Budget-Friendly Ways To Make Small Rooms Seem Bigger
Don’t let a small space or a small budget get you down. You can actually make small rooms feel big with a few creative ideas. Don’t worry, this doesn’t require you to gut everything or buy new furniture. Tricks like intentional furniture placement and bed storage solutions can breathe life into a tiny room, making it feel more spacious.
As you read, start taking a mental inventory of your space. Are you working with a bedroom, living room, or kitchen? What current furnishings do you have? What shelving or storage do you already own?
Then start to notice as you read which ideas stand out. Start with the easiest changes and see how they make a big impact.
Declutter And Organize
First things first: get rid of the clutter. Having too much stuff can automatically make your space feel cramped.
Even if the room is beautifully decorated, more will not make the space feel merrier – it will actually do the complete opposite (and maybe even trigger some anxiety) if the room is small. So what’s the solution?
• Keep it or toss it: If you haven’t used an item in six months, donate or toss it.
• Contain the chaos: Make use of extra baskets and bins to store items that are lying around.
• Open up the entryway: A messy entryway instantly shrinks your home before you’re even fully inside. This is a great place to start with organization, with simple wall hooks or a slim console table to keep shoes, keys, and other items out of the way.
Use Light, Neutral Colors
Don’t underestimate the power of color. Certain colors can make a room feel tall and wide, while others can make it feel tight and small.
To expand the feel of your space, choose light, neutral tones. Changing the colors of your walls is budget-friendly, and for decor, think of simple swaps like changing pillow covers or duvets.
• Use colors like white, soft grays, and beige: They reflect light and bring in more openness to the space.
• Monochromatic to add seamless flow: Stick to one color family for walls, furniture, and accents.
• Play with subtle patterns: Vertical stripes on curtains or wallpaper to make the ceilings look higher.
Utilize Natural Light
One of the most affordable ways to make small rooms feel bigger is to use natural light.
The more sun you let in, the bigger your room will feel. Natural light can be incorporated by moving furniture around (yep, time for some rearranging magic) or trying these tips:
• Use light drapes: Dark drapes tend to block light and make the room feel heavy.
• Try sheer curtains or light shades: Not only do they bring in more light, but they still provide much-needed privacy.
• Mirror trick: Time for an experiment! Place a mirror opposite a window and watch the light bounce around the room.
If natural light is limited, you can also use soft lighting, such as sconces and table lamps, for a warm glow.
Hang Mirrors
Mirrors are a small room’s best friend. They’re great for vlogging your really stylish outfit, and also serve as decorative pieces that help expand the feel of a room.
Mirrors reflect light and, depending on the size, can also increase perceived depth and height.
• Go big: An oversized mirror can make a room feel twice its size.
• Strategic placement: Hang mirrors behind lamps to expand light. Lean tall mirrors against the wall to increase depth.
• Gallery wall twist: Mix mirrored accents with art for a stylish and airy display.
Add Vertical Storage
When you don’t have much floor space to work with, aim high.
By using vertical space to your advantage, you can add more storage without using up too much available space in the room.
• Tall bookshelves or ladder shelves: Shelving helps to draw the eye up, adding to the height of the space.
• Built-ins: Maximize storage (and clear up free space) by building shelves on walls.
• Hooks and pegboards: These are an organizational dream. Great for kids’ rooms, offices, or kitchens to keep essentials off counters.
You can even consider painting crown moldings lighter than your walls can make ceilings feel higher.
Choose Furniture Wisely
Bulky furniture can eat away at square footage in small spaces. If you are considering any swaps, keep pieces that are slim and sleek and choose the same style for new purchases.
Even playing around with the placement of current pieces can make a big difference.
• Acrylic or glass tables: A great option to keep the visual flow open.
• Loveseats or modular sofas: Go small and skip the oversized couch.
• Console tables: They are typically narrower and offer a more streamlined look.
Use Multi-Functional Pieces
We love one piece that can do multiple things – like allowing you to sit comfortably while also storing your favorite cozy blankets?
A win!
Multi-functional pieces offer built-in storage on top of their intended use, so you’re basically getting two for one.
• Storage ottomans: Extra seating, hidden storage, and easy to hide (like underneath a coffee table) for extra space.
• Nesting tables: Easily tuck them away when you don’t need them.
• Sleeper sofas: Perfect for guests.
For a no-to-low buy option, consider adding wicker baskets underneath coffee tables or near couches for chic and quick storage.
Create The Illusion Of Space With Curtains
Curtains are a budget-friendly way to bring in more light into a room. With lighter curtains, you allow more natural light and make the room feel more open. It’s simple and effective.
• Hang rods high: Mount them closer to the ceiling to make the room look taller.
• Go floor-length: Choose curtains that are a little longer than typical to help further elongate the walls.
• Stick to light fabrics: Sheer or neutral curtains will keep the look airy.
Utilize Under Bed Storage
Your bed isn’t just for sleeping; it’s also the perfect spot for storage. Under your bed is an ideal spot to store linens and other items that you don’t want taking up space in a small room.
• Rolling bins or drawers: Perfect for shoes and linens.
• Vacuum-sealed bags: These save space and are great for seasonal clothing items.
• Bed frames with built-in storage: If you plan to upgrade soon, choose a bed with built-in drawers.
Extra Space-Boosting Tips
Although there are several options for making your small room feel larger without spending much money, consider a few additional ideas:
• Tiny bathroom ideas: Consider mirrored cabinets coupled with light colors.
• Layered textures: Rugs, throws, and cushions add depth and style without adding more furniture.
• Lucite furniture: Transparent pieces are great decor options for an open feel.
If you’re living in a small home or apartment, or one of your spaces is smaller than the others, you don’t have to buy new furniture and overhaul everything to make it look bigger.
To avoid feeling like things are cramped or chaotic, simply try a few of the tips we shared and see what works. It’s all about making smart choices, and starting small: light colors, storage, and creativity go a long way.
So get ready to stretch out, your tiny room just got bigger.
