Most of us have a lot less space than we need. Whether it’s an apartment or a house, our living spaces are often too small for the amount of stuff that we accumulate over time. And when you add kids, pets, and other family members to the mix, things can get even more complicated. But there are ways to make your home feel bigger and better organized in just about every room. Here are seven pro tips to help you create more space.
1) Use Hidden Storage
Many homes have a lot of wasted space that could be better utilized with hidden storage. For example, under the stairs is a perfect place to put a dresser or some shelves. Or, if you have a room with high ceilings, you could install a loft bed and use the space underneath for a desk, couch, or even a guest bed. Alternatively, you can also reserve a storage unit online to store items that you don’t need daily but can’t part with just yet. This is a great solution for seasonal items, holiday decorations, and other occasional things that you only need.
2) Start by Decluttering
The first step to creating more space in your home is getting rid of anything you don’t need or use. There’s no magic number for how much stuff you should get rid of, but the general rule is that if you haven’t used something in six months, you can probably live without it. Start by going through each room and getting rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy or serve a purpose. This includes clothes, shoes, books, furniture, knick-knacks, and anything else. Once you’ve decluttered your home, you’ll be surprised at how much more spacious it feels.
3) Use Vertical Storage
When you’re short on space, it’s crucial to use every inch you have. That includes using vertical storage solutions to maximize the amount of space that you have available. There are several ways to do this, but one of the most popular is to install shelving units on empty walls. These can store books, dishes, glasses, pantry items, office supplies, etc. If you want something more attractive than bare shelves, consider adding floating shelves or decorative wall-mounted shelving. Another great way to add vertical storage is with hooks. These can be used in mudrooms and entryways for coats and bags, in the bathroom for towels and robes, and in the kitchen for pots and pans.
4) Get Creative with Furniture
One of the best ways to make a small space feel bigger is to use furniture that can serve more than one purpose. For example, a coffee table with built-in storage can be used to store books, magazines, and other items. Or, an ottoman with a removable top can be used as a footrest and a coffee table. If you’re short on space, it’s also essential to choose versatile furniture that can be used in multiple ways. For instance, a daybed can be used as a sofa and a guest bed. And a futon can be used as both a sofa and a bed.
5) Use Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to make a small space feel bigger. They reflect light and make the room appear brighter and more spacious. Plus, they can be used to add visual interest to any room. There are several ways to use mirrors to create more space in your home. For example, you could hang a large mirror on an empty wall. Or, you could use mirrors to accent other pieces of décor, like a fireplace or a piece of art.
6) Let in the Light
Another way to make a small space feel bigger is to let in as much natural light as possible. This means opening up curtains and blinds during the day and keeping them open as long as possible. If you have a lot of windows, you might even want to consider removing some of the window treatments altogether. Another great way to let in more light is to install skylights. These are especially effective in rooms that don’t have a lot of windows, like bathrooms and closets.
7) Paint the Walls Light Colors
If you want to make a small space feel bigger, one of the best things you can do is paint the walls light colors. This will help reflect light and make the room appear brighter and more open. Good color choices include white, cream, light blue, and pale pink. Also, if you have dark furniture, you might want to consider painting the walls a lighter color to offset the darkness.
Creating more space in your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Using these seven pro tips, you can easily make any small space feel bigger and more open. So, if you’re feeling cramped and cluttered, put these tips into action and enjoy your new spacious home.
Featured image: Pixabay (keresi72).
