It’s one of the most common problems a lot of property owners face: how to make their place look bigger. A lot of times, to resolve this problem, they consider the help of an interior designer. Although the results can be quite promising, you also have to spend a lot of money. This becomes a problem if you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, you can actually tackle the problem by yourself. We have gathered some of the best ways to make a room look bigger.
Time needed: 3 minutes.
How to Make a Room Look Bigger
- Flooring Should be Uniformed
Although multiple flooring styles are good for defining spaces, they could also make a room look smaller. On the other hand, if you settle to a single type of flooring from one area to the next, this would create an uninterrupted flow that makes a room feel like its part of the bigger space. If you have hardwood floors, it is highly recommended to go for wider boards. Pick a large-format design or tiles. Fewer grout lines will make the floor look more expansive. - Use A Round Rug
Another way to make the room look bigger is by using a round rug. This would create a connection between the furniture pieces without the need to add another rectangular shape. If you are thinking of using the traditional rug format, then pick a smaller size that would highlight the areas between furniture pieces. Also, as much as possible, make sure that the rug doesn’t sit on the sofa. This would just make the room feel smaller. - Design The Walls Nicely
If your main goal is to have happy tenants, then you really have to put all your attention into designing the room to make it look bigger and attractive. The walls should be prioritized. Pale shades can make a room look bigger and brighter. Likewise, light-colored walls are also reflective and could maximize the effects of natural lighting in the area.
When it comes to wall color choices, having a low contrast between two surfaces would also produce good results. Make sure that the floors and walls belong in the same tonal family. This will make everything look harmonious and balanced. For the door trims and baseboards, painting them in a slightly lighter shade than your walls will give it a better effect. - Take Advantage Of Mirrors
With the help of mirrors, you will be able to spread natural light all across the room, and make the area appear bigger. A mirror-covered wall is usually a good choice for this, but you can also consider using 2-3 oversized mirrors and let them rest on the floor. This is a friendlier, and a less permanent option.
The mirror should be placed perfectly so that it would reflect the window, the beautiful view, or light source. Additionally, if you are designing a living room with a small entryway, we highly suggest that you use decorative mirrors, as this would keep the room bright and light. Antique mirrors could also be installed and they’ll be reflecting the natural light in your living room. - Pay Attention to Your Windows
The windows are very important as they let the natural light enter the room. However, at some point you’d want these windows to have coverings as well. As a rule of thumb, try to keep the window treatments the same color as your wall to ensure a seamless look.
Similarly, hanging curtains high and letting them fall freely on the floor would make your windows appear higher.
The curtains should also be mounted on the ceiling instead of having it on the walls. Make it a point that the track also reaches right across the room to create a waterfall illusion. - Have a Hidden Storage
Upholstered storage ottomans are great news for tenants because it gives them the privilege of being able to hide their clutter discreetly. Also, as much as possible, have the hidden storage have the same upholstery as the base. This would give it a seamless look and it would camouflage with the other furniture.
Just because it is a rental apartment, does not mean that you are not allowed to put a personal touch on it, such as adding a coffee table, sofa, and TV. However, it is always a good idea to minimize the use of furniture, as you do not want the living space to feel cramped.
Final Words
It is not that difficult to make a small space appear bigger. These tips mentioned above will help you get your way there. The key is that you should know how to trick the eye and follow the concepts of light, scale, and movement.