How to make a small room feel larger, top tips, The magic of led bathroom mirrors, Remodeling tips to know

How to Make a Small Room Feel Larger: Top Tips

24 February 2025

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped. With the right design choices, even the most compact rooms can appear brighter, more spacious, and inviting. From clever lighting to smart furniture arrangements, here are practical tips to make your small room feel significantly larger.

1. Maximise Natural Light with Rooflights

Natural light is one of the most powerful tools for creating the illusion of space. A well-lit room feels more open, while dark corners can make a space feel confined. Rooflights introduce daylight from above, brightening the room without compromising wall space or blocking a spot for storage or seating.

Benefits of rooflights in small rooms:

Allows natural light to flood the space from above

Reduces reliance on artificial lighting during the day
Creates an airy, open atmosphere
Provides ventilation without taking up wall space

Fixed flat rooflights, in particular, are an excellent choice for small rooms, offering maximum light intake without bulky frames. Modern frameless designs are available which ensures a sleek, modern look while enhancing the perception of space.

2. Choose Light Colours and Reflective Surfaces

Colour plays a crucial role in how we perceive space. Light, neutral tones reflect more light, making walls appear farther away and ceilings higher. As such, whites, creams, soft greys, and cool or warm pastels are ideal for small rooms.

To amplify this effect even more, consider reflective surfaces like glossy furniture, glass tables, and metallic accents. These materials bounce light around the room, enhancing the feeling of openness.

Another great tip is to pair light-coloured walls with similarly toned flooring for a seamless look that visually expands the room.

3. Incorporate Mirrors Strategically

One particular type of reflective surface that has been used throughout time is the mirror. Mirrors are a classic trick for making small spaces feel larger. When placed opposite windows or rooflights, they reflect natural light throughout the room, doubling the perceived space.

Best practices for using mirrors:

Position a large mirror on the wall opposite a window or rooflight.
Use mirrored furniture or decor to subtly reflect light.
Create a gallery wall of smaller mirrors for a stylish yet functional touch.

4. Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture

In small rooms, every inch counts. Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman, a fold-out desk, or a Murphy bed. This reduces clutter and frees up floor space.

Consider pieces with exposed legs rather than solid bases. The visible floor beneath creates an airy feel, making the room appear less crowded. Also, consider sightlines and how tall or bulky furniture can make a space feel smaller.

The recent rise of modular furniture is also an area you can take advantage of with everything from sofas to dining sets that can serve multiple uses.

5. Declutter and Organise

Clutter can quickly overwhelm a small room, making it feel even tighter. Adopt a minimalist approach by keeping only essential items and investing in smart storage solutions.

Decluttering tips:

Use floating shelves to keep floors clear.

Opt for built-in wardrobes and under-bed storage.
Store seasonal items out of sight to maintain a tidy environment.

6. Play with Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, look up. Utilise vertical space by installing tall bookshelves, hanging plants, or wall-mounted lighting. Drawing the eye upward creates the illusion of height, making the room feel larger.

Investing in rooflights can also enhance vertical space by adding depth to the ceiling, especially in loft conversions or rooms with sloped roofs. Rooflights can also add a wow factor to living spaces which is ideal for smaller homes if you’re looking to entertain guests.

7. Embrace Minimal Window Treatments

Heavy curtains can make a room feel closed in. Instead, opt for sheer fabrics or roller blinds that allow natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy.

Again, rooflights eliminate the need for traditional window treatments altogether, providing uninterrupted views of the sky and maximising light intake.

Making a small room feel larger is all about maximising light, reducing clutter, and choosing smart design elements.

Comments on this How to Make a Small Room Feel Larger: Top Tips article are welcome.