The Sunday Mail
LET us face it, as cosy and sweet as a small space can feel, it can also sometimes feel like the walls are closing in. With winter on the way, you will be spending a lot more time indoors, so you might consider investing in proven ways you can make your small space feel less claustrophobic. We have got some ideas here.
De-clutter and use furniture that pulls double-duty
In a small space, sometimes sacrifices have to be made to make a space feel more airy. If you have got a piece of furniture you are no longer using, get rid of it. And then make the furniture you do have in there work extra hard, like having an upholstered ottoman double as a coffee table or extra seating.
Rearrange and move big furniture to the back
Consider moving your bulkier furniture away from the room’s entrance. Place your heaviest, most important pieces on the wall the farthest away from the door, and then arrange the rest of the furniture based on trying to visually balance out the space. You won’t feel like a room’s furniture is ganging up on you when you first walk into the space.
Use paint to unify and disguise
Camouflage a piece of furniture — take away its visual weight — by painting it the same colour as your wall. It’s drastic, but it works. By camouflaging a piece of furniture in this way, it does not grab your attention as easily, and it does not feel heavy or imposing. But also use paint to disguise and hide bulky, unwanted things that stick out in the way like radiators, fans, anything else that gives visual clutter to a room.
Keep surfaces clear and free of unnecessary clutter
Getting to create vignettes and display your favourite items on surfaces is always fun. But keeping them clear and clutter-free can have a huge impact on making a room feel more airy. You do not have to live in an empty space, but try clearing off surfaces and see which ones make a room feel better when they are empty.
Don’t choose oversize art or go crazy with wall collages
Though oversize art can certainly play an important role in interiors (as can wall collages), oversized pieces of art, even if they make for a dynamic look, can feel imposing in a small room. Wall collages, if they are too large or randomly sized, can feel busy. It can literally feel like the walls are squeezing in slowly. So stick to a moderately sized piece of art that complements your space.
Keep window coverings simple (or don’t use any)
I love a set of curtains that pool on the ground dramatically, and they can really up the feeling of cosiness and softness in a room. But, pool on the ground a little too much, especially too close to furniture, and it might feel like they are inching toward you. While you are considering curtains, think about your rugs, too. Too many small ones in one space can add to the feeling of clutter in a room. Keep the textiles simple in your space for a more wide open feel.
Use mirrors to your advantage
It is a common suggestion around here, but it’s because it works. Not only will it make a small space feel bigger, it will help cut down on that claustrophobic feeling by not letting those walls feel too imposing or solid. And spreading more light around a space can’t hurt. — apartmenttherapy.com
