Tricks that make you living room look and feel bigger

Small living room is not a disease, but it sure has the power to make you feel like you’re trapped and with that feeling waiting for you at home all day every day it might as well be a disease. Singapore interior designers have been innovating solutions to solve such dilemmas.

If you have a living room that is smaller than what you would prefer, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. My guess is most people who live in a big city around the world share the very same pain as you do. If it makes you feel better, I have seen someone living in a very literal closet in New York City. So at least you have a living room, right?

In Singapore, most of the residents in this fine island would probably agree that the size of their living room could really use an upgrade. But this is Singapore, not Texas. Your HDB flat comes with a “fun size” living room oh well what can you do?

Actually, there are a lot you can do.

Like, mirrors.

“Mirror, mirror, on the wall, tell me if my living room is big enough to host a ball.”

Well, if you’re reading this, the answer is probably going to be no.

But having a mirror on the wall is a good start! We all know that mirror is a great space play, and big mirrors can make a place look and feel much bigger. Think about it, those dance studios are never as big as they seem! Use mirrors to virtually extend your living room, although we all know it’s not real but hey, as long as it feels real, and you and I both know it will!

If you’re feeling particularly wild about it, you can position the mirror across from a window to maximize the virtual effect.

Out of sight, out of mind.

We know that sometimes just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there, but it sure feels that way, right? With the demand of storage solution rising with time, a lot of the furniture in the market offer storage space to help with the problem. Stairways, under-bed, and sometimes even storage spaces in disguise as couch, coffee table and more!

And don’t forget that vertical space.

Take a look up, that’s probably the most spacious space you have in your apartment. That means… Space. Are you going to let that go to waste? Of course not! Use the wall for vertical storage space, of if you have the luxury of not needing more storage space, hang something simple or an elegant wall art to say “Hey, look at me, but not really, look how spacious this is.”

Hold on, I’m not done yet. 

Desperate to free up some space just to lighten up your living room a little? Here’s something for you: Get rid of your traditional couch and replace it with a backless couch.

It’s like getting a hair-cut, you’d be amazed how much of a difference it makes without the back cushion. Freeing up a significant amount of space virtually and gives your living room a clean and fresh vibe.

And sometimes, to avoid looking too cramped, we must add a little something first.

Plants. Get yourself some easy to take care of, small and clean looking plants and put them in the corner.

I know, I know. You’re thinking doesn’t that take more of my space? I am trying to make my living room look spacious!

Well, sometimes it’s all in your head, and with a little help, you, too can play tricks on your mind. The corner greenery does exactly just that, tricking your head thinking the space is bigger than it really is.

And for the non-deceiving tricks….

Ultimately, making your living room (actual) spacious is about getting rid of stuff, or, if the stuff is small enough, hide it.

And here’s where multifunctional furniture come in, choose furniture that can serve as more than one thing, this could be a pull out bed, or a sofa that comes with storage space. Either way, the principle is to Use. Every. Inch. Of. Your. Home. Space. (And sometimes use it twice!)

Related (Tricks that make you living room look and feel bigger)

Also, for the more open looking home space, consider getting built in storage. This type of storage usually fully utilizes your apartment layout and often come in as a floor to ceiling arrangement, some with a touch of connecting wall shelves, bringing all your storage needs right by the wall and open up the living space.