There are several ways to make a small bedroom look bigger, including using light-colored paint, adding mirrors and lighting, minimizing clutter, and choosing furniture that is appropriately scaled for the space.
A room isn't small just because of a lack of square footage. In fact, a room can feel smaller than it actually is due to trivial décor mistakes like boxy furniture, light paint colors, and inconsistent flooring.
Wide Planks
Selecting wide floor planks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a room look bigger. Instead of thin strips, go for boards at least seven inches wide. Longer planks (four or more feet in length) can help as well.
Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms. Here, we dive deeper into this topic with 5 specific painting techniques to make rooms look bigger, brighter, and more beautiful.
'To make an existing room appear bigger is a challenge that is usually achieved by the use of reflective items, such as mirrors, openings, windows where applicable, but accent walls painted in a tone much darker than the rest of the room also works to make a room feel bigger,' he says.
A low bed frame can be a great choice in a number of situations. It can make a small room feel bigger than it really is, leaving maximum open space above the bed. A design without a footboard is preferable although you can still opt for a high headboard since this is against a wall.
Add reflective surfaces
Yes, you know that mirrors make a space appear larger. (“It's like doubling a room,” Curtis says.) But other reflective surfaces — high-gloss painted ceilings, lacquered furniture, shiny tile on a kitchen backsplash — have a similar effect, casting light and creating the illusion of volume.
A tall headboard in a small bedroom will instantly draw your eye upwards, thus making the room appear bigger. If you are not keen on a headboard that is too tall, you can always add a piece of artwork above it as it will achieve the same eye-drawing effect, perhaps even more so!
Measure the Room and Use One Large Area Rug
One large area rug — rather than several small ones — makes a room feel larger. Measure the room's dimensions first. Then select a rug that will rest within 12 inches of all four walls.
Dark colors can actually make a small space seem larger—it just all depends on how you use them. The key is, instead of painting the entire space in a dark color, to just paint one wall (or a single element like a bookcase), as seen in the image above from Royal Roulotte.
Lighter colors such as whites, creams, and light grays can help a room feel more open and spacious. Darker colors tend to make a room feel smaller and more enclosed.
Although it's true that dark wood has a heavier visual look, that mostly just means it's bolder and more imposing, not that it actually makes the space look smaller. The key is you have to do it right. If you have too much dark going on in a space, yes, it will make the room look smaller.
Whether you're looking to spice up a small bedroom or completely redo the design aesthetic of a master bedroom, adding an accent wall is the perfect solution. Accent walls are a mainstay in the interior decorating world for a reason.
Create an optical illusion that tricks the eye into seeing a grand, expansive room by installing a floating shelf that runs the length of your wall. This technique will visually expand the space and usher midcentury flair into your design.
Use Glass Tops for Tables
Glass top tables are quite popular for dining rooms and living rooms, instantly making the rooms look bigger. Bonus tip, look for glass tables that have beveling as these will behave similarly to mirrors and reflect light coming into the room.
Layering a room really comes down to using different patterns, shapes, textures and colors to add depth, balance and create contrast. Just like with fashion, layering a room pulls together a cohesive and styled look while adding depth and personality.
Light Colors
As such, most people using paint to make the room feel bigger opt for brighter colors that will reflect light. White works well, but you could also use colors like beige, grey, or pastels like yellow or blush. Consider these popular options: 0021 Barely White, a cool off-white hue.
White can work well in a small bedroom, but be careful with stark white, since it can make any size bedroom feel cold. Soft tones of cream, butter or ivory are good choices, as are whites with a touch of grey, green, blue or even pink. Layer complementary shades of white, or choose accessories in a favorite color.
Let in the Light
Any room will look larger if it's well-lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting. Get rid of heavy draperies, and open up the windows to let the light of the outdoors into the space. Add more lamps or install track lighting or recessed lighting.
Contrast is one of the core rules of any style or decor, so the easiest way to match furniture and floors is to go with dark furniture on light floors or light furniture on dark floors.