6 Tricks Designers Use to Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger

A few strategic design changes can visually expand your living room.

So, how do youtransform a space from cramped to cozyand inviting?

Its all about tricking the eye.

The rich interior of the living room of a modern house combined with a dining area

Photo:Pro Creators/Getty Images

Here are eight tricks interior designers use to make small living rooms look and feel larger.

double-check the rug is theright sizefor your space," she says.

A custom rug with a small wood margin always helps make a space feel larger.

This will make the ceilings feel higher and the space larger.

Be sure to measure more than once, so you dont accidentally order the wrong size.

Consider Installing Built-Ins

Custom built-ins can change how youutilize spacein a smaller living room.

Built-ins are also prime opportunities to create design moments.

Reflective surfaces always help enlarge a space, shares Humphreys.

Adding a large decorative mirror to a wall can give the illusion of a larger room.

If youre not into decorating with mirrors, however, the designer suggests using highly reflective paint instead.

“Putting too much furniture in a room can make it feel cramped and cluttered.”