Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. Whether you’re in a cozy apartment, a tiny house, or even just a small room within a larger home, there are ways to make your space feel larger, more inviting, and functional. As an interior designer, I’ve helped countless clients transform their small spaces into something beautiful and comfortable. In this post, I’m going to share five clever design hacks that can make any small space feel bigger. These simple yet effective tips will help you maximize your space, increase flow, and ensure that your home feels just as open and airy as it does stylish.

Hack #1: Embrace the Magic of Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make any space feel larger. They reflect light and create the illusion of depth, which can open up a room and make it feel more spacious.

How to Use Mirrors in Small Spaces

Strategic Placement: Place a large mirror across from a window to bounce natural light around the room. This doesn’t just brighten the space, it also creates the illusion of additional square footage.
Mirrored Furniture: Consider adding furniture pieces with mirrored surfaces. For example, a mirrored coffee table, console, or even a small side table will reflect light and create a sense of openness.
Create a Focal Point: Large, decorative mirrors can be used as statement pieces. Position one on a feature wall to both draw attention and make the room feel larger.

One of my clients had a dark and narrow living room that felt much smaller than it actually was. We added a floor-to-ceiling mirror on one wall, and the result was immediate—it reflected the natural light coming through the window and visually doubled the size of the space.

Mirrors can also be used strategically to reflect your beautiful décor and art, making the space feel more expansive while showcasing your unique taste.

Hack #2: Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

In small spaces, furniture needs to serve more than one purpose. Multifunctional furniture is a game-changer because it not only saves space, but it also makes your home more versatile.

Smart Furniture Choices for Small Spaces

Storage Ottomans: Ottomans that double as storage units are perfect for stashing extra blankets, pillows, or even magazines. They work great as coffee tables too!
Sofa Beds or Murphy Beds: These options are ideal for spaces that need to serve multiple functions. A sofa bed gives you a comfortable place to lounge and entertain, and when guests come over, it transforms into a bed without taking up extra space.
Foldable Tables and Chairs: Drop-leaf tables or foldable dining chairs can be tucked away when not in use, saving valuable space.
Wall-Mounted Desks: For a home office in a small space, wall-mounted desks are perfect. They fold away when not in use and free up floor space.

I had a client living in a one-bedroom apartment where the living room also doubled as an office space. We found a wall-mounted desk with a fold-out feature that could be easily tucked away when she didn’t need it. This gave her the flexibility of having an office, but without taking up the entire room.

Hack #3: Optimize Your Layout

The layout of a room plays a huge role in how spacious or cramped it feels. A well-planned layout can maximize the use of space and make the room flow better. When dealing with small spaces, layout is everything.

Layout Tips for Small Spaces

Float Your Furniture: Instead of pushing all your furniture against the walls, try “floating” key pieces in the center of the room. This adds depth and visual interest. For example, a sofa can be placed away from the wall with a coffee table in front of it, leaving space on either side to move around.
Create Defined Zones: If you’re working with an open floor plan, use rugs, lighting, or furniture placement to define separate areas for different functions. You could have a reading nook in one corner, a dining area in another, and a work area in between.
Prioritize Traffic Flow: Make sure to leave enough room between furniture pieces for people to move freely. In small spaces, crowded areas can feel even more cramped, so focus on creating an easy, open path for movement.

I worked with a client who was struggling to fit a dining table and seating area in their small living room. We decided to place a narrow dining table along one wall, with a small sofa across from it. We added a rug underneath the sofa and another one beneath the table, which helped define the separate zones and made the space feel more organized.

Hack #4: Play with Color and Light

The right colors and lighting can dramatically affect how large or small a space feels. Light, airy colors and well-thought-out lighting can make a small room feel open and inviting.

Tips for Using Color and Light

Use Light Colors: Light colors, such as whites, light grays, soft blues, and pastels, reflect light and open up the space. Avoid dark, saturated colors on walls, as they can make a small room feel even smaller.
Layered Lighting: Good lighting is key to creating a sense of openness. Use a combination of ambient lighting (overhead lights), task lighting (table lamps or desk lamps), and accent lighting (pendant lights or spotlights). This layered approach makes the room feel dynamic and well-lit, which visually enlarges it.
Go Bold with Accents: While the main walls should stay light, don’t be afraid to add pops of color through furniture or accessories. A colorful throw, some patterned pillows, or a vibrant piece of art can add personality without overwhelming the room.
Maximize Natural Light: Make the most of any natural light you have by using sheer curtains or blinds. Avoid heavy drapes that block sunlight—your goal is to let as much light in as possible.

One small bedroom I redesigned had a single small window, which made the room feel boxed in. By painting the walls a soft, light color and adding a few mirrors, we reflected the natural light and made the room feel brighter and much larger. We also added a simple, neutral-colored rug with a subtle pattern to add texture without closing off the space.

Hack #5: Go Vertical

When you’re working with limited floor space, think vertically. Utilizing your walls for storage and décor is one of the easiest ways to make a small room feel larger.

Ways to Use Vertical Space

Wall Shelves: Install floating shelves high up on the walls to store books, plants, or decorative items. These add storage without taking up any floor space.
Tall Furniture: Choose furniture pieces that are tall rather than wide. Tall bookcases, cabinets, or storage units will give you plenty of room to store items while drawing the eye upward, creating a sense of height in the room.
Pegboards and Hooks: For kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways, pegboards and hooks can store everyday items like keys, utensils, or hats. This keeps things off the floor and frees up space.
Vertical Storage in the Kitchen: Use wall-mounted racks to store your kitchen tools, or install cabinetry that goes all the way to the ceiling.

In one apartment I worked on, a client had a small bathroom with limited storage. We installed floating shelves above the toilet for extra towels and toiletries, and a tall, narrow linen cabinet beside the sink. This simple tweak created more storage space while still feeling open.

Bonus Tips for Small Spaces

Here are a few additional tricks to maximize the potential of your small space:

Declutter Regularly: Small spaces can quickly feel overwhelming if you’re holding on to too many things. Declutter regularly, keeping only what you use and love.
Use Clear or Acrylic Furniture: These pieces take up less visual space and can make the room feel more open. A clear acrylic chair or coffee table looks sleek and stylish but doesn’t visually crowd the space.
Add Plants: Greenery naturally draws the eye upward and adds life to any room. It also makes the space feel more inviting and less cramped.

Transform Your Small Space Today

Living in a small space doesn’t mean it has to feel small. With the right design strategies, you can make your home feel spacious, functional, and beautiful. Mirrors, multifunctional furniture, smart layouts, and a thoughtful color palette can make all the difference in transforming your small space into something larger than life.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I’d love to help. As an interior designer, I specialize in creating functional, beautiful spaces that make the most of every square inch.

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s turn your small space into the home of your dreams!