7 Effortless Ways to Make Your Space Feel More Spacious

While we are often accustomed to the habitual patterning of space, our perceptions can easily be changed. Purposefully disrupting the ambiance of a space can make it feel larger and more open. Try closing all the blinds, moving furniture around out of place or rolling up a rug and placing it in a different room. A small, quick change can make a huge difference in how you think and feel.  

One way to make your home feel bigger is to aim for an open floor plan. Leaving your living room and dining space open, rather than walling them off, allows the two areas to connect. This means you can move effortlessly from one space to another, creating the feel of a larger space. Instead of having to work around walls or doors, rooms can combine fluidly together with ease.  

Light and space are closely related. You’ve probably seen studies illustrating the effect of natural light on mood, sleep and overall well-being. Light changes how we look at a room and directly impacts how we feel. One of the easiest ways to keep your space feeling spacious is to prioritize natural light. Rather than turning on overhead lights or lamps, open curtains, raise shades or use skylights to let the sun in when possible.  

Sometimes it feels like you can’t move because everything is in the way. Clutter multiplies feelings of confinement, even if it’s your own belongings. Keeping things clean and organized can make your space feel larger. Try maintaining a schedule for sweeping, mopping or cleaning up so the clutter doesn’t grow in the first place. Identify needed items and donate what you can.

Create an illusion of space while staying within the boundaries of the room. Mirrors are a subtle way to increase the length of a room without significantly altering the look. Rather than using mirrors in large rooms, try them as small accents or wall-to-wall mirrors. Spreading mirrors throughout your home can make it feel more open and spacious. You’ll find that mirrors work best in bathrooms, closets and especially in bedrooms.  

Furniture can be a big commitment, especially if you’re renting or just not sure it will work for you. Consider buying partially or fully convertible items to ensure functionality and flexibility. Adaptability allows you to change your space more easily as time goes on. A convertible sofa bed, for example, would be expandable from a couch to a bed. If you’re opting for modular furniture, well-made stackable shelves or drawers allow you to customize the storage of your possessions.  

One area that you can overlook is the vertical space above your head. If you have tall ceilings, consider using them to store excess items. Go for built-in storage or a shelving system that utilizes the space on top of the furniture. If you’re short on space, try wall-mounted shelves to create more vertical storage without taking up horizontal room. A cabinet, coat rack, plant stand or umbrella rack are all options for vertical storage.