Whether you're finally moving into your own place, or you're still renting, the whole process of getting settled and making the place yours can be quite exciting. You've probably been eyeing all sorts of nice kitchen hutches, elegant dining tables and modern TV furniture. But then you realize that your new place is all too quickly filling up and you won't have any room to put the stuff you already have if you buy anything new.
Appearances can be deceiving. The place you saw before you moved in probably looked a whole lot larger than when you moved in. But there are ways to 'disguise' and enhance those small spaces to look grander. Here are some tips to make your tiny living look elephantine.
Hutches For Desks
Creating the illusion of space is really not as hard as you may think and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Paint, in light shades, wide floor boards, and striped rugs all work to make your living room look more ample, for instance.
One of the first things you should take into consideration when trying to make a small space look bigger is color. Dark, vibrant colors may be trendy, but they also make spaces look narrower and smaller. In a small room, dark colors can make you feel like you're being swallowed up by the walls. Opt for light, airy tones. Beiges, off white colors, even a pale celadon green can make a small room look refreshingly big. A shade of lavender rather than violet gives your room a hint of color without drowning out all the light. Think about adding white trim; consider painting the upper portion of your walls white to make your ceilings look higher.
The type of furniture you pick is also crucial. Consider scale. When it comes to TV furniture, for example, it's probably best not to go for a hulking TV unit. Think slim and trim-something sleek and modular. One or two chairs and a small couch will do, any more than that and your living room will look more like a furniture store. Mirrors do wonders. Adding a couple mirrors to your living room will make your room seem more spacious than it really is, especially if you place them across from windows to reflect the light.
Keep your walls uncluttered. Too many posters or paintings will overwhelm. Cover your windows with sheer curtains rather than heavy drapes. Light filtering roman shades allow direct sunlight and can be closed when needed. As for lighting, try to avoid big table lights. Strategically placed light sconces and spotlights can brighten a room and add the illusion of space at the same time.
Store any of your extra stuff beneath a table with a skirt thrown over it; in chests, in baskets, or bookcases. Move furniture up against walls to add more walking room.
Most importantly, keep things simple. Don't collect random bits of furniture or knick knacks. Think minimalistically. Your living room, small as it may be does have potential.