnishings that work as storage and stylish home features. Examples include ottomans and coffee tables with integrated storage and bar carts. These pieces offer a convenient space to store clutter while adding elegance to the room.

Transparent pieces of furniture also make the room feel less congested. Asler Valero advises using items such as acrylic side tables and glass-topped coffee tables. Their transparency does not break sightlines and lightens the room visually.

Leaving some open space is another clever tactic. An empty spot allows the room to breathe and feels curated instead of crammed, Katherine Cunningham advises.

Moreover, resist the urge to cover all the walls with art. A few carefully selected pieces can add more intrigue while also reducing visual clutter, Valero says.

Pochiro advocates for versatile seating such as settees at small dining tables, which can easily serve multiple purposes. You can also consider a small table that doubles as a dining and game table or a large upholstered ottoman that can be turned into a coffee table.

Embrace adaptability when it comes to sleeping arrangements as well. A Murphy bed is a clever way to handle guest quarters in a small space. As Pochiro says, it's a swift and effective way to transform a room from office to bedroom.

Lastly, lighting, as mentioned earlier, is crucial in making a space look larger. Layer light sources from overhead fixtures to table lamps and wall sconces. Pochiro highlights that cordless, battery-powered options, and plug-in ceiling and wall lights are growing in popularity, so there's no need to worry about hard-wiring.

In terms of window treatments, the designers recommend light, simple approaches. Valero suggests that matchstick blinds or soft, sheer fabrics create a light and airy feel, while heavy or patterned drapes can make a small space feel crowded.