3 Ways to Make a Small Living Space Seem Larger

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 10/17/2021

Small living spaces can present some unique challenges with furnishing and decorating. Whether you're dealing with a cramped living room or a tiny bedroom, there are some practical steps you can take to make your space feel larger and more functional.

1. Hang Window Treatments High

The right window treatments can really open up even the smallest of rooms. However, it's all a matter of how you hang them. When installing curtains in a smaller room, hang curtain rods at least a few inches above the top of your windows to create the illusion of taller ceilings. From there, choosing a curtain length that will drape to the floor can further elongate the appearance of your walls.

2. Decorate With Reflective Materials

When choosing decor for your small room, opt for reflective materials. This can include not only mirrors, but glass and metallic decor as well. When you decorate with these materials, they reflect light, which can make the space appear larger.

Mirrors are especially effective because when strategically placed and paired with a light source. They can simultaneously create the illusion of more space while brightening up an otherwise dark room.

3. Scale Down Your Furniture

Making a small space as functional as possible will help you best use even the tiniest room, and one of the best ways to improve function in a small space is to scale down your furniture. Rather than opting for that huge sectional in your tiny living room, you might be better off choosing a small loveseat with a couple of eye-catching accent chairs. Buying furniture that is scaled down to suit your space will help you get the best use out of it. Meanwhile, you can avoid overcrowding a petite space with oversized furniture.

You don't need to be a professional interior designer to employ a little strategy when decorating your small space. With these simple yet effective tips, you'll be well on your way to furnishing and decorating any small living space in your home with greater confidence. From there, you can get the most out of every precious square foot.

About the Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”