Living Large: Four Hacks to Maximize Small Spaces

Living in a small space doesn't mean you have to feel cramped or limited. With a few clever tricks, you can create the illusion of a much larger home. Here are four hacks to help you achieve that spacious feel.

1. Choose Full-Sized Furniture

This might sound counterintuitive, but avoiding apartment-sized furniture can make your space look larger and more comfortable.

Small, dainty pieces often end up looking out of place and uncomfortable.

Instead, opt for fewer pieces of full-sized furniture.

A well-chosen, normal-sized sofa or table can anchor the room and make it feel more expansive.

2. Use Low-Profile Dividers

Tall dividers can chop up a space and make it feel more confined.

If you need to create separate zones for privacy or storage, consider using low-profile furniture, curtains, rugs, plants, or even paint to define different areas.

These options can delineate spaces without overwhelming them.

For example, using a rug with horizontal lines can make a room feel wider, while vertical lines in wallpaper can create the illusion of higher ceilings. Subtle optical illusions like these can make a big difference without being too obvious.

3. Leverage Lines and Patterns

Incorporating lines and patterns into your decor can trick the eye and enhance the sense of space.

Horizontal lines can widen a room, making it feel broader, while vertical lines can elongate the space, making the ceiling seem taller.

These patterns don’t have to be overt; even subtle lines in rugs or wallpaper can create the desired effect.

4. Maximize Mirrors

Mirrors are a well-known trick for making a room feel larger, but to maximize their impact, go for oversized mirrors with thin frames.

Position them strategically to reflect light sources or windows, amplifying natural light and creating a more dramatic sense of space. The reflection can make a room appear to double in size, giving a bright and airy feel.

By implementing these four simple hacks, you can transform your small living space into an area that feels much larger and more inviting. Embrace full-sized furniture, use low-profile dividers, leverage lines and patterns, and maximize mirrors to create a home that tricks everyone into thinking you're living large.

Follow @jordansamsondesign on TikTok for more design inspiration.