Many people live in small homes, apartments, mobile homes and condos. While an intimate feeling is nice, sometimes things get too intimate. There can be so many things crammed into a room that it starts closing in on you, and you may even feel that you just might have to climb over things to get where you are going. Are there any solutions for opening up small spaces? Tons of them! You can take a tiny room and make it appear twice as big by simply using the tips below.
First of all, many people make the mistake of believing that you should use small accents and accessories in small rooms. While you can use some, using too many tiny decorating pieces just adds to the small, cluttered look. The best solution is to use a balance of large and small. This helps create interest and eliminates a messy, cluttered look.
Light Up the Room!
If your small room looks dark and dreary, light it up! Remove heavy curtains or other window coverings that block light. Place Venetian blinds or another style of window covering that allows you to open up the window completely, letting sunshine spill in and brighten the mood. Place lamps strategically around the room, and use lamp shades that are light in color to allow for more light in the evenings. If you feel some type of curtains are a must, use sheers.
Remember - Less is more
Large over-sized furniture is great for small rooms, as are large paintings for the walls. What you want to do is have large pieces, just less of them. A large sofa and recliner will give you seating space, while not over-crowding the room. On walls, go for a single large portrait or painting instead of groupings of smaller pictures. This gives the room a look of airy spaciousness.
Make Good Use of What Space You Have to Work With
People tend to put book cases, lamps and other items in the middle of the wall. If you can, use corner space! This frees up more area in the middle of the room, making it appear larger. Unless it just doesn't look attractive, use the corners. Plants look great in a corner as well.
Mirrors Double the Size of a Room
This has been known for decades, but mirrors help create visually larger rooms. Place mirrored tiles on an entire wall, or use one large mirror on a wall as a focal point. The reflection of the room in the mirror makes it look double the size!
Don't forget color when it comes to making tiny spaces look bigger. White is great, but don't be afraid to use bright greens, blues and peaches. As long as you keep the shades light, color adds interest and depth. Paint a single wall a bright, vibrant shade that blends or contrasts with colors in your furnishings and accents.
Remember, when it comes to small spaces less really is more. Do away with collections of small knick-knacks, and use single items for wall decor. Mix and match a few small pieces with several large pieces, and watch your room open up right before your eyes!
By:Leon Tuberman
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