10 Interior Design Secrets from Type A Decor

At Type A Decor, we believe that great design can make any home feel luxurious—even if it’s compact. One of the questions we hear most often is: How can I make my smaller space look bigger?

The good news? You don’t need to tear down walls to help a smaller space look bigger. With clever decorating strategies, you can make any room feel more open, airy, and inviting.

Here’s how to make a smaller space look bigger with professional tricks you can use right now:


✅ 1. Embrace Light and Airy Colors

  • Light colors reflect more light and help a smaller space look bigger.
  • Great choices:
    • Soft whites
    • Gentle grays
    • Pastel shades
  • Dark colors can look beautiful but make a room feel cozier rather than larger.
  • For the best results:
    • Keep colors cohesive throughout your home.
    • Paint walls and trim the same color to eliminate visual breaks and help your smaller space look bigger.

      Light-filled living room in soft whites and grays with large windows, creating a spacious look in a smaller space.

✅ 2. Use Mirrors to Multiply Space

  • Mirrors bounce light and visually expand a room.
  • They’re a powerful way to make a smaller space look bigger.
  • Ideas:
    • Hang a large mirror opposite a window.
    • Create a gallery wall of smaller mirrors.
    • Lean an oversized mirror against the wall.
  • Mirrors add depth and elegance, making any smaller space look bigger.

    Living room with a large mirror above a console table, reflecting a window to make the smaller space look bigger.

✅ 3. Maximize Natural Light

  • Natural light is essential for making a smaller space look bigger.
  • Avoid heavy curtains or bulky window treatments.
  • Instead, choose:
    • Sheer curtains
    • Blinds that pull completely out of the way
  • The more sunlight you let in, the more your smaller space looks bigger.

    Bright living room with sheer curtains and soft natural light, helping the smaller space look bigger.

✅ 4. Choose Furniture with Exposed Legs

  • Furniture with slender, visible legs helps your smaller space look bigger.
  • Bulky, boxy furniture makes a room feel crowded.
  • Best choices:
    • Sofas with wooden or metal legs
    • Coffee tables with open frames
    • Chairs with slim profiles
  • Seeing more floor space helps your smaller space look bigger.

    Living room with furniture on exposed legs, making a smaller space look bigger.

✅ 5. Declutter and Simplify

  • Clutter shrinks a room visually.
  • To make a smaller space look bigger:
    • Keep surfaces clear.
    • Edit your décor and accessories.
    • Choose a few standout pieces instead of many small items.
  • Smart storage solutions help your smaller space look bigger:
    • Attractive baskets
    • Built-in shelves
    • Storage ottomans

      Minimalist living room with neutral decor and clear surfaces, helping a smaller space look bigger.

✅ 6. Go Vertical to Add Height

  • Draw the eye upward to make a smaller space look bigger.
  • Techniques:
    • Tall bookshelves
    • Vertical stripes on walls or rugs
    • Hanging curtains close to the ceiling
  • Higher curtain rods create the illusion of taller ceilings, making your smaller space look bigger.

    Living room with tall bookcases and high curtains to draw the eye upward, making a smaller space look bigger.

✅ 7. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

  • Every piece should serve more than one purpose in small spaces.
  • Helps reduce clutter and makes a smaller space look bigger.
  • Great examples:
    • Coffee tables with hidden storage
    • Sofa beds for guests
    • Fold-down desks or dining tables
  • Multi-functional pieces keep your smaller space looking bigger and organized.

    Living room with multifunctional furniture like a sofa bed and storage ottoman, ideal for making a smaller space look bigger.

✅ 8. Use Glass and Lucite Pieces

  • Transparent furniture visually disappears, making a smaller space look bigger.
  • Consider:
    • Glass coffee tables
    • Lucite dining chairs
    • Acrylic console tables
  • Clear furniture allows your flooring and walls to show through, helping your smaller space look bigger.

    Living room with glass coffee table and lucite chairs, creating openness in a smaller space.

✅ 9. Keep Flooring Consistent

  • Different flooring in each room chops up visual flow.
  • Using the same flooring throughout helps a smaller space look bigger.
  • Works especially well in:
    • Open-concept layouts
    • Studio apartments
  • Seamless flooring makes your smaller space look bigger by reducing visual interruptions.

    Open concept living space with consistent wood flooring throughout, making the smaller space look bigger.

✅ 10. Limit Visual “Noise”

  • Busy patterns and too many textures can overwhelm a room.
  • To help your smaller space look bigger:
    • Stick to a cohesive color palette.
    • Repeat similar materials for visual harmony.
    • Use minimal patterns or smaller-scale prints.
  • Simple décor choices keep your smaller space looking bigger and more restful.

    Living room with neutral colors and minimal patterns, helping the smaller space look bigger.

✅ Final Thoughts

  • Great design can transform even the smallest spaces into beautiful, functional rooms.
  • At Type A Decor, we love helping clients discover how thoughtful details make a smaller space look bigger.
  • Key strategies:
    • Maximize natural light
    • Reduce visual clutter
    • Choose smart furnishings
    • Stick to cohesive color schemes
  • Remember, it’s not about square footage—it’s how you design your space that makes your smaller space look bigger.