Discover 8 hacks to make your home feel bigger and brighter. Say goodbye to cramped spaces with these smart ideas!
If you’ve ever felt like the walls were caving in on you, your home might be more cramped than cozy. Fortunately, there are clever ways to make it feel bigger without having to move or sacrifice aesthetics.
Some strategies require decluttering, changing paint colors and getting crafty with storage, while other methods merely create the illusion of a more expansive space. These eight tips are the secret to transforming your home so it’s lighter, brighter and more spacious.
1. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light is like a breath of fresh air in a small living area. Studies also show it benefits mental and physical health by reducing symptoms of depression and improving one’s sleep cycle.
There are several ways to maximize natural sunlight in your home, including the following:
- Reconsider window treatments by replacing heavy panel curtains with white sheer ones.
- Clean your windows to allow the most sunlight to shine through.
- Enlarge window frames or add skylights.
- Replace solid doors with glass French doors or a storm door in the front entryway.
Also, consider hiring a professional landscaper to trim bushes and trees in your yard. Overgrown landscaping could obstruct natural light from flooding your space.
2. Remove Bulky Furniture
You may love sinking into your oversized sofa, but bulky furniture cramps a room visually. Sleek items are much better for making a room look less weighty and tight.
Other reasons to swap out large furniture pieces are to improve traffic flow, improve sight lines and scale furniture appropriately within the limited square footage. When searching for new furniture, consider the following elements:
- Simple forms and straight lines
- Few ornate details
- Low profiles, such as a coffee table
- Smooth surfaces reflecting light
- Open legs
- Neutral tones
Beige or gray furniture sounds dull, but brightly patterned, textured throw pillows will give it a pop of color.
3. Paint the Walls White
Is each room of your home a different color? Perhaps you have dark accent walls for visual interest. Painting the interior white is a simple way to make it feel roomier.
For instance, white is a beautiful backdrop for any home design, creating a clean, sleek living area. It’s also a good option for a galley kitchen or other small layout with limited prep space. Cabinets take up ample square footage, but white shaker cabinets give the illusion of having more room than you actually do.
4. Create Multifunctional Spaces
Try creating multifunctional spaces if rooms feel cramped — for instance, buying furniture for dual purposes. Some examples are ottomans with storage or coffee tables you can convert into desks.
You might also consider modular or folding furniture, such as space-saving dining tables. These pieces fold on each side, expanding depending on how many people you need to seat.
Murphy beds are also excellent for areas doubling as guest rooms and home offices. Keep the bed tucked into the wall until someone stays with you, utilizing the space for work in the meantime.
5. Hang Mirrors
A large mirror reflects artificial and natural light in tight living spaces, making it brighter and seemingly more spacious. This is particularly helpful if a room lacks windows or has a dark corner.
Generally, a larger mirror will have the most significant impact. Likewise, placing a mirror opposite a window bounces more light. Avoiding ornate frames and opting for a more straightforward look is also best.
6. Opt for Statement Pieces
A few larger statement pieces are more conducive to making a home feel more expansive than displaying numerous smaller objects. However, there is a correct way to make your selections.
Opt for a focal point to draw the eye to a particular area. If the room is especially small, ensure the piece is impactful enough but doesn’t engulf the space. Other characteristics include finding statement pieces to highlight your home’s structural features, selecting items reflective of your personality and embodying a “less is more” attitude.
7. Declutter the Space
According to a OnePoll survey commissioned by Opendoor, the average American declutters their home four times annually, with 49% having less available space since the pandemic. Often, you don’t even realize how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years.
Removing excess items makes your home feel more relaxed. It also unblocks light from windows, allowing you to appreciate more of your home’s architectural details. Some people avoid decluttering due to feeling overwhelmed, but taking it room by room makes the process much more manageable.
8. Utilize Vertical Space
Floating shelves, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, long mirrors and built-ins pull your glance upward, creating the illusion of a taller ceiling. Open shelves, especially, improve light and airflow throughout your house.
Vertical space is also a way to maximize storage and eliminate clutter. The more you remove from the floor, the more square footage you have to roam.
Make a Tight Home Feel Bigger and Brighter
A few tweaks can make significant improvements in a cramped space. You likely have more room in your house than you thought, so look for ways to brighten and expand each living area for optimal comfort.
Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
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