How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger: 
12 Expert Tips 

The color palette you choose significantly affects how big or small a room feels. Light colors, like soft whites, cool greys, and pastels, reflect more light, making a space feel airy and open. Dark colors can make a room feel cozy but also smaller, so if you're trying to create the illusion of more space, stick with lighter shades. 

Natural light is another key player in making a room feel bigger. If you're lucky enough to have large windows, don't block them with heavy drapes or blinds. Instead, opt for sheer curtains that allow light to filter through. Strategic placement of light fixtures can make all the difference for rooms that lack natural light. Consider adding floor lamps in dark corners, wall sconces to brighten up the walls, or even string lights for a touch of whimsy. 

And don’t forget furniture and flooring. A light sofa like the Get Together in Sea Salt and a neutral, airy addition like the West Coast Rug can bring warmth and brightness to a room without overwhelming it. Looking to brighten up your small space? Check out our collection of light-colored sofas that are perfect for small rooms.  

When working with limited space, every piece of furniture needs to pull double duty. Multi-functional furniture is your best friend in a small room. Think sofa beds that provide a place to sleep and sit, storage ottomans that hide away clutter while offering extra seating, and extendable tables that can accommodate guests when needed. And, wall-mounted desks and stashable, foldable furniture can save valuable floor space while maintaining versatility and functionality in your room design. 

Not only do multi-functional pieces save space, but they also reduce the need for additional furniture, keeping your room from feeling cramped. Look for furniture that offers built-in storage, like our Cloud Bed, which features a hidden compartment under a clever hydraulic lift. And, multi-functional pieces like our Field Stool can be used as extra seating, a side table, or even a footrest.  

When floor space is limited, it’s time to look up. Vertical space is often underutilized, but it can be a game-changer in a small room. Even if you don’t have a lot of square footage, the space above you can make a room feel a lot larger than it is. Tall bookcases, floating shelves, and wall-mounted storage units are excellent ways to take advantage of your walls. Not only do they provide storage, but they also draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious. Our Showcase Cabinet is on the taller side, offering plenty of space to stash your essentials without taking up too much floor space. And when you’re looking for open shelving to draw the eye up, our Union Bookshelf is the perfect piece.  

You can also use vertical space for decor. Hanging artwork or large mirrors higher on the wall can create the illusion of height. Just be sure to balance it out with some lower elements to keep the room grounded. 

Clutter can feel chaotic in small spaces. The more items you have on display, the smaller your room will feel. Embracing a minimalist approach can help keep your space feeling open and airy. Start by decluttering and only keep the essentials. Choose a few key pieces of furniture and decor that you love, and let them shine. Incorporate smart storage solutions, like under-bed drawers or floating shelves, to keep items organized and out of sight. By maintaining a clean and uncluttered environment, you'll create a space that feels calm, spacious, and inviting. 

When selecting furniture, go for pieces with clean lines and simple designs. Our Field Dining Table and Form Coffee Table are both solid wood pieces that make a statement without overpowering your space. Avoid overly ornate or bulky furniture, and instead look for pieces that are functional and stylish without being too fussy. 

Mirrors are a tried-and-true trick for making a room feel larger. They reflect light and create the illusion of depth, effectively doubling the perceived space. The key is to place mirrors strategically where they can reflect natural light or open up the view. Consider using oversized mirrors or mirrored furniture to enhance the effect and make your space feel even more expansive. 

Larger mirrors like our Look At You Mirror, can make the entire room feel more spacious. You can also use smaller mirrors in a gallery arrangement to achieve a similar effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and frames to add a touch of personality to your space. 

The way you arrange your furniture can have a significant impact on how spacious a room feels. In a small space, it’s essential to create a layout that allows for easy movement and avoids clutter. Start by arranging your furniture to maximize open space. Avoid placing large pieces directly in front of doorways or windows, as this can block natural light and make the room feel cramped. 

Leave enough space between furniture pieces to create clear pathways. This will help the room feel more open and less cluttered. If your room is particularly small, consider arranging furniture along the walls to free up the center of the room. 

Look for pieces that are functional and space-saving at the same time. Our Wave Bed has a frame that sits tight to the mattress, making it an ideal option when every square inch matters. And, our Chill Time 3-Piece Sectional offers plenty of seating with a compact footprint.  

Furniture with exposed legs creates a sense of openness by allowing light and air to flow under the pieces. This simple design feature can make a room feel less cluttered and more spacious. Sofas, chairs, and tables with visible legs are ideal for small spaces because they don’t block the view of the floor, making the room feel larger. 

