11 Ways to Make Rooms Feel Bigger

Knocking down walls isn’t the only way to make a small space work for you. Whether you rent or own, there are plenty of design techniques that you can use to make rooms feel bigger and bring more functionality without the benefit of more square footage. You just have to get a little creative.

The average American’s living space has more than doubled in the past several decades, increasing by 1,000 square feet from 1973 to 2015. But for those of us living in an apartment or our first homes, sprawling space doesn’t quite seem to be the case. Fortunately, a home can be beautiful and practical regardless of its size. For proof, look at tiny houses, sales of which increased by 67% in 2023.

To make rooms feel bigger, start to see the promise in every inch of space in your home. Below, we’ve compiled 11 of our favorite ways to maximize the potential of small spaces, with tips for every budget and decorating skill level. Let’s get to it!

Make Sure Your Furniture Flows

Hang Your Curtains High…

… and Your Art Low

Bring in the Light

Build In Your Storage

Or Hide Your Storage all Together

Raise Your Kitchen Cabinets

Choose the Right Size Rug

Put Up Some Mirrors

Keep Furniture Off the Floor

Paint with Light Colors and Some Smart Pops of Colors

Making rooms feel bigger is all about having an eye for balance—between light and dark, heavy and airy, and vertical and horizontal. Make rooms feel wider by optimizing floor space, and taller by optimizing your walls. The result is a home that feels a lot bigger than it is, and the best use possible of the space that you’re working with. And if you ever find yourself lamenting your lack of space, remember that bigger houses aren’t always a better idea.