6 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Smaller (and How to Fix Them)
Avoid these 6 common decorating mistakes that make your home look smaller. Discover easy design tips to create a brighter, more spacious space.
Why Your Home Might Look Smaller Than It Is
Ever walked into a room and felt like the walls were closing in? Chances are, it’s not the size of your home but a few sneaky decorating choices making it feel cramped. From oversized furniture to dim lighting, small design errors can dramatically shrink the look of your space. Luckily, with a few tweaks, you can transform even the tiniest room into an airy, inviting retreat.
Here are six decorating mistakes designers say make your home look smaller — plus simple fixes to open up your space.
1. Short Curtains That Shrink the Walls
Keyword focus: decorating mistakes, make ceilings look lower, how to hang curtains
Curtains that stop above the floor cut the wall in half, instantly making ceilings feel lower. To avoid this, hang full-length curtains that reach the floor (or even pool slightly). For extra height, mount the rod closer to the ceiling. Light fabrics in neutrals or pastels help reflect natural light and keep the room feeling airy.
2. Bulky Furniture That Eats Up Space
Keyword focus: furniture that makes rooms look smaller, best furniture for small spaces
That oversized sofa might feel cozy, but in a compact living room, it can dominate the space. Furniture that’s too wide, tall, or heavy disrupts flow and makes the room look crowded. Instead, choose streamlined silhouettes and pieces with visible legs to allow light underneath. Always measure your space before buying new furniture — it’s the simplest way to avoid costly mistakes.
3. Dark Wall Colors That Close In a Room
Keyword focus: paint colors that make a room look bigger, light vs dark walls
Deep, moody shades can be stylish, but they absorb light and create shadows. If your goal is a brighter, more open space, lean toward whites, creams, or light greys that bounce light around. Want to add drama? Use darker hues sparingly as an accent wall or in accessories, and balance them with reflective surfaces or metallic finishes.
4. Flat or Insufficient Lighting
Keyword focus: lighting tips for small rooms, layered lighting design
A single ceiling light can leave corners in shadow, instantly making a room feel smaller. Instead, layer your lighting:
- Ambient for overall brightness
- Task for work or reading
- Accent to highlight features
Bulb choice matters too. While warm light feels cozy, too much can make rooms feel closed-in. Opt for cool white or daylight bulbs to keep spaces bright and open.
5. Pushing Furniture Against the Walls
Keyword focus: layout mistakes, how to arrange furniture in small rooms
It might seem like placing furniture flush against the walls creates more floor space, but the effect is often the opposite. It leaves a “dead zone” in the center, making the layout awkward. Pulling furniture just a few inches away from the wall adds depth, improves flow, and makes the space feel more intentional.
6. Clutter That Crowds Every Surface
Keyword focus: decluttering tips, storage solutions for small spaces
Clutter is the fastest way to shrink a room. Too many accessories, piles of papers, or mismatched decor can make even a large room feel cramped. Instead, curate your favorite items and use clever storage: ottoman beds, under-bed drawers, or side tables with hidden compartments. For display-worthy pieces, try open shelving for a clean but personal look.
Final Thoughts: Design Smarter, Not Bigger
6 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Smaller
The secret to making your home feel larger isn’t about square footage — it’s about avoiding these common decorating mistakes. By choosing the right furniture, hanging curtains properly, layering lighting, and keeping clutter in check, you can create a space that feels open, welcoming, and stylish.
Small changes, big impact — your home deserves to shine.
Click here for Free Instant Rental or Selling Valuation
Click here to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your property goals. At Redrose, your journey to finding the perfect home starts here.
If you are thinking of renting out a property click here to see our comprehensive landlord services
Redrose Estate Agents – Find out all about us here https://redrose.co.uk/about-us/
- Call us on 📞01772 456558
- Email 📧sales@redrose.co.uk
- Call into our office at 15 Barnes Wallis Way, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7JA
- Find out more https://redrose.co.uk/
- Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/redrosebuckshaw/
- Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/redrose.co.uk
Copyright Redrose Estate Agents – 6 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Smaller (and How to Fix Them)
6 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Smaller (and How to Fix Them)