Staging a small home can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can create the illusion of more space and make the home feel airy and open. Home staging isn’t just about decoration—it’s about showcasing the best features of the home and making potential buyers feel that it has more room than they might have originally thought. Here are seven home staging secrets to help make your small home feel bigger:
1. Use Lighter Colors on Walls and Furniture
Light colors can visually expand the size of a room by reflecting more natural light. Opt for whites, light grays, pastels, or soft neutrals for the walls and large pieces of furniture. This helps create a bright and airy atmosphere, which can make any space feel more expansive. Even in smaller rooms, light hues have the power to open up the space and make it feel larger.
2. Declutter Every Room
A cluttered space instantly feels smaller, regardless of its actual size. Clear out unnecessary items, and keep countertops, shelves, and floors free from excess clutter. Use smart storage solutions to keep everyday items hidden. A clean, tidy space will not only feel more spacious but also look more inviting. You can also opt for multifunctional furniture, like storage ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments, to help with the organization.
3. Make Use of Mirrors
Mirrors are one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to making a room feel larger. By reflecting light and opening up a space, mirrors create the illusion of more room. Large, strategically placed mirrors can make a room feel more expansive. Try placing mirrors across from windows to bounce natural light into the space. Avoid excessive mirror use, but one or two well-placed pieces can have a great effect.
4. Choose Furniture with Clean Lines
Bulky, oversized furniture can overwhelm a small space, making it feel cramped. Opt for furniture with sleek, modern lines and furniture pieces that are scaled to the size of the room. Pieces that are visually lightweight—such as glass tables, thin-legged chairs, or low-profile couches—take up less visual space and allow the room to breathe. Avoid heavy, dark woods that can add a sense of weight to the space.
5. Opt for Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is limited, it’s important to think vertically. Tall shelves, cabinets, and wall-mounted storage options help to keep the floor clear and add storage without taking up valuable square footage. Additionally, vertical elements like tall bookshelves or artwork can draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height and space. The higher you go, the bigger the room feels!
6. Create Flow with Open Layouts
An open floor plan can make a small home feel much larger. If possible, create an open layout between living, dining, and kitchen areas. Removing non-structural walls or using partition walls (like open shelving) can also create a feeling of space without giving up the functional separation of different areas. Keep pathways clear, and use rugs or furniture arrangements to define areas without blocking off sections of the room.
7. Use Light, Airy Fabrics
The fabrics you choose for curtains, throw pillows, and upholstery can greatly affect how large a room feels. Heavy, dark fabrics tend to make a space feel cozier but also smaller. Instead, go for light, airy fabrics such as linen, cotton, or sheer materials that allow light to flow through and keep the room feeling open and breathable. If you do opt for curtains, make sure they’re hung as close to the ceiling as possible, which can trick the eye into thinking the ceiling is higher than it actually is.
Bonus Tip: Maximize Natural Light
Nothing makes a room feel bigger and more welcoming than natural light. Remove heavy curtains, trim any overgrown bushes outside windows, and use sheer or light fabric drapes to let the light flood in. If natural light is limited, consider using soft, warm artificial lighting in addition to mirrors and light-colored decor to brighten the space.
By following these simple but effective home staging secrets, you can try to make your small home feel much more spacious and inviting. Buyers will appreciate the open feel, and you’ll have a better chance of making a positive impression, whether you’re selling or just looking to maximize your living space. Happy staging!