Homes & Gardens, in a guide published on 1 November 2022 and updated on 7 August 2025, gathers 14 designer-approved methods for making a small living room look bigger, from color drenching to mirrors placed opposite windows. Designers such as Kathy Kuo, Liz Potarazu and Nicola Harding all appear in it, which makes it a useful shortcut to professional thinking.
This guide to small space decor hacks turns that advice into a checklist you can use in a flat, whether for a living room, bedroom or study. All named designer tips come from the Homes & Gardens article. The tables and priorities are my own organisation of that advice.
Color: Keep It Cohesive
Homes & Gardens says too many contrasting colors make a room feel busy and crowded. Liz Potarazu advises carrying one color across walls, ceiling and trim so there is no visual break where the paint changes. Nicola Harding paints the ceiling the same color as the walls to suggest extra height.
| Idea | Source detail |
|---|---|
| One cohesive palette | Avoid many contrasting colors |
| Same color on walls, ceiling and trim | Potarazu: removes the visual break |
| Color-drench the room | Harding: ceiling matches walls |
| Pale ceilings and floors | Make a room feel lighter |
| Deep shades such as midnight blue or petrol green | Waterworth: create depth |
Dark colors are not banned. The article notes they can add depth, but they need good lighting.
Mirrors and Lighting
Kathy Kuo advises placing a mirror directly across from a window to reflect the most light, and the article says small, dainty mirrors do not work well for this purpose. For lighting, layer a dimmable overhead pendant, lamps and wall lights, and use wall lights that wash light up and down to make the space look taller.
| Tip | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Large mirror opposite a window | Reflects the most daylight |
| Layered light at several heights | Adds depth and removes dark corners |
| Wall lights that wash up and down | Emphasize height |
| Dimmable overhead light | Adjusts mood |
Furniture That Takes Less Visual Space
Choose light-toned, refined pieces. Kathy Kuo suggests transparent tables made of Lucite, acrylic or glass, plus tapered legs and slim frames. Lonika Chande notes that a pair of armchairs can take up more space than a small armless sofa, and that a floor lamp saves surface space.
| Choose | Instead of |
|---|---|
| Glass or acrylic coffee table | Bulky wooden block |
| Armless sofa or slim chairs | Two large armchairs |
| Floor lamp | Table lamp that takes a surface |
| Storage ottoman | Separate footstool and box |
| Sofa bed | Spare bed in a small flat |
Multifunctional pieces, such as ottomans with storage and sofa beds, help a small home work harder.
Curtains, Patterns and Textures
The article advises light fabrics and colors for curtains, since heavy dark drapes block light. Hang the rod above the window and let curtains reach the floor to add apparent height. Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen suggest layering patterns of similar scale and tone so that no single pattern dominates.
| Element | Tip |
|---|---|
| Curtains | Sheers or linen, hung high and to the floor |
| Stripes | Vertical for low ceilings; horizontal on a narrow wall |
| Patterns | Similar scale and tone |
| Textures | Velvet, sheepskin, wood and leather add warmth |
Storage and Smart Tech
The article recommends vertical storage and keeping clutter out of sight, since mess makes a small room feel smaller. If you have clutter to clear first, our guide to minimalist living is a good start. For flats with limited power and wall space, see our piece on smart home tech.
