13 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Space Look Tiny

We're sharing our no-fail tips for making the most of your square footage—no contractor required. These are all things you can implement into your space to make it look larger, regardless if you have a small or a large room. We commonly make decorating mistakes that visually shrink a room without realizing just how tiny it makes our space look. By trying one or two of these tips, you just may find that your room opens up again and you can finally breath. Don't let these top 12 decorating mistakes cramp your style.

Buying An Oversized Bed

It's time to say goodbye to that four-poster and think on a smaller scale. Upholstered headboards are a great way to make an impact without leaving your room feeling closed in. Whatever you do, don't break the bank on this purchase—you should be able to find beautiful, statement-making options for less than $300.

Painting The Walls Dark Colors

If your space is already small, skip the dark hues and think light and bright walls. Bring bold pops of color with throw pillows and fresh flowers. In this pre-fab coastal cottage, designer Jennifer Hunter played up the beachy color palette with textiles and artwork but kept the walls an airy white. "I've always loved all the colors in it," she says. 

Choosing Busy Wallpaper

If you choose to wallpaper your space, stick to one focal wall, and be sure to choose a pattern that's easy on the eyes. This is no time for hundreds of flower buds in a dizzy array of colors—actually, it might never be the right time for that. This breakfast nook in this Oak Hill, Tennessee home uses a bold and dramatic wallpaper on one wall to great effect.

Having Bulky Furniture

If you're trying to keep your space open and airy, skip the heavy furniture in favor of clean lines and thin silhouettes that won't make the space feel heavy. Shrink down to small-scale pieces that don't obstruct your view of the surrounding room. And remember, those end tables don't need to match when you are trying to make use of every nook and cranny. It's all about coordinating.

Not Cleaning Up Clutter

Maybe this should have been enemy number one on our list. Whether it's that stack of mail, tiny knick-knacks, or dirty laundry in the corner, when things are out of place your space can suddenly feel cramped. Having a proper place for everything will help you stay organized and eliminate the potential for a cluttered situation.

Heavily Dressing Your Windows

When it comes to getting your beauty rest, skip the heavy blackout drapes and opt for an eye mask. Even when they're open, heavy drapes still have the potential to block out some of that wonderful natural light that your space needs. Use sheers instead to let in plenty of natural light and enlarge your space.

Not Incorporating Enough Light

We might sound like a broken record at this point, but light really is your best friend when combatting a small space. Sconces hanging on either side of the bed are a great space-saving option for a small bedroom. If you have a reading nook, a lamp will lighten things up without feeling bulky.

Hanging Your Curtain Rods Too Low

One thing that can dramatically increase the feeling of space in your room is hanging your curtains at the right height. Instead of hanging them directly above the window, hang them about midway between the window and the ceiling. Hanging your curtains from this height will elongate your walls, which will in turn make your ceilings seem higher than they actually are.

Putting Furniture In High-Traffic Areas

Having furniture in high-traffic zones will certainly close off your space. Plus, who likes having to move around a piece of furniture every time they enter a room? Avoid the chaos altogether and start rearranging. Look for ways you can remove furniture from those areas, or tuck furniture at the edges of your room. This will surely give your room a more inviting feel.

Not Implementing Mirrors

A thoughtfully placed mirror will open up the room by adding more visual space. With the right mirror, the room will feel much bigger than it is. Try incorporating a circle mirror above your dresser, or a classic stand-up mirror in the corner of the room.

Ignoring Corners And Alcoves

Awkwardly shaped spaces are your greatest friend when trying to maximize a space without overcrowding. A spot under your stairs could provide much-needed storage or a comfy spot to sit and read. Those awkward corners on either side of your fireplace are just calling for built-in shelves. Get creative and make full use of every corner in the room.

Undersizing The Rug

While oversized furniture can really shrink a room, the opposite tends to be true with an area rug. A rug that is undersized will segment a space in a way that makes it look smaller. Instead, choose a rug that covers all but a perimeter of 12 inches around the edges of the room (if you have an open floor plan, imagine each seating or work area as a separate room). Then float the furniture on the rug and watch your space expand. Have a special oriental or cowhide rug you're looking to feature? Layer it on top of a neutral rug so it serves as an accent without affecting the scale of your room.

Ignoring Vertical Space

High ceilings only do so much good if everything in the room resides in the bottom half of the space. Even in a room with low ceilings, a gallery wall or vertical shelving can draw the eye upward and elongate your walls.