When purchasing your home, you sometimes have to make sacrifices. Maybe it’s a smaller living area for a bigger kitchen, or a smaller bedroom for a walk-in closet. Whatever the case may be, more than likely there’s a small space in your home. Don’t be so quick to write off these small spaces, as they can have big potential! It all depends on how you style the room. When done right, these small spaces can feel like the largest room in any home.

Pick the Right Furniture

No matter the square footage, a room always seems bigger when it’s filled with conversation. Having furniture that can be pulled up, dragged over, or gathered around may be a small detail, but it has a huge impact. Use pieces like swivel chairs, stools and benches that can easily be moved around to create extra seating.

Have a Focal Point

In a small space it’s best to have a focal point. A focal point acts as the center of attention in a room, instantly drawing you in. When you start with a focal point, deciding furniture location becomes much easier. Place your furniture strategically around the focal point and don’t be afraid to have furniture in the middle of the floor!

Tip: Try a floor-to-ceiling or wall-to-wall bookcase for your focal point. Not only will this feature serve as your focal point, it will also make your ceilings look higher than they are and add storage to your space. You don’t need to fill every exposed shelf, leaving some shelves empty will give the small space an airy feel.

Think Outside the Box

Some rules are made to be broken. For example, the rule that states small furniture should be used in small spaces. A room may be small, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be dramatic. Adding a few large pieces of art and furniture to a small space adds drama, and will often make it look bigger. Consider buying large, multi-functioning furniture like an ottoman that can act as both a coffee table and extra seating.

Be bold, don’t be afraid to introduce large furniture to small rooms. Sometimes a few big furniture pieces and eye catching objects are the only things you need to make a room feel open and full.