Ten Ways to Make a Room Look Larger

Everyone has at least one room in their home that is too small and possibly problematic to decorate. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. Ten Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger With features like recessed lighting, a glass table, and light colors, your room will look larger.
 

Most of the following designer tricks can be applied to any room:
 

ONE: For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals, and white are all color possibilities.

TWO: Use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs, and walls. Select different shades and textures of your single color.

THREE: Lighting is a key element in opening up space. Recessed spot lighting is visually appealing and is perfect for a small space. A torchiere light is great for bouncing light off of the ceiling and back down in the room. Skylights and solar tubes are natural alternatives for adding light to a room.

FOUR: Limit the number of accessories to avoid the cluttered feeling.

FIVE: The floor and the ceiling are the fifth and sixth walls of every room. A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling—use a light color or white to "open up" space above.

SIX: Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors. They not only reflect images, but they also reflect light and color. Be a little daring! Use mirror tiles to mirror an entire wall. Your room will appear to double in size.

SEVEN: Don't place too many pieces of furniture in a small space. A love seat may work better than a full-size sofa depending on the size and shape of the room. Add two medium-sized chairs or two small wooden chairs. Place the chairs closer to the wall and then pull them into the area when additional seating is needed.

EIGHT: Add paintings or prints to the walls. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings.

NINE: The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.

TEN: A glass table, whether it is dining, coffee or end table, will keep the appearance of open and free space. A glass table a feeling of open space.