Let’s be honest…most of us dread the very idea of moving into a compact apartment or house. We are lost in imagining an uncluttered dining room, a cozy bedroom space, until our inner logical self comes with a neon sign: Is there a guest room? Where will we install the washer? How about placing the glass artwork? And a cat’s bed, and…and…
So many ‘ands,’ and so little space.
Below, we’ll see how you can make that living space appear bigger.
Purpose Comes First
The top one in the hit parade of petite room mistakes is purchasing furniture first and figuring out the room later. Ouch! Before you join the camp of those who made the same mistake, ask yourself:
- What’s the room for?
- What activities are going to be held there daily?
- What can it not afford to waste space on?
No everything-at-once decisions, please! A home office that also serves as a gym, reading space, and a guest room will turn into the end of the world, where clutter is all that has survived.
Go Vertically!
When you can’t boast of much horizontal space, walls join the game. Think floating shelves. They’re a great alternative to bulky bookcases. As for the storage options, use tall and narrow units rather than short, wide ones. To free up floor area, mount the TV, desks, or lights. When we enter the room with vertical design, it instantly draws the eye upward. As a result, the setting feels more open and taller. Don’t overdo though! Leave some wall space empty to make the room airier.
Let See-Through Furniture Do Its Job
One of the best ways to give a compact space the appearance of a larger chamber is to get see-through pieces of furniture. Not only will it infuse some style and chic into the tight setting, but it’ll also take up a little visual space. The trick is to have transparent furniture like glass dining tables, chairs, and coffee tables in tandem with a decorative rug. It looks dazzling through the glass top!
Neutrals, Where Possible
You most likely know this rule. However, we’re never tired of repeating that neutral hues bring light into any space, so you have the illusion of a visually bigger room. Plus, this palette is extra-good for mental health. What else is needed after a long and busy day when you’re back to your petit haven?
If It’s Time for Curtains…
You have to create the illusion of length. How? Pick the curtains that go all the way to the floor. The palette? Stick to the neutrals so they blend with the color of the walls. The fabrics? Natural fabrics are the way to go. This simple combination will make the window appear taller, while the whole space will look bigger.
