Making Small Rooms Look Bigger

When showing homes as a Sotheby’s Scottsdale agent, obviously, a home with a lot of square footage is more desirable than smaller homes. But size doesn’t always matter when it comes to bedrooms. A smaller bedroom can be cozier and can be easier to clean. There are tricks, though, to making a small bedroom look larger.

CHOOSE DARK PAINT

The old myth that white walls or lighter colors make a room look bigger maybe true, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the same appearance with darker walls. In fact, dark colors recede, making something darker in color look further away. Indigo blue, hunter green or charcoal gray are recommended colors. You can also opt to paint just one wall. 

GO WITH SMALLER PATTERNS

While patterns still work in small bedrooms, I always recommend at Sotheby’s Scottsdale to keep patterns smaller for a more spacious look. That includes items like comforters, throw pillows, lamps, and window coverings.

GET RID OF THE RUGS

Using small area rugs just makes a room look smaller since they break up the floor space. To make a room look larger, go with carpeting wall-to-wall or hardwood or laminate flooring. If you use an area rug, make sure it’s big enough to fill or almost fill the room.  

USE DRAPES

The right drapes can open a room right up. This may sound odd, but at Sotheby’s Scottsdale, I can assure you the following tips work to open up a room. You’ll want to choose drapes the same color as your walls and hang them high, with the rod an inch or two below the ceiling and the fabric hanging to the floor. The lack of  color contrast can make the room look wider.

THE MORE LIGHT THE BETTER

Good lighting can make a small room look bigger. But you need at least two sources of light such as a bedside lamp and a floor lamp on the other side of the room. A third light source such as a ceiling light is even better. 

MIRRORS!

It’s a given — a mirror is great for making a small room look big. It’s a trick I see over-and-over at Sotheby’s Scottsdale. All you need is at least one large or full-length mirror over your dresser or closet doors. 

LOSE THE FOOTBOARD

It’s ok to have a headboard but footboards or benches at the bottom of the bed can make a room look smaller. Instead, match your bed skirt to your comforter or a bedspread that goes down to the floor. Continuous fabric makes a room look larger. 

KEEP IT CLEAR

This is a tip I had not thought about at Sotheby’s Scottsdale. Use furniture with clear glass or Plexiglas to open up space in front of walls. Maybe a see-through bedside table or vanity. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in Scottsdale Real Estate, please check out my website, www.Realestateforsaleinaz.com, and I’ll be happy to help.