No single decorating tip works for every space or every taste but these tips should work for most with a little modification to suit your taste. Decorators have been dealing with the challenges of making small areas seem larger and more inviting for years. Here are some of the easiest ways help make a small room appear larger.

Avoid Clutter

Clutter is not your friend in small room or a large one for that matter. Cords should be hidden and off the floor whenever possible for safety as well as looks.
Using empty spaces is always good, but do not stuff the room full of furniture it is distracting. An unused corner in a nursery might be filled with a corner changing table dresser combination and effectively utilize the space. However, furniture lining every inch of the wall and makes a room seem smaller. Almost everyone has a relative like Great Aunt Martha, she is the one whose sitting room was overflowing with all her favorite knickknacks and every piece of furniture she ever owned was jammed in there as well. No matter how large the room might have been, I bet it felt smaller.

Small Areas And Small Furniture – Maybe

Smaller furniture often blends well with smaller rooms, if you go for larger pieces of furniture just limit the number of pieces or go with small furniture and choose one large piece such as a buffet or bookcase to add focus.

Small Rooms with Small Windows – Enlarge It

Do not put up with undersized windows, disguise them. Smaller areas do not usually have extra large windows. If you are trying to work around a small room with dinky windows don’t. Instead create a larger window by hanging the curtain rods above the window, and using wider curtains, creating the illusion of a much larger window area.

Light or Dark Walls or Both

Lighter colored walls can add the illusion of space but do not overdo it; matte white walls rarely look good in any room. Remember that rules were made to be broken or at least of bent. For instance, one wall in a slightly darker shade can add the illusion of distance and make a room look larger.

Solid, Plaids, Prints Do They All Work In a Small Room?

As a rule less is more when it comes to making a smaller area seem larger, big prints bold plaids and large floral patterns are usually too busy for a small space and work against the illusion you are trying to create. Solids and textured fabrics work well in smaller spaces and are much less distracting.

Size Matters In Area Rug Choice

Area rugs are lovely and can create the illusion of space but you should match the size of the rug to the area. A tiny area rug can leave the eye looking for the rest of it, and even make the room appear smaller than it actually is. Too large an area rug can have the same effect.

Everything in your small room should have a purpose and a place. Use your lighting, hide small windows, stick to lighter colors when you can and avoid eye clutter and you create a an area that seems larger than it is, and that is a pleasure to use.