9 Ways to Make a Small Room Feel More Spacious

Creating a spacious and functional living room in a small space is a challenge, but with the right design choices, it’s possible to make a room feel much bigger than it actually is. I recently made several updates to my living room, and I’m sharing the specific swaps and strategies that have made a big impact.

#1. Swapping the Sectional for a Sleeper Sofa

I replaced our large sectional with the Maestro Leather Sofa from Finn and Form, a mid-century modern piece with sleek lines, wooden legs, and a more structured silhouette. Unlike our previous deep-seated sofa with wooden bars along the edges (which was uncomfortable for sleeping), this one has a soft, flat surface that’s actually great for lounging. The open space underneath also makes the room feel airier compared to the bulk of a sectional that sits directly on the floor.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, switching to a more streamlined piece of furniture created a better sense of flow in the room. The sectional had divided the space in a way that made it feel more closed off, while the Maestro Leather Sofa allows for better movement and an overall lighter feel. The key with any sofa in a small space is to make sure it isn’t too bulky and that it allows light and movement to pass around it. This one strikes that balance well.

#2. Hanging Higher and Wider Curtains

Our previous curtains were functional but didn’t do much for the room’s height. This time, I went with pinch pleated curtains from TWOPAGES, extending them over a foot higher and wider than before. They are mounted about a foot above the sliding door window, which creates the illusion of taller ceilings and a grander space. This simple change dramatically expanded the room’s feel.

Raising the curtain rod higher than the window itself draws the eye upward, making the ceiling appear taller. Additionally, extending the rod beyond the edges of the window frame allows more light to enter, since the curtains don’t block as much of the glass when they’re open. I chose a neutral fabric to maintain a light and airy feel, avoiding heavy or dark-colored drapes that might make the space feel smaller. If you’re on a budget, simply raising your existing curtain rod and choosing longer curtains can achieve a similar effect.

#3. Opting for a Mobile Table Instead of a Coffee Table

Rather than a traditional coffee table, I switched to a tiny mobile table that can be moved around as needed. It’s a much better fit for a small space and keeps the floor area open, making movement through the room easier. The flexibility of a mobile table means it can serve multiple functions, whether as a place to set down a drink, a laptop, or even a book, without permanently taking up valuable space.

A large coffee table can visually dominate a room, making it feel crowded. Instead, having a table that is lightweight and easy to reposition allows the space to adapt to different needs throughout the day. Whether I’m working from the couch or hosting guests, I can shift it out of the way or place it where it’s needed most. Plus, the open floor space helps maintain a sense of flow and airiness in the room, reducing the cluttered look that a bulky table might create.

4. Replacing the Entertainment Center

We had been using a coffee table as an entertainment center, which wasn’t ideal for storage or visual balance. I replaced it with a small piece that fits closely against the wall, freeing up more floor space and reducing visual clutter.

Choosing a piece that is proportionate to the room was key here. Many entertainment centers are bulky and take up unnecessary space, but this one provides just enough storage while keeping a low profile. Another benefit is that it keeps cords and electronics neatly tucked away, reducing the visual noise in the room. If you’re working with a small living room, finding furniture that hugs the wall and doesn’t protrude too much into the space is a simple way to keep the room feeling open and uncluttered.

#5. Maximizing Vertical Storage in the Office Nook

The living room also serves as our office space, so I prioritized vertical storage in our office nook. I have a leaning ladder-style shelf with cubbies, along with a small desk integrated between the ladder shelves. This setup keeps the area compact yet functional without overwhelming the room.

Vertical storage is a game-changer in small spaces because it allows you to maximize storage without sacrificing floor space. By using tall shelves rather than wide ones, I was able to create an efficient workspace that doesn’t make the room feel cramped. The leaning ladder design also adds a modern, stylish element while keeping everything easily accessible. If you’re struggling with a small workspace, consider shelving that goes up rather than out to make the most of the space you have.

#6. Using a Rug to Divide Spaces

A well-placed rug helps define different functional areas within the same room. This trick visually separates the office nook from the lounging area, making the space feel more intentional and organized rather than just a multipurpose mash-up.

Choosing the right size and style of rug is important. A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disconnected, while one that’s too large might overwhelm the space. I opted for a medium-sized rug that complements both areas without overpowering either. The rug acts as a visual anchor, creating a clear distinction between the work area and the living area without the need for physical dividers. This simple technique adds warmth, texture, and definition to a room while maintaining a cohesive look.

#7. Hiding Larger Toys with a Slim Cabinet

Storage for Chloe’s toys was a big consideration. I added a 71" tall arched cabinetry piece (16" deep and 31" wide), which works perfectly to conceal some of the larger, more colorful toys that tend to take over the space. To further refine the look, I cut small composite board sections to cover the lower door windows, keeping the bright toys out of sight while leaving the top windows clear to display neutral decor.

A quick note: This particular cabinet was only about $350, and while it looks great, it’s not the sturdiest piece of furniture. It was wobbly until we filled it, and we’ll be mounting it to the wall for extra security. I’ll share the link since it’s working well for us, but I’d definitely recommend securing it if you go with something similar.

#8. Simplifying Storage with Water Hyacinth Baskets

To keep the space feeling open and uncluttered, I bought 13" water hyacinth baskets for storing smaller items. These blend seamlessly into the decor, offering a natural, simple storage solution that doesn’t add visual heaviness.

#9. Bonus: Paint Choices I Considered (But Didn’t Use)

I also debated painting the walls a modern white to brighten the living room further, or using black paint in the office nook behind the black leaning ladder desk setup. The black would have added depth, making the nook recede visually, but in the end, I decided against painting for now. However, if you’re looking for an affordable way to make a space feel bigger, strategic paint choices like these could be an excellent option—no new furniture required!

Final Thoughts

These updates have made a noticeable difference in how our living room feels—more open, functional, and calming. Even small changes, like raising curtains or using vertical storage, can have a huge impact in a tight space. If you're looking to make your living room feel bigger, hopefully, some of these ideas will help!