When choosing furniture with exposed legs, look for pieces with a slim, modern design, like our Any Day Sofa or Frame Dining Table. This will help keep the space feeling light and airy without sacrificing comfort or style. 

Low-profile furniture is another great option for small spaces. These pieces sit closer to the ground, creating the illusion of higher ceilings and more space. Low sofas like our Movie Night 4-Piece Sectional, and low coffee tables like our Field Coffee Table Round can make a room feel taller and more open, even if the actual square footage is limited. 

When selecting low-profile furniture, consider pieces with clean lines and simple designs. This will help maintain the airy feel of the room without making it feel too cluttered. Bold silhouettes can create an impact without overpowering a small room.  

When it comes to decorating a small room, less is more. Instead of filling the space with many small items, opt for a few large pieces that make a statement. Large-scale art, oversized decor items, and statement furniture pieces can add visual interest without overwhelming the room. 

When choosing accent pieces, think about how they’ll fit into the overall design of the room. A large piece of artwork can draw the eye up and make the room feel taller, while a bold rug can anchor the space and add warmth. Just be sure to keep the rest of the decor simple to avoid clutter. 

A few accent furniture pieces can do the trick as well. Our Easy Edge Sideboard makes a statement while offering storage, and our Coastline Lounge Chair can anchor a small space with a bold silhouette. 

Plants are a great way to bring life and freshness into a small room. Not only do they add color and texture, but they also create the illusion of more space by drawing the eye around the room. Tall plants, in particular, can help make a room feel taller and more open. Additionally, plants have the added benefit of improving air quality, which can make your space feel even more comfortable and inviting. 

When selecting plants for a small space, choose varieties that don’t take up too much floor space. Hanging plants, wall-mounted planters, and small potted plants are all great options. Consider using vertical plant stands to maximize greenery without compromising on floor space. Just be sure to place them where they can get enough light, and don’t overcrowd the space, as too many plants can have the opposite effect and make the room feel cluttered. 

Built-in storage is a game-changer in small spaces. Whether it’s a built-in bookshelf, a storage bench, or a custom closet, these solutions help maximize space while keeping clutter at bay. Customizable storage options, like our Keep Stacking System, allow you to tailor your storage to fit your specific needs, making the most of every inch of space. 

Built-in storage not only saves floor space but also helps create a seamless, cohesive look in your room. Consider adding built-in shelves above a desk or bed to keep items off the floor and within easy reach. 

One of the simplest ways to make a small room feel larger is to keep the flooring consistent throughout the space. Using the same flooring material in adjacent rooms creates a sense of continuity, making the space feel more open. Whether you prefer hardwood, tile, or carpet, choose a flooring option that complements the rest of your decor and stick with it throughout your home. 

If you have different flooring in different rooms, consider using rugs to create a more cohesive look. A large area rug can help unify the space and make it feel larger.

What color makes a small room look bigger? 

What color makes a small room look bigger? Shades like soft whites, light grays, and gentle pastels can really open up a space by reflecting more light and creating an airy feel. You don’t have to stick to just plain white—colors like pale blues, blush pinks, or soft greens can add a bit of personality while still keeping things bright and spacious.

How do you decorate a small room to make it look bigger? 

Start by keeping your furniture to a minimum—opt for pieces that are functional and stylish, like a sofa bed or a coffee table with storage. Mirrors are another fantastic trick; they reflect light and give the illusion of more space. Also, don’t forget about vertical space. Use tall bookshelves or hang artwork higher up on the walls to draw the eye upwards, making the room feel taller. 

How to make a narrow room look bigger? 

First, try using light colors on the walls and ceiling to create a more open atmosphere. You can also play with stripes—horizontal stripes on walls or flooring can visually widen the space. Placing furniture along the longer walls can also help balance the room, and don't forget to add a large mirror on one of the shorter walls to reflect light and create depth. 

How can I make my room look bigger and lighter? 

To make your room look bigger and lighter, start by maximizing natural light—keep windows unobstructed and use sheer curtains to let in as much light as possible. Light, neutral colors on the walls and ceilings will help brighten things up, and incorporating mirrors will amplify the effect. Keep your decor simple and avoid heavy, dark furniture that can make the space feel cramped.  

Making a small room look bigger is all about smart design choices. From choosing the right colors and furniture to utilizing vertical space and keeping things minimal, these tips will help you create a space that feels open, airy, and inviting. Remember, less is more when it comes to small spaces, so focus on selecting pieces that are functional, stylish, and perfectly suited to your room. 

Ready to transform your small space? Discover our collection of space-saving furniture. and decor designed to make the most of every inch. And for more interior design tips, be sure to check out our latest articles. Happy decorating! 

By Madison Otto, Retail Experience Manager at Sundays