Paint the walls and ceiling a light color, hang curtains higher and wider than the window, and choose furniture on raised legs so you can see the floor underneath. Add one large mirror to bounce light, and keep the floor clear. Before you buy anything, test the changes on a photo of your own room.
None of these tricks add square feet. They change how much light the room reflects and how much floor and wall your eye can see, and that is what makes a room read as bigger.
Six steps to make a small room look bigger
Step 1: Paint the walls and ceiling a light color
Light colors reflect more light. Paint makers measure this with light reflectance value, or LRV, on a scale from 0, which absorbs all light, to 100, which reflects all of it, per Sherwin-Williams. Look for a high LRV on the paint chip, and paint the ceiling light too.
Step 2: Hang curtains high and wide
With 8-foot ceilings, Bob Vila's guide says to hang curtains at least 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window, and to run the rod 3 to 6 inches or more past each side. The window looks taller, and open curtains stop covering the glass.
Step 3: Choose furniture on legs
Lowe's recommends furniture with open space underneath, like pieces on visible legs or glass tables. Seeing floor under a sofa or bed makes the room read as larger. Lowe's also suggests a loveseat in place of a full-size sofa.
Step 4: Add one large mirror
Lowe's recommends wall mirrors to reflect light around the room. Hang one where it catches light from the window.
Step 5: Hang one large piece of art
One large painting makes a wall feel more open than a cluster of small frames, according to Lowe's.
Step 6: Clear the floor
Use storage that does two jobs. Lowe's suggests a trunk or storage ottoman as a coffee table. Every bit of floor you can see makes the room feel bigger.
What each change does
| Change | What it does | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Light paint on walls and ceiling | Reflects more light | Choose a high LRV on the 0 to 100 scale |
| Curtains hung high and wide | Makes the window look taller and wider | 4 to 6 inches above the frame, 3 to 6 inches past each side |
| Furniture on legs | Shows more floor | Visible legs or glass tops |
| One large mirror | Bounces light and adds depth | Place it where it catches window light |
| One large piece of art | Keeps the wall from looking busy | One big piece over many small ones |
| Clear floor | Opens up walking space | Storage furniture that does two jobs |
Test it before you buy
A light room with raised furniture can look very different from what you pictured. Upload a photo of your room to House AI and try a light style like Scandinavian or Minimalist. The free tier gives you 3 designs a day, and each takes about 15 seconds. The app does not measure your room, so measure your wall before you order any furniture.
Frequently asked questions
What color makes a small room look bigger?
Light colors, because they reflect more light. Check the paint's LRV, and pick a high one on the 0 to 100 scale.
Do mirrors make a room look bigger?
Yes. Lowe's recommends mirrors because they reflect light around the room. Place one where it catches light from a window.
Should I use small furniture in a small room?
Use fewer pieces, and choose ones on visible legs. Lowe's suggests a loveseat instead of a full-size sofa.
Keep reading
- Minimalist Style
- Scandinavian Style
- Minimalist Home Design Guide
- Decorating Rental Apartments
- Can AI Redesign a Photo of My Room?
- Wall Design
Sources: Sherwin-Williams, "Worthy of Reflection," checked September 24, 2026. Bob Vila, "How High to Hang Curtains," updated February 16, 2021. Lowe's, "10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger," updated February 23, 2024.