7 designer tricks to make small spaces feel so much bigger

Small spaces don't have to feel cramped. Experts shared a few clever design tricks to make any room feel bigger, from choosing the right paint color to making the most of natural light. Whether you're looking for creative ideas to make a dorm room feel less tight or want to renovate a space in your home to make it feel more open, there's advice here you can use.

Many of these tips were shared with the intention of helping people design tiny homes. Plenty of people have opted to use these types of unique dwellings as a guest suite in the backyard, a remote vacation house, or even as a primary residence. But even if you're not the owner of a tiny home, these tips can still help you decorate a small apartment or room in your house.

When you're designing a small space, every inch counts and each piece needs to pull its weight. Experts say you should look for things like multipurpose furniture and pieces that have storage built in. Additionally, you'll need to pay close attention to scale when you're choosing couches, furniture, and more.

Below, experts reveal the design tricks that make any room feel bigger.

Pay close attention to scale.

Mastering scale is crucial in a small space. The right furniture, lighting, and architectural details can reduce the appearance of clutter and create the illusion of a larger space. "Space planning is so important in a small space. It doesn't mean you need miniature furniture, but you need to make sure you are not blocking traffic flow," says Allison Garrison, founder of Allito Spaces. Always check measurements on pull-out sofas and Murphy beds. "Ideally, you want to be able to have space to get to both sides of the bed."

"The more you can pay attention to how elements of the design will feel in relationship to their size and visual weight, the more effective you will be in making the space feel more balanced and comfortable," agrees Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner of In Detail Interiors.

Define clear zones.

"The best way to make any home feel larger is to create different areas within a small space," says Mar Jennings, designer, realtor, and TV host. While an open-concept layout can help make a tiny home feel more spacious, it's important to establish dedicated zones. Prioritize functional spaces—like a dining area, work space, and entry drop zone—to make daily activities seamless.

"Define areas not by walls, but with rugs, lighting, or furniture pieces," adds Kate Donahue of Four Brothers Design + Build. "These items can subtly delineate areas for sleeping, working, relaxing. Keeping a unified design aesthetic throughout will help the space feel more cohesive and intentional."

Raise the roof.

High ceilings—think eight feet or taller—are a great way to maximize vertical space. "If you are limited to a small footprint, it doesn't always take much to go up with the ceiling height and get yourself a lofted space," says Clendenon. "The vertical volume is so often overlooked and the cost (I know from personal experience!) is nominal compared to the value you get."

Aside from looking chic and spacious, high ceilings help maximize natural light and improve air circulation—even with a lofted sleeping area. It also opens up more opportunities for storage, like high-up shelving.

"Think of the fifth wall as a valuable opportunity for beadboard, wood beams, or other decorative ceiling design elements," adds Jennings. "It can make a space feel more custom—not to mention this will bring your eye up giving the illusion of space being larger."

Prioritize multi-functional furniture.

Select pieces with intention. "Choose multi-functional furniture pieces that fold, nest, or can serve more than one purpose," says Donahue, who often leans into low-profile designs. "This can help cut down on clutter and create the perception of more space."

You can save space by finding furniture that plays double duty. "Think a kitchen peninsula near a banquette for dining seating or outdoor dining access off the kitchen to make entertaining a larger group comfortable in a tiny space," says Clendenon.

Make the most of natural light.

Large and strategically placed windows are a must. When building or buying a tiny home, always consider window placement—and go big. "Do not hesitate to go over scale—you will thank me later," says Clendenon. "A 10' x 10' bedroom is automatically cooler when the window is taking up almost the entire back wall and letting in natural light."

Paint the walls bright and neutral colors.

It's no secret that bright neutrals create an airy interior—especially a shade of soft white on the walls. "It's so important to accent a space with the right paint colors—this can help liven and of course, lighten a space which always helps it feel larger," says Clendenon.

Incorporate hidden storage.

Use every awkward nook and cranny. "Look to dead corners and hidden spaces where cabinets are trimmed out, or areas above doors and under stairs that often go unused," says Garrison. "Built-ins with lift-up tops or hidden panels can add function without taking away from the design. The key is to integrate storage seamlessly into the architecture."

Clendenon agrees. "Stairs can double as drawers or cabinets, ottomans can store blankets, toe-kick drawers beneath kitchen cabinets can hold baking sheets," she says.