Small Space Design: How to Make a Tiny Room Feel Bigger

Small space design has taken off in the last decade, partly fueled by the tiny house movement. Interior designers and experienced DIYers are masters at figuring out how to use space creatively.

It’s all in the details. A light-reflecting mirror frame or strategic furniture placement can make a diminutive room feel larger. A small room offers the perfect opportunity to highlight handcrafted details and accents like crown molding, mosaic tilework, or beautifully textured drapery.

We’ve compiled some small space decorating tips to help you make the most out of the space you have, whether you’re redesigning a bathroom, a loft, or a breakfast nook. Keep reading for ideas and inspiration.  

Incorporate glossy surfaces.

Glossy surfaces—like acrylic end tables or a shimmering mirror frame—help bounce light and make a room feel larger than it is.

Create the illusion of depth in the room with mirrored furniture, like a mirrored coffee table or cabinet doors. In the bathroom, chrome or polished brass fixtures catch and scatter light around the room. Pair shiny fixtures with a metallic mirror frame over the vanity to add even more shimmer.

Using reflective elements to your advantage creates an open and airier atmosphere, even in a small space.

Show off accessories.

A popular space-saving tip from the tiny house community is using accessories as décor. For example, instead of stuffing hats into a closet, create a wall display showing off your collection. Or create a boutique-worthy jewelry wall.

Using accessories as art solves your storage problems while creating a curated look.

Maximize wall space.

Don’t overlook opportunities to make good use of empty wall space. Use floating shelves to house tchotchkes and other décor elements that would otherwise clutter up end tables. Or incorporate bookshelves high on the wall near the ceiling.

The goal is to use otherwise empty wall space while drawing the eye upward, creating the illusion of more space.

Go with light colors.

Dark paint can make a small room feel even more pinched. Use light shades for walls, trim, and the ceiling to make your room feel more spacious.

There are a couple of exceptions. If the space is rectangular, a bold accent wall can create the illusion of depth. Another option is to add crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling to create a sense of verticality. Choose a slightly darker (but muted) hue for the crown molding to draw the eye upward.

Make smart use of mirrors.

Use mirrors in small spaces to bounce light, highlight focal points, and create the illusion of more space. Positioning a mirror opposite a window is a great way to reflect an amazing view, whether it’s a cityscape or a view of the mountains.

Imagine sitting in the living room and seeing a painting-like image of your beautiful garden in the reflection of a large wall mirror. If you have an old mirror that needs a little TLC, upgrade it with a beautiful new frame to match your décor.

Choose low-profile modular furniture.

Low-profile furniture makes a small space feel roomier, and investing in modular pieces gives you more flexibility, allowing you to rearrange furniture as needed.

A modular sofa can be split into chairs or rearranged into a single long couch, for example, while a Murphy bed can be pulled down when it’s time to sleep and tucked away during the day to free up floor space for other activities. A storage bench in a breakfast nook provides seating and storage space for pots, pans, and more.

Use lighting strategically.

Good lighting can make a room feel larger and more welcoming. Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed. Use sheer curtains rather than heavy ones to let in light while providing privacy.

For artificial lighting, use a combination of overhead lights, task lighting, and accent lights to illuminate dark corners and create the illusion of depth and space. Use a mosaic of mirrors to bounce light around the room.

Use partitions for privacy.

In shared spaces, lightweight movable partitions provide privacy without the bulkiness of traditional walls. You can also use partitions to create different zones in a small studio apartment.

A partition can be as simple as a curtain hung from the ceiling, a folding screen, or a large two-sided bookshelf. A semi-permanent chalkboard partition is a fun addition for a kids’ bedroom.

Elevate Your Space with a Beautifully Framed Mirror

MirrorMate frames are an affordable way to upgrade a mirror in a bathroom, powder room, or any room. These DIY-friendly frames are custom cut to the exact dimensions of your mirror and adhere directly to its surface, for quick and easy installation.

MirrorMate frames work on all square and rectangular wall mirrors and freestanding mirrors. Choose from a wide range of styles and colors to match any aesthetic, from glam to traditional. Shop all MirrorMate collections.