Making Your Small Place Feel Like A Big Space

Here is a new blog post from a guest author contributing to
Lang’s Kitchen & Bath’s website. All views expressed are those of the author.

Living in a small space can often feel like a challenge, especially when you wish for more room to stretch out, entertain, or simply feel less cramped. With the right approach, however, even the smallest apartments and homes can feel expansive and comfortable. Maximizing the perceived space in a small place requires clever use of design principles such as lighting, color palettes, and furniture arrangement. Let’s explore various strategies to help homeowners transform compact living areas into open, airy, and visually spacious environments. 

1. The Power of Lighting 

Lighting is one of the most important tools for making a small space feel bigger. A well-lit room naturally feels more open, while shadows tend to make spaces feel more enclosed and cramped. To maximize the feeling of space, use a combination of natural and artificial lighting in your home. 

Maximize natural light 

Letting in as much natural light as possible can significantly enhance the perceived size of a room. Keep windows clean and clear and avoid blocking them with heavy curtains or furniture. If privacy is a concern, opt for light, sheer curtains that still allow light to filter in. Mirrors can also reflect natural light, bouncing it around the room and making it feel larger. Placing a large mirror opposite a window is a particularly effective trick to amplify the effect. 

Layer your lighting 

Layering lighting with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lights can add depth and dimension to a space. Rather than relying on a single overhead light, consider using floor lamps, table lamps, and wall-mounted fixtures to illuminate different areas of the room. This helps create a sense of spaciousness by casting light across various planes of the room and reducing the effect of harsh shadows. 

2. The Right Color Palette 

Colors play a huge role in how we perceive space. Light, neutral colors can make a room feel larger and more open, while dark and intense shades can make the same space feel more intimate or enclosed. When working with smaller spaces, opting for lighter hues is generally a smart strategy. 

Choose light and neutral colors 

White, light gray, pale blue, and soft beige are classic colors that reflect light and give the illusion of more space. These tones work especially well in small rooms because they create an open, airy feel. You can incorporate bolder colors through accessories like pillows, artwork, or throws to add personality to the space without overwhelming it. 

3. Furniture Arrangement: Creating Flow 

One of the most effective ways to make a small space feel larger is by arranging your furniture to create a natural flow through the room. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many bulky pieces. Instead, focus on a few essential pieces that serve both form and function. 

Furniture scale 

In small spaces, it’s important to choose furniture that fits the scale of the room. Oversized furniture can make the space feel cramped, so opt for smaller, more compact pieces that still provide the comfort and functionality you need. Multifunctional furniture, such as sofa beds or tables with hidden storage, can also help maximize space while serving multiple purposes. 

Keep furniture away from walls 

It might seem counterintuitive, but pushing all your furniture up against the walls can actually make a room feel smaller. Leaving a small gap between the furniture and the walls allows for better flow and can make the space feel less boxed in. It creates a more open feeling by giving the room’s perimeter more visual breathing room. 

4. Creative Storage Solutions 

A cluttered space can quickly feel smaller, even if the actual square footage is sufficient. Maximizing storage is essential for keeping your small home feeling spacious. When you have effective storage solutions, everything has its place, and your space can remain organized and open. 

Built-in storage 

Incorporating built-in storage wherever possible can help keep your space clutter-free. Built-in shelves, cabinets, and even under-bed storage can make the most of the vertical space in your home. In kitchens and bathrooms, built-in cabinets and shelving help keep your essentials organized without taking up too much visual space. 

Declutter regularly 

Keep the number of items in your home to a minimum. A decluttered space will instantly feel larger. Invest in smart storage solutions that can hide away unnecessary items. Consider storage ottomans, under-bed drawers, or multifunctional furniture pieces to help with this. 

5. Incorporating Mirrors 

Mirrors are a great design element to create the illusion of space in a small room. They reflect light and make a room feel more open. Large mirrors, in particular, can act as a focal point in a room, enhancing both depth and brightness. 

Strategic placement 

Position mirrors strategically around the room to reflect light from windows or lamps. Placing a large mirror across from a window helps reflect natural light and can make the room feel much brighter. Additionally, mirrors positioned to reflect attractive views outside can also enhance the feeling of space. 

6. Finding Apartments 

When it comes to finding apartments that suit your needs, the amount of space is just one piece of the puzzle. A smaller floor plan doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style. With smart design choices—like maximizing natural light, choosing the right color palette, and using multifunctional furniture—even modest apartments can feel surprisingly spacious. 

The key is to look beyond square footage and focus on how the space can be optimized to match your lifestyle. Whether you're just starting your apartment search or already settled into a compact home, thoughtful design strategies can unlock the full potential of any space. 

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Space 

Maximizing the perceived space in your home is about making smart design choices. With the right lighting, color palette, furniture arrangement, and storage solutions, a small home can feel comfortable, functional, and spacious. These strategies will not only make your home appear larger but also enhance its livability and overall appeal. Whether you're looking to create a more inviting atmosphere or simply make better use of your available space, these tips can help you achieve your goal of a more expansive, airy home.

Author bio: Business leader Ben Creamer received his B.A. from Saint Norbert College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. After law school, he worked as an attorney and counseled sophisticated real estate clients with the law firm Mayer Brown LLP. Creamer’s passion is the real estate business, as his father was a real estate developer and broker for more than 50 years. In 2009, this family tradition sparked Creamer to co-found Downtown Apartment Company (DAC) — a provider of Chicago rental apartments. DAC’s mission is to help clients find downtown Chicago apartments in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods.