Part 1: Pale Tones, Opening Up Vistas

Small space living often requires some compromises in decorating. You may long for a spacious loft or a two-story home with a picket fence, yet for now it's a one room apartment or a tiny bungalow home with little elbow room.

Of course, there is one great tried-and-true way to deal with small spaces: make them cozier. Using dark colors, soft upholstery, and dramatic lighting can turn most any tiny nook into an intimate and wonderful corner.

However, if you still long for wide open spaces, then these solutions for small rooms may help. Color techniques, furniture arranging, and lighting considerations can all give the look of space.

Browse these tips on making a small space look larger.

Lighter Hues
If you love light and airy colors, then you'll love they way they also help small spaces feel just a bit larger. Cool colors like blue and green will also add to the effect.

Go Monochromatic
Think soothing tone-on-tone for paint techniques, fabrics, and patterns. Cream and white, icy blues, pale greens, and butter yellows are just a few of the combinations that can open up a small room.

Eliminate Obstructions
The farther you can see into, and through, a space, the larger and more open it will seem. Whenever possible arrange furnishings to open up areas of floor and avoid blocking views to windows and doors. Low benches, ottomans, and armless chairs are one way to accomplish this.

Match Furniture to Wall Color
Are your walls pale golden yellow? If so then you might want to consider painting some of the furniture to match. Even large chests and armoires will begin to melt into the background when finished in a color that's close to the wall tone. Add tone-on-tone stencil details to doors for added interest.

Bring in More Light
Banish room-darkening shadows by uncovering windows and adding additional light fixtures. Consider cove lighting, uplights, rope lights, bookshelf lights, and any other of the myriad of light fixtures available.

Next: > Page 2: Mirrors and See-Through Style

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Part 2: Mirrors, Glass, and See-Through Style

Here are more techniques to make a room look, and feel, a bit bigger.

Mirrored Surfaces
Add sparkle and reflection with mirrors. While a framed mirror is a traditional look over a mantle or sideboard, you might consider a more innovative approach like setting an oversize mirror on the floor leaning against a wall (be sure to attach it to the wall securely however, and just pull the bottom of the mirror away from the wall a few inches). A mirror table topper is another great way to add some shine to a plain or skirted table. Very simple furniture shapes like square tables or chests can be completely mirrored by a professional glass shop.

Glass and Lucite
Bring in some see-through style by using glass or lucite tables. They'll provide useful surfaces as dining or end tables, yet practically disappear in a visual perception of the room.

Sheer Fabrics
Look for filmy, gauzy fabrics for window treatments and tablecloths. These lighter-than-air fabrics let the light shine through while adding softness and personality to a space. Look also for patterns that range from flowers and vines that exude romance to straightforward stripes and plaids to give sheers a more tailored look.

Larger Pieces and Accessories
Reduce visual clutter by using fewer, larger pieces of furniture and accessories. Simple lines and shapes can also help to bring a sense of calm and open space into your room.

Plain Upholstery
Emphasize a sense of space by covering sofas and chairs with plain or textured upholstery rather than vibrant prints. Neutral tones in lighter colors will usually make a room feel larger, yet if these aren't your style then use plain or textured upholstery in colors you love -- perhaps sage green or navy blue.

More: > Lessons in a Small Room

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