How to Make a Small Home Feel Bigger

Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you should feel comfortable and safe, and it should be the best reflection of you. When you’re working with a small space, though, it can be hard to achieve all of those things. Thankfully, there are tons of simple ways to create more space - or at least the illusion of more space. Read on to learn some of the most effective ways to make your small home feel bigger.

Maximize natural light

A dark home or room can instantly make it feel small, cramped, and a little claustrophobic. Even if you don’t have many windows or glass doors, maximize your natural light as much as possible by opening your blinds and curtains. If you have window treatments, consider opting for curtains that are lightweight and sheer. 

Pro tip: Hang your curtains much higher and wider than the size of your window. It helps make any small window appear larger. 

Use mirrors 

Mirrors are much more than stylish decor accents; they also create the illusion of a much larger space. That’s because the reflection of the room makes it appear even bigger. Even though it seems counter-productive, opt for larger mirrors, as they have larger reflections. 

Pro tip: If you can, face your mirrors towards a window or see-through door to capture and reflect more natural light.

Rely on smart storage

Typically, one of the most frustrating issues with small homes is the lack of storage. As a result, you might have a lot of excess clutter that makes your space feel cramped. Opt for smarter storage solutions, like built-ins, extra shelving, and decorative boxes and bins. You can also invest in furniture pieces that double as storage, like:

• Using an ottoman bench as a coffee table
• Nightstands and consoles with drawers
• A bed frame with built-in drawers

Do a light color scheme

Just like a lack of light can make a home feel smaller, so can darker paint colors. While they may feel cozy or make a bold statement, they can give off the illusion of a much more enclosed space. Try to stick to a lighter, more neutral color scheme throughout your home. Everything from paint colors, furniture, and decor — go for a monochromatic look and feel to really open up your space.

Choose the right hardwood floors

If you opt for a lighter color scheme, you can maximize your space with lighter hardwood floors, too. A lighter stain color — or even whitewashing your floors — can add a much lighter feel to your home and blend seamlessly with the rest of your light and airy theme. With WOCA’s Diamond Oil Active, you can achieve the perfect light color for your hardwoods.

If a lighter floor isn’t your thing, a richer, darker color can also look really sharp and help elongate a room. No matter which color you choose, make sure you have the same flooring treatment throughout your home to make the space flow better. And if you’re installing hardwood floors for the first time, be sure they run parallel to the longest wall in the room to really expand the look and feel of your home.

Pro tip: If you’re still not sure which color is best for your small space, try WOCA’s Diamond Oil Active Tester. That way, you can try out different colors before you fully commit!

Maximize your space with WOCA Woodcare

A small home doesn’t have to look or feel small. With a few small adjustments and attention to detail, you can give yourself the comfort and space you deserve. And to make sure your hardwood floors and furniture last for years to come, take extra care with our WOCA Interior Collection. From cleaning and maintenance to touch-ups and restaining, we have you covered with solutions that are effective and environmentally friendly. Explore all of our interior products today!