How To Make The Most Of Your Small Space

There are lots of interior design tricks to help you make a small space look bigger. With a few clever design techniques and thoughtful choices, you can make your bijou room look and feel much larger than it actually is. Whether you're working with a tiny apartment, a cosy den or a compact studio, there are numerous ways to maximize the potential of your area. From innovative furniture arrangements to strategic use of colour, this guide will provide you with practical tips and creative ideas to transform your small space into an airy and inviting oasis...

For extremely cramped spaces, keep to a neutral palette and introduce colour gradually. If you want to bring in bold furnishings or darker shades, consider placing them towards the far end of the room as this draws the eye outwards and gives the impression that the room extends further.

Top tip: Stick to one colour and use paint to create a seamless interior by painting cornices, skirting boards, door frames and windowsills in the same shade as the walls. This gives the impression of maximum wall space and makes for a cleaner, open feel for your furniture to sit within.

Long curtains can add much needed height to any room, however, if you feel curtains may be too domineering, a simple roman blind in a neutral fabric will achieve a smart and lightweight look.

Top tip: A clever trick to add further height is to raise your curtain pole a few inches to a foot above the top of your window. Don't forget to factor in this adjustment when calculating your fabric measurements.

To make a small room feel larger, focus on maximizing "flow." This means ensuring that nothing disrupts your attention as your eyes move through the space. One effective strategy is to use light colours on the walls and maintain a consistent colour palette for your upholstery and furnishings. Adding texture throughout the room, repeated in elements such as furniture, lighting, and accessories will encourage the eye to transition smoothly from one piece to the next, enhancing the sense of fluidity.

Top Tip: Take a moment to stand in the entrance of your chosen room and slowly cast your eye around. Be on the lookout for anything that doesn’t fit or would be better placed elsewhere.

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Striped wallpaper and fabric is invaluable when trying to make a space feel larger. Vertical stripes on wallpapers and window dressings will add height to your room. Meanwhile, horizontal stripes can make furnishings look longer, particularly when used in narrow spaces. 

Top tip: Stripes don’t necessarily need to be confined to your walls. A bold striped rug or even a painted ceiling can maximise the space you have and add an interesting feature.