How To Make Your Living Room Look Bigger
By Kayla Keena
We plop on the couch to watch TV or read a good book in the living room. It's where we put our feet up at the end of a long day, and where company gathers for great conversation on the weekend. Many of us design our living rooms as an area to relax and enjoy, no matter where we live or the size of the room. Sometimes when we can't expand the space for more room, we can at least make it feel larger. Here are some simple ideas on how to make your living room look bigger.
Lighting
A dimly lit room will always look smaller than it is. If possible, use overhead lighting rather than table lamps for a brighter room. If only using lamps, be sure to have a few at different levels to shed enough light. A mix of floor lamps with table lamps will do the trick.
Rethink your window treatments as well. If you live in a high rise where no one can see in, you may not need a covering at all. If you must, opt for sheer or light-colored curtains that you can open when you need more light. Heavy drapes shrink a room.
Flooring
Ditch the dingy carpet for wood or manufactured flooring. Nothing opens up a room like the look of wood.
Engineered wood or vinyl planks offer a less expensive alternative to hardwood. They are both great options for a living room floor; however, there are differences, so be sure to consider your lifestyle when choosing between engineered wood or vinyl planks.
Light-colored rugs on top of these options give a softness to the room without shrinking it.
Furniture
Choose furniture that isn't too bulky. If you live in a small space, an overstuffed couch probably isn't the best option. Look for pieces that show the wooden legs to give a feeling of openness. Keep ottomans small and chairs simple.
Color
To make a space appear larger, the color needs to be light. In one weekend, you could change your living room walls from a dark red to a light gray; this will make your living room look completely different and much larger.
As you look for ways to make your living room look bigger, remember it is your space. Don't make any changes you won't enjoy for the long haul. You can apply some ideas, while still maintaining your own personal style.
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