How to make your home feel bigger

Whether you live on acres or are an inner-city apartment dweller, we bet you'd jump at the opportunity for a little more space—us too! The good news is there are plenty of ways to make your home feel bigger and it's all about creating the perception of openness. Here, we show you how to DIY a sprawling abode with 10 tips for achieving the illusion of more space.


 

1. Clear the clutter

Clutter is guaranteed to make any space feel cramped, so use your editor's eye and cut down any bits and pieces to essential items only. If you’re working with minimal square footage and want to create a floor plan free of obstacles, consider making small switches such as wall sconces instead of floor lamps and floating shelves over display cabinets.


 

2. Focus on lighting

A lack of windows or natural light can make a room shrink before your eyes, but you can add plenty of your own light sources to counteract the effect. Ceiling light fixtures increase brightness and can make a striking centrepiece while floor lamps and table lamps help create a cosy atmosphere.


 

3. Mirrors are your friend 

Another way to tackle minimal natural light is by placing mirrors opposite windows to reflect the light you receive around the room. Mirrors will also make your space appear bigger by expanding your room’s scope, whether you hang a decorative mirror on the wall or, as a renter-friendly alternative, lean a full-length mirror against the wall. If you're sold on the look, read more about how to style your home with mirrors here. 


 

4. Lean into lighter tones

Opening up a room is as simple as opting for whites, greys, creams and yellows across walls. These tones have light-bouncing qualities that will bring an airy feel to the home. If you don't have a say over the colour of your walls, try to ensure your furniture pieces are as neutral as possible instead.


 

5. Go big with wall art 

Hear us out; you’re better off hanging a single piece of wall art over several small ones. Large artwork will make your walls look bigger—however, if you have lots of smaller pieces you love, scatter them throughout the house instead of lumping them together on one wall to maintain a sense of openness.


 

6. Choose window coverings wisely

Heavy curtains don’t bode well in small spaces. If you can install slimline roller blinds or Venetian blinds (here's how to choose between the two), these window coverings will let in light without compromising space. For an easier window upgrade, you can always swap dreary furnishings for sheer curtains that invite sunlight and a sense of space while maintaining privacy during the day. 


 

7. Make the most of glass

Clear glass pieces make anything beyond appear farther away, increasing the perception of depth in any given space. Glass coffee tables are a great way to incorporate the material into a room, as are glass dining tables with a sturdy base of wood or metal. You can even extend this approach to the bathroom by trading an opaque shower enclosure for a clear glass screen.


 

8. Look up for storage 

Make the most of your wall space by investing in a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or shelving unit that draws the eye upwards and provides plenty of storage and organisation space. Bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens can all benefit from extra shelves up high.


 

9. Get furniture smart 

Multi-functional furniture that boasts storage is a great way to make the most of your space—think a bed frame with built-in drawers or a storage ottoman with space to stow blankets. Even a set of nesting tables provides extra surfaces that can be tucked away when not in use. 


 

10. Size-up your rug

You don’t want to skimp on rugs, as too-small dimensions will make your space look cramped. An area rug that touches all pieces of furniture in that particular zone is best, or try incorporating a rug that reaches from wall to wall. Check out our guide on how to choose the right size rug for more tips.