The way to a home that not only looks good but feels good too is by respecting the laws of space. Did you know you can create a grander feel in a small room with or without the use of curtains? With a little understanding of what our eyes and mind gravitate to, you can master how to make to make a small room look bigger without curtains. Below are just a few ways to help you make the most of your small space without ever having to adjust the square feet:
DEFINE THE PURPOSE
Are you redesigning an office/workspace? Are you trying to get more space out of your bathroom? Get clear on what it is that you want to utilize this particular space for and what you will not. This might cause you to change your habits or behaviors to see this through fully. Be honest with yourself.
DECLUTTER
Once you are clear on how you want this space to serve, declutter. When there is less to look at, there is less for the mind to focus on. Go through all the items that are currently in the space and separate them into the following categories: essentials, donations, to sell and to toss. Try not to hold on to items for the idea of having them, especially if you no longer use it. Again, be honest with yourself.
CLEAN THOSE WINDOWS
This might be an afterthought to many but having clean windows really does make a difference! Cleaner windows will allow more light into a space. More light creates an illusion of things being larger, brighter and overall more spacious.
I’m not just talking about internal cleaning but external too. Depending on your living situation, like a high rise building, this might be harder to complete but something to consider if within your control.
PAINT STRATEGICALLY
Although I am a fan of having an accent wall, painting only one wall a different color from the others will shorten the feel of your space. If you paint the entire room, keeping the ceilings white or light in color, it will enlarge the feel of your space. Generally speaking, white and light colors will broaden the overall feel of the room.
COLOR COHESION
Identify the color and overall feel for the space, essentially a moodboard. This will help make your small space look bigger without curtains by keeping you in alignment with the goals you have set for the space. Especially when you’re out shopping and stumble across something unexpected.
If you keep the walls and the furniture within the same color family, it will create a more cohesive room. A more cohesive room will distract less and create a feel that is more open and enlarged.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Consider getting really strategic with the types of furniture you place into the space. There are many items in the market that not only look good but will reduce clutter. Look and shop for furniture that serves a dual purpose. Perhaps a bench that stores your off-season or infrequently used items or a mirror that includes shelving for beauty and hygiene items for example.
CURTAINS YOU CAN’T AVOID?
For those who may be wondering if curtains make a room look smaller, it can. It is important to make strategic DIY decisions to create the right effect. Now if hanging curtains is a MUST, than consider these tips to help support the illusion, making a small space feel bigger with curtains:
- Extend the curtain rods beyond the window frame on both sides to make the window appear larger.
- Install curtain rods close to the ceiling. This draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of higher ceilings.
- Opt for light and neutral colors for your curtains.
- Sheer or semi-sheer fabrics can also contribute to a more spacious feel by allowing light to pass through.
- Vertical stripes on curtains can visually elongate the walls and create a sense of height, making the room appear taller.
- Floor to ceiling curtains on a small window creates a continuous line from the ceiling to the floor, making the room feel taller.
- Place a mirror opposite a window and near the curtains to reflect light and create the illusion of additional space.
