If you’re dealing with a smaller room, you might be making design mistakes that make it feel cramped and small. If you’re considering remodeling or redecorating existing rooms or designing a new room in a home addition, it’s important to avoid decorating mistakes that will make a room look and feel smaller than it is. Here are a few decorating mistakes that can make rooms feel smaller to keep in mind:

• Mistake #1 – Not having enough windows or having the wrong kind of windows.
• Mistake #2 – Having the wrong window placement.
• Mistake #3 – Not having proper lighting.
• Mistake #4 – Using bulky or oversized furniture.

Mistake #1 – Not Having Enough Windows or Having the Wrong Kind of Windows

Something that makes a big impact on how the room feels is windows. A room that doesn’t have enough windows will feel dark and closed in, making the room feel small or cramped. This is because adding more natural light to your home makes a room feel bigger, brighter, and more open.

Make Sure You Have the Right Amount and Size of Windows

There are plenty of ways to incorporate windows into your home, but be sure to use the right type or size of window. Windows that are too small don’t let in enough light, and windows that are too large will overwhelm the room and make the rest of the space feel too small. Depending on the room, you may want to avoid windows that open inward. When windows swing inward, they take up actual physical space, which can make the room feel smaller in some cases.

Pay Attention to the Other Parts of the Window, Too

It’s really important to pay attention to parts of the window, such as windowsills, because these things can also have an impact on how the room feels. If your windowsill sits too high, the view outside will be blocked. A window that’s too low can impede furniture placement.

You also want to avoid any windows that have thick or heavy window panes or frames because they can limit the amount of natural light coming into the room, making it feel darker and smaller. These are window replacement mistakes to avoid that are useful to keep in mind when choosing windows for a new room, too.

If you’re unsure of how many windows, what types of windows, or what sizes of windows are right for the room you have or are trying to plan for, don’t be afraid to discuss this with your contractor. Getting expert advice is just one of the reasons to use a whole home improvement contractor.

Mistake #2 – Having the Wrong Window Placement

Depending on where your windows are located, they may be making your space feel smaller. If you want a smaller room to feel larger, windows should be placed closer to the ceiling because it draws the eye up, which makes the ceiling feel taller than it is. However, make sure that the windows aren’t placed too close to the ceiling because then it might start to feel like a basement.

You should also avoid chopping up the walls too much with windows. If the windows are haphazardly located, it can make the room feel disorganized and cramped. Windows should be centered or clustered together in a way that doesn’t break up too much wall space. This is another part of window installation that a home improvement contractor can help you with.

You also need to make sure that the windows are located in areas where light can actually shine in. If your windows are placed underneath an overhang or porch, this might limit the amount of light coming in, especially at certain times of the day. This isn’t necessarily a mistake or something to avoid at all times, but it is a consideration when you are determining window placement in a room. Getting the window placement just right is important and goes to show how replacement windows can get you your dream home.

Mistake #3 – Not Having Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for every room, and it can have a big impact on how a room feels. It Good lighting also includes more than windows. If you only use one overhead light fixture, it casts shadows over the room, often creates shadowy corners, and makes a room feel cramped and dark. However, taking the time to thoughtfully plan out your lighting can make a space feel much more comfortable and roomy.

One of the best ways to get the right amount of lighting in any room is to layer your lighting. This essentially means utilizing a couple of different types of light fixtures to light any room. For example, if you want to properly light the living room, you will want some type of overhead lighting, like track or recessed lighting. Then for softer lighting, you may want to incorporate a few lamps, including a floor lamp or two. These are popular ways to brighten up a dark basement, but they work in all areas of your home.

You also want to make sure you have the right temperature of lighting. Avoid lighting that is too cool and opt for warmer bulbs. Warm-toned bulbs create a nice cozy glow and are perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Mistake #4 – Using Bulky or Oversized Furniture

Going overboard with too much bulky furniture is going to make small rooms feel even smaller. Furniture that’s too bulky or large just takes up too much space, leaving not much room for anything else. If you’re constantly trying to squeeze past furniture that’s too large, the space won’t feel livable or comfortable.

While a popular home decor trend is incorporating comfy furniture like large sectionals and sofas, avoid them if you want to keep the space from feeling too small. Instead, opt for a couch or sofa that’s still comfortable, but not too oversized.

You should also try to avoid furniture that sits flat on the floor. When furniture sits flush on the floor, it blocks your line of sight, making it appear to the eye that there’s less space in the room. Pick furniture that sits slightly off the floor to allow for better sightlines and more light to travel, which can help avoid the room looking too small.

Remodel Your Home With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few decorating mistakes that can make rooms feel smaller. If you feel like your room is too small, avoiding these mistakes might be able to help. However, if no amount of redecorating is making your home work for you, it may be time to consider remodeling. If you’re planning to build a home addition, keeping these decorating mistakes in mind can help you create a brighter, more open, and more comfortable space. If you’re ready to talk about your next home improvement project, call Zephyr Thomas at (717) 399-4708 for a free quote!