Creating a sense of space in a small room is much more than just the length of the walls. If those walls aren’t big enough for your liking, here are some ways to make a room feel larger.

A light room always feels larger than a dark one, especially if the light is natural.  If you are building external walls, aim for large generous windows, or even floor to ceiling windows. If there are privacy concerns, use high-level windows to add to a room’s natural light. Make sure that blinds and curtains are minimal and light coloured.

Don’t just think about size and width either. One of the best ways to create a sense of space is through the height of your ceilings. If you can, try and make the ceiling more than 2.7m. This will add to the volume of the room, which is something you can really feel.

Space can be created by making walls disappear. Here again, floor to ceiling windows, especially those with a pleasant outlook can make a huge difference to the enjoyment of a room. And if a window isn’t an option, the strategic use of mirrors can achieve a similar effect.

If you are designing a room from scratch think about what kind of doors you will use and where to put them. Sliding doors, for instance, take less space than swinging doors. Because they are available in glass, they can work like a floor to ceiling window on an external wall. Or they can create a sense of flow through to another room.  The use of mirror panels on sliding cupboard doors can also help create a sense of space.

When a room is going to have two doors, try and ensure that you place the doors directly opposite each other.  If people have to cross a small room diagonally, the room tends to become a passageway, which limits its potential for other uses.

How you furnish a room also affects its perceived spaciousness. Try to use a light coloured paint. I would recommend a warm off white in most cases. Of course it still needs to match your furniture. Lighter floor coverings may also add to the perception of space. When it comes to the furniture, go for compact elegant furniture with clean lines.  Make sure chairs and couches have legs and are up off the floor. Avoid clutter! Only put furniture in the room that is going to be used.

If we are buying an existing house, it’s likely there will be rooms that are smaller than we desire.  When it comes to renovating or even building your own house, room size and the positioning of doors and windows can make a crucial difference.  It’s one reason why it pays to have your home professionally designed.