Creating The Illusion of Space: Design Tricks To Expand Small Bedrooms
With bedrooms being one of the most frequented spaces in your home, it’s essential to make the most of every square foot. Explore these practical and budget-friendly DIY techniques to maximise space and create a sense of openness in even the smallest of bedrooms.
Daniel Ufland, founder of Flitch, offers expert insights on crafting a room that exudes spaciousness and style.
1. Opt For Light Colours
Paint the walls and ceiling in light, airy colours like white, cream, or soft pastels to create the illusion of a larger space. Light hues reflect more light, making the room feel brighter and more expansive.
2. Utilise Mirrors
Place mirrors strategically to reflect light and visually expand the room. Consider a large mirror on one wall or smaller mirrors arranged creatively to bounce light and create depth.
3. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
Invest in furniture pieces that serve dual purposes, such as a storage bed with drawers underneath or a fold-out desk that can be tucked away when not in use. This maximises functionality while minimising clutter and maximising floor space.
4. Maximise Vertical Space
Install tall shelving units or floating shelves to draw the eye upward and free up floor space. Utilise the full height of the walls for storage, keeping items organised and off the floor.
5. Incorporate Natural Lighting
Position furniture to allow natural light to flow freely throughout the room, keeping windows unobstructed and allowing sunlight to pour in. Additionally, strategically place mirrors opposite windows to reflect and amplify natural light, enhancing the brightness and spaciousness of the room.
6. Hang Curtains High And Wide
Hang curtains close to the ceiling and extend them beyond the window’s width to create the illusion of taller and broader windows, adding height and depth to the room. This simple trick makes the ceilings appear higher and the room more expansive.
7. Install Sconces Or Wall Lights
Opt for wall-mounted lighting fixtures instead of bulky floor or table lamps to save surface area and floor space and create a more open room. This provides ambient lighting without cluttering surfaces.
8. Use Sheer Fabrics
Choose lightweight, sheer curtains to allow natural light to filter through while still maintaining privacy, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Sheer fabrics create an airy, ethereal atmosphere without blocking light.
9. Create Visual Interest With Vertical Stripes
Paint vertical stripes on an accent wall or incorporate striped wallpaper to visually elongate the walls and make the room appear taller. Vertical lines naturally guide the gaze skyward, creating the illusion of lofty ceilings and fostering an atmosphere of expansive tranquillity within the room.
10. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces
Integrate reflective surfaces like glass, acrylic, or metallic accents into the decor, such as mirrored furniture, shiny hardware, or glossy finishes, to bounce light around the room and amplify the sense of space. Reflective surfaces add depth and luminosity to the room, making it feel more open and airy.