Home decor tips: 5 easy, helpful ways to make small rooms look bigger

Home decor ideas: Dark-painted walls or contrasting colours can make a room feel small and enclosed. A foolproof trick is to use neutral, pleasant hues like cream, beige, or soft pastels (Image: Pexels)

Smaller spaces, when designed aesthetically using the right techniques and strategies, can appear larger and more inviting. The trick is to bring the space to life with a few simple tweaks that do not require renovation or moving out.

Here are five effective ways that, when implemented, can make your home look more spacious, brighter and functional:

1. Introduce Lights and Mirrors

This is one of the surest ways to make a space look larger. Use sheer curtains or blinds to allow natural sunlight to enter the room. Artificial lighting can also brighten the space. Mirrors, when placed on the right walls, reflect light and make the room appear bigger than it is.

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2. Neutral Colours to the Rescue

Dark-painted walls or contrasting colours can make a room feel small and enclosed. A foolproof trick is to use neutral, pleasant hues like cream, beige, or soft pastels. These colours add brightness and make your home feel more open.

3. Utilise Vertical Spaces Optimally

Vertical walls, when used for storage whether in the form of kitchen cabinets, bookshelves or other space-saving units, can make a room look beautifully neat and organised. Additionally, floor to ceiling curtains help make the room look taller.

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4. Functional, Compact Furniture

Overcrowding a room with excess furniture is never a good idea. Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes and does not take up too much space. Dark pieces can also make a room feel smaller, so opt for lighter-toned items that are soothing to the eye and help the space feel bigger.

5. Clear Pathways Strategically

Use organisers for storage to declutter the room, making it cleaner and more spacious. Walls can also be used strategically for mounted shelves and floating units, freeing up floor space. This helps the room look open and well organised.