How To Visually Enlarge Your Space
If you live in a small apartment, sooner or later, you will feel that you are lacking some space, whether for storing your items or relaxing after a long day at work. However, sometimes you can’t just add a new room to your house or break the wall between your bedroom and living room. And so, the thought of improving your space can be quite daunting.
If you live in one of these flats, don’t worry. Fortunately for you, there are many ways in which you can visually enlarge your space, from using vertical space and bright-toned furniture to installing mirrors and letting in natural light. Creating an impression of space may be easier than you think – and many of those small renovations can be done on a budget, too!
Living in a small space can have its benefits, so before you set out on a quest for a big mansion, check out the ideas below. Maybe once you apply them, you will enjoy your home like never before!
Use Vertical Space
Many people think the only way to enlarge a room is to make it longer and wider. But since it may not be possible in most cases, at least not without any serious house renovation, expanding on vertical space will be more cost-effective. For instance, you can put shelves on the walls and cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling and use them to store various items.
Besides, you can also use the walls to hang decorations to enlarge the space further, for example, with paintings, posters, or photos. Just make sure to not overdo it. Otherwise, it may look even more cluttered. So, in other words, you should use the walls to your advantage. Doing so will not only enlarge your space but also make it more modern and stylish.
Let in Natural Light
If your room is too dark, it will look small and cramped, especially if you only have one or two light sources there. So, the most important thing is to let as much light into your room as possible, preferably natural light. This way, you will be able to get the most out of your space and allow some fresh air in.
Ideally, you could install more windows. For instance, roof windows like those at https://sunluxroofwindows.co.uk/24-flat-roof-windows can provide you with lots of sunlight while allowing you to organise your walls the way you want. This may be a little difficult if you live in an apartment in the middle of a multi-story block of flats. In that case, try to utilise the windows you already have.
While it is a good idea to keep your curtains drawn all the time during hot summer, if your windows are facing north or east, try to keep them open. And if you have heavy curtains, replace them with thinner ones so that they don’t stop all the light. On top of that, hang some mirrors in strategic places so that they reflect the sunlight into more dim corners.
Use Glass Furniture
Once you open your room for natural light, it is time to remove everything that may block it. One of the most effective ways to do so is to use glass or lucite furniture. Pieces made of these materials will visually brighten up your space, making it appear more airy and open. See-through cabinets, for example, will allow you to showcase your knick-knacks without making your room look cluttered.
What’s more, glass furniture often sports this distinctive minimalistic look, which suits small and limited spaces. Although exquisite ornaments do have some appeal, they also can make your room feel overwhelming, and that’s something you want to avoid.
Use Mirrors
As mentioned above, mirrors can help you brighten up your room. But apart from that, they can also make your room look bigger than it is. For example, you can place a wall mirror in front of a window to create the illusion of continuous space. This way, the light will be reflected, and the room will look brighter and more spacious.
If you want to make a statement, you can couple a mirror with some glass cabinets. This will make the room look more stylish and elegant and expand the space even further. Alternatively, you can put a few smaller mirrors in some intriguing pattern and make the spot the focal point of your room.
Use Light Colors
It is a known fact that darker walls coupled with wooden furniture and dim, warm light are the recipe for a cosy space. One of the characteristics of this style, however, is that it puts some weight on the overall appearance of the given room. So, if you are limited on space, you may want to opt for brighter shades instead.
Light colours create the illusion of space – which is why even the dark cosy rooms sport white or cream ceilings. So, the starting point is to paint your walls in bright pastel colours that complement your furniture. For instance, bright pink or purple will work nicely with maple or birth items, while darker woods like mahogany or walnut will fit green or cream shades.
To finish up the look of your bright and open room, add some contrasting blankets, throw pillows, or curtains. You don’t have to settle on one specific combination, so experiment with what you have and find the one that suits you best.
How to Visually Enlarge Your Space – Conclusion
The size of your space as it is rarely the sole reason why it looks cramped. More often than not, it is about the way it is arranged. And making your space look bigger can be easier than you think! The list above isn’t definitive, but as you implement some of these ideas, you will notice a significant difference.
Start by focusing on the small things that make a difference, such as rearranging the furniture or changing the curtains. If you are in for a larger renovation project, paint the walls in a lighter colour and add more mirrors. Finally, add some bright decorations, and enjoy your new and enlarged space!
