How to Create a Big Space in Your Small Home

Small rooms can feel cramped and suffocating if your furniture is not set up correctly. It's hard to create space where there is none. Most of us can't afford make our bedrooms five inches longer on each side. The real trick is to create the illusion of space.

If you're buying new furniture, you should consider buying furniture that also doubles as storage space. Some entertainment units and even couches have compartments for storage. Storage is a big part of creating space because when you feel like you have no place to put your things, you become really aware of how small your space is. In the bedroom, plastic storage bins can fit under your bed and hold your belongings without taking up a lot of room.

One important thing to keep in mind is to always store up. Think of how big cities efficiently use space in such a small piece of land- they build up. Having boxes of shoes laying around on your floor can make you feel like you have no room. So stack up those boxes and see your space expand. If you have a lot of DVDs or CDs, get a tall tower instead of a wide cabinet. You will fit just as many in half the space. You should also try to eliminate clutter because clutter can be a real space-eater. Get in the habit of putting your things away in your drawers or your handy storage containers.

When it comes to furniture you already have, trying to make it all fit can be a real pain and can start feeling like an exhausting game of Tetris. One good tip is to always leave walkways clear of tables and chair corners. If you are walking from the bathroom to the kitchen and you have to detour, even if slightly, to get there, you will find yourself feeling more cramped. Avoid things you have to walk around too much from room to room in your house. This is also true inside rooms. Rearrange your things so that you can easily access every corner of your room without feeling like you're walking over chairs and coffee tables.

Of course, there are other things you can do to add to the illusion of space simply by what you do with your walls. Mirrors, for example, are a common trick used to expand a room. Spaces with big mirrors feel bigger even if they aren't. The color you paint your walls can also make a big difference. You might be really adventurous when it comes to color, but dark colors will shrink a room. Light colors make a room seem more spacious.

Move your furniture around a bit and get some more practical storage containers for your home. It's not just construction that can expand your home. With these tips, you will feel like your home is roomier and more comfortable.