With the instability of the current housing market, most of us think it’s only natural to inhabit relatively small apartments or rent rooms that are not so generous in size. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks you can use in order to make a small room look bigger. It’s not even about investing, but rather about playing with perception - you can always shape it according to your needs and preferences. Below is a list with useful advice on how to amplify the space you’re living in.

1. Go for Light Tones

It’s no secret that using mahogany furniture, for example, will only make a small space feel even tinier and more claustrophobic. When choosing your furniture and textiles, such as drapes and carpets, go for really light colors, such as white or cream. You’d be surprised at the positive effect it instantly has on the room.

2. Choose See-Through Furniture

Another great tip is to opt for a glass dining room table and lucite chairs, for instance. They will create a sense of depth and will make the room feel neater. Remember, it’s all about tricking your eyes and brain into perceiving more space in a room than there actually is.

3. Add Floor-to-Ceiling Shelves

Apart from being great for storage, these taller shelving units can make your ceiling look higher than it actually is, thus adding a feeling of more space in your room. Your books and knick knacks will also thank you for this idea.

4. Multifunctional Furniture Is the Way to Go

When living in a small space, the most strategic way of going about things is to buy furniture that can fulfill more than just one purpose. For example, you can buy a larger ottoman that also doubles as a coffee table - effective and fun.

5. There’s a Smarter Way to Using Mirrors

That’s right - if used strategically, mirrors can do a world of good to a small room. The key is to place mirrors opposite or near a light source, so they can reflect it back and thus add more depth to the room. It’s generally better to go for a larger mirror than several smaller ones.

6. Debunking the Myth of Small Furniture

It was once believed that by adding small furniture to an already small room, you can create the illusion of spaciousness. However it couldn’t be more different. You should actually use just a couple of larger pieces of furniture and the result will be everything you hoped for.

7. A Big No to Clutter

When living in a small space, clutter may be your biggest enemy. Your living arrangement may make you the most organized you’ve ever been - store your gadgets and other trinkets in boxes that provide easy access, while also hiding the mess from your gaze.

8. Plain Colors Are Key

However you choose to decorate your room, you should stay away from fussy prints that only complicate your small living space. Stick to plain colors that are both easy and pleasant on the eye. This will add more cohesiveness to the room and make it seem bigger.

9. Get Foldable and Adjustable Furniture

Furniture that can adjust its size or that can be safely tucked away when not needed is your best friend. Think foldable chairs or a dining room table whose size can be adjusted to fit a smaller or larger company, depending on your plans that day.

10. Stay Away From Overhead Fixtures

A great idea to help you add the illusion of space in a smaller room would be to stay away from overhead lighting fixtures. Instead, you can add more smaller lighting elements throughout the entire room. The place will pop and it will draw the eyes away from a single focal point.

As you can see, there’s no significant financial investment you need to make in order to give a small room the illusion of depth and space. You just need to play around with the elements you already have and maybe get several additional ones to better help you achieve your vision. Ultimately, it’s all in the brain and if you know how to manage it, it will perceive what you want it to perceive.

Author Bio: Tanya is a mom of two boys and a writer. She loves spending time with her husband and kids.

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