How to make a small room appear larger

There are lots of clever optical illusions you can employ to make a small room appear much larger and more spacious than it actually is.

Sofa One in Bute Clyde Mint, can double up as an occasional single bed, £3,590, Another Country

Opt for furniture with legs that allow you to see some of the floor under it. The more floor you can see, the larger the room will feel. You can also get some extra storage space under raised furniture, just tuck those baskets and under bed boxes right into the middle so that they can't be seen at eye level.

Colours Kahiwa Oak-effect rectangular mirror, £40 B&Q

It may be obvious, but strategically placed mirrors are fantastic for adding depth to a room. Places to target with reflective surfaces are walls opposite windows and doors and the top of stairs. 

The wall here is painted in String, No, 8, Estate Eggshell, the woodwork is painted in Off-White, No, 3, Estate Eggshell, both Farrow & Ball

Colour can also be used to play tricks with your eyes. Light and airy colours tend to move the walls out, whilst darker hues will pull the walls inwards.

For more detail on using legs to grow your rooms click here