How to Make a Small Home Feel Bigger

You can't move the walls.

You can't magically add another 200 square feet.

But you can change how spacious a home feels.

And if you're preparing a smaller property for sale, that's worth paying attention to.

Start by removing things

The quickest way to make a room feel small is to fill it with stuff.

Large furniture, piles of belongings and cluttered surfaces can make even a decent-sized room feel cramped.

Before your photographs or viewings, be ruthless.

If you don't need it, put it away.

Don't push everything against the walls

It sounds strange, but pushing every piece of furniture against the wall doesn't necessarily make a room feel bigger.

Sometimes creating a little space around furniture gives the room better flow.

Think about how someone will walk through the room rather than simply trying to maximise every inch.

Let the light in

Natural light is your best friend.

Open curtains and blinds and make sure windows aren't blocked by furniture or excessive ornaments.

Clean windows can also make more difference than you'd expect.

Mirrors can help

A well-positioned mirror can reflect light and create the impression of additional depth.

You don't need to cover every wall in mirrors.

One strategically placed mirror can be enough.

Keep the colour palette simple

You don't have to paint everything white.

Soft, neutral colours can make rooms feel brighter without making them feel cold.

If you have several very different colours throughout a small home, simplifying the palette can also create a better sense of flow between rooms.

Look upwards

Floor space isn't the only space you've got.

Shelving, tall cupboards and clever storage can make use of vertical space without taking up valuable floor area.

Don't forget the hallway

Hallways are often overlooked.

They're also the first thing a buyer sees when they walk through the front door.

Keep coats, shoes and bags under control and make the space feel open.

Make the garden part of the room

If you've got large windows or doors leading onto a garden, make the most of them.

A tidy garden can visually extend the living space and make a smaller reception room feel more connected to the outside.

Be realistic

The goal isn't to make a small house look like a mansion.

It's to show buyers that the space is comfortable, practical and usable.

That's a much more believable — and attractive — proposition.

And sometimes, after a really good declutter, you might find you've gained more space without moving a single wall.