10 Ways to make a smaller room appear larger :

If your home contains a small room, you will want the room to feel cozy and inviting rather than small and dark, but how do you make a small room feel less crowded? You will need to use visual aids to help you create the illusion of open space. Here are 10 tips that can help you make a small room appear larger.

1. Take advantage of the view. If your small room overlooks a garden or other pretty view, take advantage of the outdoors to make the room look larger. If the room has no windows, you may want to have a large window put in. A bay window with a seat would be a great addition to the room – and would create the sensation that you are a part of a bigger world. If the room has a window, use white curtains – and tie them back so that the view can always be seen and will feel like a part of the room.

2. Paint the walls with white or light-colored paint – but don’t be afraid to use bright colors to decorate the room. Dark or pale colors will make the room seem smaller. Bright, vivid colors will bring the room to life. Use solid colors rather than busy prints. Use a few solid colors that blend well together to give the room a uniform look.

3. Take advantage of corner space. Placing bookcases, lamps, and other accessories in the corners leaves the walls open and makes the room seem to have more space.

4. Don’t use too much furniture. Sometimes, less is more – and in the case of a small room, this is true. Use less furniture. If the room is used as a den, don’t try to place as many pieces of furniture in it as you would in a larger living room. One long sofa (a sofa bed would be great and can accommodate guests) along with smaller chairs would make the room look inviting, yet spacious.

5. Don’t clutter the walls. Instead of using many small pictures or paintings, use one large picture or painting. A great way to display an array of family portraits without taking up most of the wall space would be to use a large, sectioned frame. One large painting or picture on the wall leaves most of the wall space open and gives the impression of more space.

6. A small room should have plenty of light. Take advantage of windows during the day to let natural light in – if you have small or no windows, again you may want to consider having a large window put in. Use bright overhead lights and lamps in corners to make the room brighter.

7. The reflection from a large mirror will make a small room look larger. The centerpiece of one wall could be a large mirror. This would create the sensation of opening the room up and doubling the space.

8. Leave the middle of the room open by placing large furniture pieces against the wall. The more visible floor space, the larger the room will look.

9. Avoid clutter. Again, less is more. Don’t use too many knick-knacks – rather, choose a few that will make the room look neat and tidy.

10. Flooring can open a room up and make it feel larger. If you are going to use hardwood flooring, use a wide pattern rather than a narrow pattern – and have the lines run the length of the floor. This gives the appearance of a large, open space, especially if the middle of the floor is left clear.