5 Design tips to make Small Spaces Feel Huge

In this post, you would learn how to completely transform your small space. A common challenge with small apartments is that they often have a temporary, basic feel due to standard vendor selections. But things have changed, now you would read how a professional tackles these issues.

Let’s dive right into my top tip for small spaces

Tip 1: Focus on the overall structure- This includes floors, walls, ceilings, doors, and trim. The key is to make everything blend seamlessly, To do this, paint the walls, trim, and ceilings the same color.

You can either go very light or very dark, but sticking to the extreme ends of the color spectrum helps create the illusion of depth, making the space feel larger. Since the trim and doors match the walls, there are no visual breaks, which makes everything look more open.

Another great trick is to use a monochromatic color scheme. For example, if you go with all-white as in white floors, white walls, and a white ceiling, it will make your space feel much bigger. 

A 600-square-foot room can suddenly feel like it’s 2,500 square feet! To prevent the space from looking flat or boring, mix different textures, finishes, shapes, and metals. That way, even with a single-color scheme, the room will still feel dynamic and stylish.

Using different textures can add depth to your space, but keeping everything in the same color family is a great way to make a small room feel much larger. 

Tip 2: Flooring- In a compact space, it’s important to keep the flooring consistent throughout the main area. 

This doesn’t necessarily apply to bathrooms, but for the rest of the space, whether it’s carpet, wood, or tile, keeping it uniform will create a seamless look.

When it comes to area rugs, you have two options: either skip them altogether or choose one that closely matches your floor color. 

A rug that contrasts too much can visually break up the space and make it feel smaller. Instead, you want to guide the eye upward and outward to create the illusion of more openness.

Tip 3: Room dividers- This can be a great solution for studios or small one-bedroom apartments. Having the option to separate areas, even temporarily, adds flexibility to your space. 

There are plenty of stylish choices, such as glass grids or decorative hanging panels, which provide a sense of division while keeping the space open. 

I recommend using semi-transparent dividers instead of solid ones, Another great idea is using storage as a divider. 

Tip 4: Choosing the right furniture size- This is a mistake I see all the time. For example, placing an oversized 8-foot sofa in a studio is not a great idea. Instead, go for a compact loveseat, which saves space without sacrificing style. Nowadays, there are so many sleek, small-scale furniture options. 

Keep your pieces light and proportionate, a round dining table works well in tight spaces.

If you have a small space, consider compact and stylish dining solutions. 

A bistro-style table with a sleek black base looks fantastic and pairs well with two lightweight chairs. It’s a perfect fit for a studio, offering both function and style. 

You also can’t go wrong with a brass table or the timeless tulip table, both are great options.

When it comes to seating, go for lightweight designs with raised legs, this helps create an open, airy feel. Instead of a large sofa, choose a loveseat.

Another fun option is a suspended acrylic chair, it takes up zero floor space since it hangs from the ceiling, making it a perfect space-saving solution.

If your space has sloped ceilings, opt for low-profile furniture. This way, you can tuck seating into those awkward areas and maximize your layout.

 Also, if you have enough room, consider a small corner sectional, it makes excellent use of space and provides plenty of seating.

Lastly, skip the traditional coffee table, there’s usually not enough room for one in a small space.Instead of a big coffee table, consider using a few smaller tables that can be easily moved around. 

Tip 4: Choose multi-functional furniture whenever possible- Everything should offer extra storage to help keep your space organized. 

There are so many options now, like daybeds instead of traditional beds, trundle beds for extra sleeping space, or Murphy beds that fold away when not in use. You can even install storage above your bed.

Another game-changer is platform beds with built-in storage underneath, this small feature can make a huge difference in keeping your space clutter-free. 

And when it comes to your TV, mount it on the wall instead of using a bulky console or credenza, since floor space is already limited.

Consider installing custom narrow shelves, around 8 to 12 inches deep, to make use of the space near your TV. This way, you can maximize storage without needing a large, bulky piece of furniture. 

Since your TV is already wall-mounted, it frees up even more room. Think about using every available surface, for example, wall-mounted desks are a great option. They now come in sleek, lightweight designs that work well in small spaces.

We already discussed storage coffee tables, but here’s another great one, a table with a lift-up lid that hides clutter. You could also use storage ottomans, just pop the top off and store items inside. 

The use of a small bar cart is a great idea, not only does it function as an end table, but if you get one with wheels, you can easily move it around for more flexibility. 

Even mirrors can offer extra storage! Some mirrors now come with built-in shelves on the sides and back, giving you more space without taking up room.

Tip 5: Treat your space like a boat and use every inch of wall space wisely- Install shelves that run all the way up to the ceiling, or try hacking an IKEA solution to fit your needs. 

Another clever idea is to use the space above doorways, it’s often overlooked but perfect for extra shelving. And if you have room above your bed, that’s another fantastic storage opportunity, just be mindful of placement for a comfortable layout. 

If possible, extend your shelves all the way to the ceiling and fill them with stylish storage baskets to keep clutter out of sight. 

Make use of every inch of space! If you don’t have enough room for extra storage, mirrors are your best friend in a small space. They help create the illusion of more room. Tall, lean mirrors work best, whether they have frames or are frameless, they all add depth and brightness. Frameless designs, in particular, give a sleek, modern look.