How to Make Small Rooms Feel Bigger: Interior Design Tricks That Work
WORDS BY YOGITA SAWARTHIA
8/18/20263 min read
A room's physical dimensions cannot always be changed, but its perceived size can be influenced by thoughtful interior design.
The right furniture arrangement, colour palette, lighting and storage can make a compact room feel more open and comfortable.
If you have ever wondered how to make small rooms feel bigger, the answer is not one single design trick. It is a combination of decisions that work together.
For homeowners in London, where compact rooms and smaller flats are common, these principles can be particularly useful.
3. Keep Walkways Clear
7. Add a Well-Placed Mirror
Before changing the design, remove anything that does not need to be in the room.
Clutter takes up physical and visual space.
Once unnecessary items have been removed, organise what remains using suitable storage.
2. Choose Furniture Carefully
Measure before purchasing.
Consider the:
Width
Depth
Height
Position
Relationship with other furniture
A large piece may fit physically but still make the room feel cramped.
At the same time, too many tiny furniture pieces can make a room feel cluttered.
Good circulation can make a surprisingly large difference.
Identify how people move through the room and keep those paths clear.
Avoid placing furniture unnecessarily close to doors or in front of natural routes.
1. Declutter First
4. Use Light Colours
Soft colours can reflect light and create an airy feeling.
Good options include:
Warm white
Cream
Soft beige
Pale grey
Muted green
Pale blue
But do not assume that white is always best.
The right colour depends on natural light and the mood you want to create.
5. Consider Colour Drenching
Using a similar colour across walls, woodwork and even the ceiling can reduce visual boundaries.
This can make the room feel more cohesive.
It can also work particularly well in rooms with awkward architectural features.
Mirrors can reflect light and create depth.
Try placing one:
Opposite a window
Beside a window
At the end of a narrow room
Above a console
The goal is to reflect light or an attractive feature.
8. Draw the Eye Upwards
Vertical elements can make a room feel taller.
Consider:
Full-height curtains
Tall shelving
Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes
Vertical panelling
Tall artwork
Using height can be particularly effective when floor space is limited.
9. Keep Flooring Consistent
Using similar flooring across adjoining areas can reduce visual breaks.
This is particularly useful in open-plan homes and smaller flats.
10. Use Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that performs more than one function can reduce the total number of pieces required.
Consider:
Storage beds
Sofa beds
Fold-down desks
Storage benches
Extendable tables
11. Introduce Built-In Storage
Built-in cabinetry can eliminate awkward gaps and use areas that freestanding furniture cannot.
Consider:
Alcoves
Under-stair spaces
Chimney breasts
Window recesses
Full-height walls
Our built-in storage ideas guide covers this in more detail.
12. Layer the Lighting
Use several light sources instead of relying on one central fixture.
Combine ambient, task and accent lighting.
This can eliminate dark corners and make the room feel more open.
13. Avoid Overdecorating
A small room does not need to be empty, but too many accessories can create visual noise.
Choose a few meaningful pieces and allow some empty space around them.
14. Create One Focal Point
A strong focal point gives the eye somewhere to settle.
This could be:
A fireplace
Artwork
A feature wall
A statement light
A view
Avoid creating several competing focal points.
6. Maximise Natural Light
Avoid blocking windows with bulky furniture.
Choose simple window treatments that allow daylight into the room.
If natural light is limited, compensate with layered artificial lighting.
15. Use Reflective Finishes
Glass, mirrors, polished metal and selected glossy finishes can reflect light.
Use these materials selectively to prevent the space from feeling overly cold or clinical.
Common Mistakes
Rooms can feel smaller when they have:
Oversized furniture
Too much clutter
Poor lighting
Blocked windows
Excessive colour contrast
Too many decorative objects
Inadequate storage
FAQs
What colour makes a small room look bigger?
Warm whites, soft neutrals and muted colours can help reflect light. However, the best choice depends on the room's orientation and existing finishes.
Do mirrors really make rooms look bigger?
They can create an impression of depth and reflect natural light when positioned strategically.
Does furniture affect how big a room feels?
Yes. Oversized or poorly positioned furniture can make a room feel crowded.
Can dark colours work in small rooms?
Yes. Dark shades can create depth and atmosphere when used with suitable lighting.
How can storage make a room feel bigger?
Well-planned storage reduces visible clutter and makes better use of vertical and awkward spaces.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to make small rooms feel bigger is about considering the whole room rather than relying on one visual trick.
Layout, colour, furniture, lighting and storage all contribute to how spacious a room feels.
If you need professional guidance, an interior design company London can help you identify opportunities to improve both the appearance and functionality of a compact space.
Talk to Evara about your small-space interior design project.
Experience seamless design from concept to completion.
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