By If your house or rental property is compact, it can feel cramped and confining. But there are ways to create the illusion of more space. Here are five clever ways to make your house look bigger without expanding its footprint.
1. Hang Curtains Above the Top of the Windows
When you place curtain rods closer to the ceiling rather than at the window frame’s top, they draw the eyes upward, creating an illusion of height. This simple adjustment can make your rooms appear taller and more spacious. The same trick works with bookcases. Use floor-to-ceiling shelving to create a feeling of height.
2. Use Light-Colored Paint
The color of your walls plays a significant role in how spacious your home appears. Light colors reflect light better than dark colors, making rooms feel open and airy. Consider painting your walls in white, cream, or pastels to maximize the perception of space.
3. Make Floors Consistent Throughout
When the flooring material is the same from room to room, it creates a seamless flow that gives the illusion of one continuous space. Whether you choose hardwood, tile, or carpet, maintaining consistency can effectively make your house look bigger.
4. Remove Interior Doors or Replace Them
Interior doors can often interrupt the flow of your home. You can remove them or replace them with pocket doors or French doors (with divided light glass windows rather than solid wood). Doing this will create a more open and expansive feel.
5. Declutter and Scale Furniture
Clutter on end tables and coffee tables can instantly make a room feel smaller. Furniture doesn’t have to be miniature, just appropriately scaled to the room. Avoid oversized or overstuffed furniture.
Use dual-purpose furniture like storage ottomans or drop-leaf tables that fold down to take up less space. Use one large piece rather than several small pieces of wall art. Also, position mirrors opposite windows to reflect more natural light into rooms.
Renovations That Add Space Without Expanding the Home’s Footprint
If your budget allows it, consider renovations that add space without requiring additional land. For instance, finishing the basement can provide a whole new level of living space. Just make sure you check building codes governing basement exits, though. Adding windows can bring in more natural light, making the room feel larger.
Enclosing a porch instantly adds interior space. You may need to spend extra on weatherproofing and insulation to make an enclosed porch a four-season space.
Another effective renovation is converting a tub to a shower.Showers take up less space than tubs, and a well-designed one can make your bathroom appear significantly larger and free up space for a bench or shelving.
Making your house look bigger doesn’t necessarily require a costly extension or major renovation. With a few simple decorating hacks and minor renovations, you can create an illusion of space and openness, transforming your home into a more comfortable and inviting place to live.
