Small Space Living Tricks to Make Your Home Feel Bigger
Space-saving furniture and visual tricks can open up and add function to your compact home
While there’s no escaping the reality that a small space tends to be, well, small, it is possible to make it feel as big as possible. Here are a few tips to visually elongate your home and make it brighter and more open, along with furniture suggestions that up your storage capacity so your petite space doesn’t feel claustrophobic.
Sofa with storage A sofa that offers storage is a double whammy in a small space. I find that splurging on custom built-ins, if you can, provides the best results, and homeowners never regret the expense of smart storage. But if you’re looking for a DIY option, seek out a sturdy shelf that has cubbyholes and a strong frame. Ideally, you’re choosing a shelf that’s made to either stand upright or be on its side, such as Ikea’s Expedit (Kallax is the updated version), which I used in my own home, shown here.
I placed two Expedit shelves on their sides – one against the wall and one in front of that – and topped them with a child-size futon, a blanket and some cushions. The cubbyholes below provide deep storage all the way to the back for rarely used items and handy baskets up front for things I need to grab quickly.
I placed two Expedit shelves on their sides – one against the wall and one in front of that – and topped them with a child-size futon, a blanket and some cushions. The cubbyholes below provide deep storage all the way to the back for rarely used items and handy baskets up front for things I need to grab quickly.
Fold-up bed A Murphy or fold-up bed is one of the best ways to have your cake and eat it too in a small space. If you’re unwilling to part with your king-size bed in a 200 sq ft space, for example, this will allow you that luxury.
An additional benefit of a Murphy bed is that you don’t have to lose light or ceiling height as you do with a loft bed.
You can buy hardware and make your own, purchase a ready-made one, or even have one custom-made. Adding trim to the exterior makes it feel more finished and intentional.
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect bed linen
An additional benefit of a Murphy bed is that you don’t have to lose light or ceiling height as you do with a loft bed.
You can buy hardware and make your own, purchase a ready-made one, or even have one custom-made. Adding trim to the exterior makes it feel more finished and intentional.
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect bed linen
Transparent table A ‘ghost’ table is another great multi-purpose piece. It’s a desk, console table, bedside table or dinner table for one and will visually disappear into a room.
Visual Tricks
Horizontal lines Choose repeating horizontal lines in the flooring, siding and even ceiling boards to make a room feel longer. Forgoing a rug is another helpful way to make your space feel bigger. Not having any visual interruption on the floorboards creates an optical illusion that your space is longer than it is.
Horizontal lines Choose repeating horizontal lines in the flooring, siding and even ceiling boards to make a room feel longer. Forgoing a rug is another helpful way to make your space feel bigger. Not having any visual interruption on the floorboards creates an optical illusion that your space is longer than it is.
Abundant light Choosing glazed French windows allows more light to enter your space, making it feel more open. They also let as much light in as possible without having to cut into the walls to add extra windows – particularly helpful if you’re modifying an existing small space.
There are plenty of decent low-end French windows out there, or try finding some reclaimed ones to keep costs down.
There are plenty of decent low-end French windows out there, or try finding some reclaimed ones to keep costs down.
Pale paint A lighter wall colour allows you to keep your space open and bright, while then accessorising with dashes of bright colour and enriching the room with various textures.
Matching furniture and walls Painting furniture and appliances in the same colour as the walls (or choosing appliance finishes in the same colour) also helps a space feel bigger. Bring in accent colours with plants, textiles and accessories.
Placing a chopping board (or sample marble tile as I did here) over a sink creates an extra cutting and prep surface when you’re not using the sink – another great space-saving trick.
Check out 10 things you didn’t know you could fit into your small kitchen
Placing a chopping board (or sample marble tile as I did here) over a sink creates an extra cutting and prep surface when you’re not using the sink – another great space-saving trick.
Check out 10 things you didn’t know you could fit into your small kitchen
Overlooked Spaces
High storage Continue your storage up your walls to create more room without taking up precious square footage. Choosing attractive versions of staples such as containers or a kettle allow you to skip additional storage by keeping such items in the open.
High storage Continue your storage up your walls to create more room without taking up precious square footage. Choosing attractive versions of staples such as containers or a kettle allow you to skip additional storage by keeping such items in the open.
Outdoor room Continue your interior space outside to allow your petite home to feel more expansive and less limiting. Add additional seating, accessories, art, plants and anything else to entice you and your guests out. Having the space, even if it’s a small balcony for one person, to have tea in the mornings or wine in the evenings is something you won’t ever take for granted.
Do you have any tips for making a small space feel larger? Please share them in the Comments below.
Do you have any tips for making a small space feel larger? Please share them in the Comments below.
Furniture that has multiple functions helps a home feel less cluttered while not forgoing the ability to accommodate guests.
Double drop-leaf table Tables like the one shown here can provide an eating surface for one or two people and expand to accommodate small groups.
When not in use, certain models can completely fold away to be tucked behind a door or leaned against a wall. Pair one with folding chairs and you’ll save even more space.
Find a table on wheels – or add your own – so you can easily pull it around to create a console near the hallway or a makeshift drinks trolley.
If you’re looking for something similar to this for your own tiny space, search for terms such as double drop-leaf, narrow dinner table or expandable table to find a piece that will be multi-functional and work in a petite space. There are new versions of this style available, but if you’re looking for vintage, the midcentury era was especially big on multi-functional pieces for compact living.