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How to Make a Room Look Bigger, However Small: 24 Perception-Warping Pointers
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How to Make a Room Look Bigger, However Small: 24 Perception-Warping Pointers

Struggling with a small room that feels cramped and crowded? Don’t worry—you're not alone! With the right tricks and clever design techniques, even the smallest spaces can feel airy, open, and inviting.

At Brantwood furniture, we know that smart furniture choices and thoughtful styling can transform your space. Whether you’re working with a compact living room, a cosy bedroom, or a snug home office, here are 24 powerful pointers to help you make any room look bigger—without knocking down a single wall!


1. Stick to Light, Neutral Colours

Soft hues like whites, beiges, pale greys, and pastels reflect more light and open up a room visually.

2. Use Mirrors Strategically

A well-placed mirror can double the perceived size of a room by bouncing light and views around the space.

3. Choose Furniture with Exposed Legs

Sofas, chairs, and beds on legs create an airy, lifted feel compared to bulky, solid bases.

4. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture

Think ottomans with storage, sofa beds, and extendable dining tables—furniture that works harder saves valuable space.

5. Keep Window Treatments Minimal

Avoid heavy drapes. Opt for sheer curtains, light blinds, or even no window coverings to let natural light flood in.

6. Opt for Low-Profile Furniture

Lower furniture creates a greater sense of height and openness above, making ceilings feel taller.

7. Declutter Ruthlessly

Less really is more. A streamlined, clutter-free room always feels more spacious and serene.

8. Hang Curtains High and Wide

Mount curtain rods closer to the ceiling and extend them beyond the window frame to make windows (and the room) seem larger.

9. Use Glass and Lucite Pieces

Glass coffee tables, acrylic chairs, and transparent accessories take up less visual space.

10. Limit Patterns

If you love pattern, use it sparingly—too many busy prints can make a room feel chaotic and smaller.

11. Invest in Built-In Storage

Built-ins use every inch of available space efficiently and maintain clean lines, perfect for compact areas.

12. Stick to a Light Flooring

Lighter-toned flooring—whether wood, tile, or carpet—helps reflect light and expand the look of a room.

13. Keep Colour Palettes Cohesive

Using varying shades of a single colour creates a seamless flow, making the space feel unified and larger.

14. Float the Furniture

Don’t push all furniture against the walls. Floating key pieces slightly inward actually makes the space feel bigger.

15. Embrace Vertical Space

Use tall shelving units, vertical art, or hanging plants to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height.

16. Choose Slimline Furniture

Opt for pieces with thinner profiles and sleeker frames over bulky, overstuffed alternatives.

17. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces

High-gloss finishes, metallics, and glossy tiles bounce light around the room and add a feeling of spaciousness.

18. Limit Large-Scale Artwork

One oversized piece can work wonders—but cluttering walls with too much art can make a small room feel busy and crowded.

19. Go for Armless Seating

Armless chairs or sofas create less visual bulk and give your space a cleaner, more open vibe.

20. Keep Accessories to a Minimum

Instead of a dozen small accessories, opt for a few larger statement pieces to avoid visual clutter.

21. Pick Furniture That Doubles as Storage

Think beds with built-in drawers, benches with hidden compartments, and side tables with shelving.

22. Maintain Clear Pathways

Furniture layouts that allow for easy movement make a room feel more spacious and functional.

23. Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colours

Blending furniture tones with wall colours can help pieces "disappear" slightly, making the space feel less cramped.

24. Use Stripes Strategically

Horizontal stripes make a room look wider; vertical stripes add height. Rugs, wallpapers, or textiles with subtle stripes can work wonders!


Create Your Bigger, Brighter Space with Brantwood furniture

No matter the size of your room, the right furniture and a few clever tricks can make all the difference. At Brantwood furniture, we offer a curated range of space-saving, stylish, and multi-functional furniture designed to help you make the most of every square foot.

Browse our latest collections today and start your journey toward a bigger, brighter home you’ll love to live in.

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