Clever Ways to Make Tiny Rooms Look Bigger
Bold, space-saving furniture and mounted sconces maximize small rooms. Glass walls, mirrors and reflective finishes boost light. Calm colors unify without clutter.
NEW YORK — Even in small spaces, home and condo owners can show off their bold personalities.
For instance, in a smaller living room, choose a two-seater version of a bold sofa and pair it with a side table, rather than a full-size coffee table. Utilizing smaller furnishings, such as love seats, side tables and stools, provides room for bold choices and frees up floor space.
In a smaller bedroom, fit in the queen-size bed with narrow drinks tables, rather than traditional nightstands. If there is not space on the tables for lamps, opt for mounted swinging sconces above the bed. This can not only save space, but draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and larger.
Experts also say maximizing natural light in smaller spaces can make rooms feel larger. Rather than rely on drywall to separate rooms, opt for glass walls to provide more natural lighting. Traditional mirrors on the walls can also bounce natural light throughout the room.
Mosaic tiles can create an illusion of space, as well as shelves and cabinet doors in steel. Another option is to use lacquer finishes to create the high-gloss effect from adjacent windows, making the space have its own glow in unexpected ways.
Color can help unify a space, but designers caution against clutter, which can make spaces seem even smaller. A color palette should be consistent and calming.
Source: Wall Street Journal (06/05/25) Eardley, David
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