Ever feel like your home is shrinking even though nothing has changed?
Sometimes, it’s not about the size of your space, it’s about how it’s being used. Certain habits, furniture choices, and overlooked details can make a home feel more cramped than it actually is. Luckily, a few simple adjustments can completely transform how spacious your home feels. However unintentional, these things could be making your house feel much more cramped than necessary.
1. Bulky furniture that’s too big for the space
Oversized furniture might look luxurious, but if it dominates the room, it can make your space feel much smaller than it actually is. Large sofas, bulky cabinets, or oversized coffee tables can overwhelm a space and leave little room to move. Instead, choosing furniture that’s proportionate to your space can make a huge difference. Opt for slim-legged chairs, wall-mounted storage, or multipurpose furniture that offers storage without taking up too much floor space.
2. Dark colours on walls and furniture
Dark paint, heavy curtains, or deep-coloured furniture can make a space feel enclosed. While darker tones can add warmth and sophistication, they absorb light rather than reflect it, which can make rooms feel smaller than they actually are. To open up a space, lighter shades like white, soft greys, and pastels can make walls recede and give the illusion of more space. If you love dark tones, consider using them for accent pieces rather than large surfaces.
3. Too much clutter
One of the quickest ways to shrink a space is to fill it with too many things. Excess decor, piles of mail, and overflowing shelves can make even a large room feel cramped. Frugal decluttering — where you only keep what serves a purpose or brings joy — can instantly free up space. Smart storage solutions like under-bed storage, ottomans with hidden compartments, and vertical shelving can also help keep things tidy without taking up more space.
4. Poor lighting
Dimly lit rooms automatically feel smaller, especially when overhead lighting is the only source of illumination. Shadows and dark corners can make a space feel closed-in rather than open and airy. Layering lighting — using a mix of ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps — helps brighten up a room and create a sense of depth. Mirrors placed opposite windows can also help reflect natural light and make a room feel bigger.
5. Too many small decor pieces
While small decorations like picture frames, vases, or trinkets can add personality, too many of them can make a space feel cluttered and visually overwhelming. A better approach is to go for a few statement pieces rather than lots of little ones. Large artwork, oversized mirrors, or a single decorative vase can make an impact without making the room feel cluttered.
6. Heavy or patterned curtains
Thick, dark, or heavily patterned curtains can visually shrink a room by blocking light and making windows seem smaller. Even if they’re functional, they can create a heavy, enclosed feel. Switching to sheer or light-coloured curtains can instantly make a space feel airier. If privacy isn’t an issue, keeping curtains open during the day lets in more natural light, making the entire room feel bigger.
7. Walls that are too busy
Too many pictures, wall hangings, or patterned wallpaper can make a room feel visually crowded. While a feature wall can add personality, covering every inch with artwork or bold prints can overwhelm the space. Leaving some blank wall space creates balance and allows the eye to rest. If you love wall decor, opting for a gallery wall with consistent spacing and frames can create a more organised, intentional look.
8. Lack of storage solutions
When items don’t have a designated place, they tend to pile up on surfaces, making a home feel cluttered and chaotic. This is especially true in small spaces where every inch counts. Smart storage, like floating shelves, multipurpose furniture, or under-bed drawers, helps keep things out of sight while maximising available space. Keeping surfaces as clear as possible makes rooms feel bigger and more open.
9. Too much furniture in one room
Trying to fit too much into one space can make a room feel cluttered and difficult to navigate. It might be tempting to squeeze in extra chairs, tables, or decorative pieces, but too many items can make a space feel smaller than it is. Leaving some negative space around furniture can make a room feel more open. If a piece of furniture isn’t serving a real purpose, it might be worth removing it to free up more room.
10. Low-hanging or oversized light fixtures
Large or low-hanging light fixtures, while stylish, can make ceilings feel lower and rooms feel smaller. Chandeliers and pendant lights that sit too low create a sense of heaviness, especially in smaller rooms. Opting for recessed lighting, wall sconces, or fixtures with a more minimalist design can help open up a space. If you love statement lighting, keeping it proportionate to the room’s size ensures it enhances rather than overwhelms the space.
