Sometimes, no matter how much you declutter and reorganise, your space just feels too small. That's because, according to feng shui, the amount of Chi, or life force energy in a room, affects how welcoming it feels.
If your problem is a lack of square footage, there are some design tricks you can use to make your space feel bigger than it is. Here are a few tips from us on how to make a small garden room feel more spacious...
Key Takeaways
- Avoid wall clutter by keeping things like pictures, mirrors, and shelves to a minimum.
- Group these items together to have more of a contained impact.
- Declutter regularly.
- Create a focal point.
- Utilise glass and lucite furniture and materials.
- Choose a light colour scheme for the flooring and walls.
- Hang vertically patterned wallpaper.
1. Add Strategically Placed Mirrors
Did you know the reflective properties of a mirror can help to visually double the size of a room? By adding a few strategic mirrors in your garden room, you can create the illusion of more space.
Position them opposite windows so they reflect natural light back into the room.
You can also place them in corners to broaden the appearance of a narrow space. Just be sure to avoid any sharp edges as they can create negative energy.
2. Let in More Light
No matter how large or small the space you want to fill is, it could always benefit from more light. In addition to making a room feel more cheerful, natural light also has the ability to visually expand a space.
To let in more light, start by cleaning your windows. Then, if possible, add additional windows or skylights. You can also try hanging sheer curtains over existing windows to make the most of the light that comes in.
Another trick is to use light-reflecting surfaces such as glossy paint, metal, or glass. By strategically placing these around the room, you can bounce light back into the space, making it feel brighter and more spacious.
3. Use Colour wisely
Did you know that the colours you choose to use in a small space have a massive impact on how spacious it feels?
For example, light colours tend to make a room feel more airy, open and, of course, BIGGER, while dark colours can make a space feel cosier but also smaller.
To make a small garden room feel more spacious, stick to light, bright colours such as white, cream, or pastels on the lighter end of the scale.
We know that this isn't always possible in a garden room, but these colours can also be used in accent pieces like throws, cushions, or rugs.
Related: Get Inspired With Our Stylish Garden Room Ideas
4. Choose Furniture with Care
Choosing the right pieces of furniture for your garden room is so important if you want to make the most of your space.
Where possible, try to avoid bulky pieces of furniture as they tend to swallow up the space or ‘air’ in the room - especially if it is an unusual piece.
Instead, opt for sleek, minimalist pieces that won't overwhelm the space.
If you do need to use larger pieces of furniture, such as a sofa, try to place them away from the walls so they don't make the room feel too closed in.
5. Use Vertical Space
OK, we’re going to get a little technical now but, bear with us, because this one is really effective…
The way in which you use the vertical space can make your small garden room feel more spacious.
For example, rather than filling shelves with lots of small items, opt for a few large pieces that reach up to the ceiling. This will create the illusion of a taller space and make the room feel less cluttered.
Also, you can try hanging plants from the ceiling or placing them on high shelves.
Not only will this help to purify the air; it will also make the most of your vertical space and give the room a more spacious feel.
6. Keep surfaces clear and free from clutter
If you're trying to go for a cleaner, more streamlined look in your garden room, making sure surfaces are clear and free from clutter is a must.
Unfortunately, this will mean making a bit of a commitment to keeping things neat and tidy. But don't worry, it will absolutely be worth your time - it’s amazing what a minimalist environment can do for your mental health.
Also, remove those knick-knacks on shelves and surfaces. The fewer things there are to catch your eye, the more spacious the room will feel.
7. Keep It Simple, Silly (KISS)
Now, this is going to sound pretty obvious, but if you want to make your garden room feel more spacious, you need to keep things simple.
That means using a limited colour palette, choosing furniture with clean lines, and avoiding patterns and prints. By doing this, you'll create a serene space that doesn't feel cluttered or busy.
It's amazing what you can achieve by going for a more sparse, minimalist look. So, if you're struggling to make your garden room feel more spacious, give it a try. You might be surprised by the results.
8. Avoid Wall Clutter
Did you know that the more things you hang on your wall, the more enclosed your garden room will feel?
It's true; if you want to make your small garden room feel more open and spacious, it's best to avoid wall clutter. That means keeping things like pictures, mirrors, and shelves to a minimum.
In fact, if you group these items together, they'll have more of an impact and make the room feel less cluttered.
9. Declutter Regularly
Now, this one will be easier for some than others; as we mentioned above, making a commitment to keeping your garden room clear of clutter may feel a little alien to those who like the stuff around them. But if you want to keep your garden room feeling spacious, it's important to declutter regularly.
This means getting rid of any unwanted or unused items that are taking up space - not only will this free up some much-needed room, but it will also make the space feel less cluttered and more serene.
We say “regularly” because if you only do it every six months, the amount of clutter will build up quickly and make the space feel smaller than it actually is. So, try to declutter as often as you can, even if it's just a little bit each time.
10. Create a Focal Point
Whether you choose to use a single feature or a whole wall, creating a focal point will help to make your garden room feel more spacious.
It gives the eye something to focus on, rather than taking in the whole space at once. And, as we all know, the less your vision registers, the bigger the space will feel.
So, if you want to make your small garden room feel more spacious, create a focal point - this could be a fireplace, a piece of art, or even a large mirror.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that will draw the eye and help to make the space feel more open.
11. Utilise Glass and Lucite
In essence, you're using see-through materials to make the room feel more spacious. Kind of like an optical illusion.
Glass and lucite furniture, such as coffee tables and side tables, are perfect for this.
They help to create the illusion of more space by not taking up any visual space. At the same time, they reflect light, which, again, will make your garden room feel brighter and more open.
FAQs
What kind of flooring makes a garden room look larger?
Whether it's carpet, vinyl, or laminate, a neutral colour scheme will make a garden room look bigger. So, if you're looking to achieve a more spacious feel, avoid dark colours and/or busy patterns.
How can I make my garden room look bigger and taller?
You can use the old trick of hanging vertically patterned wallpaper, slim mirrors and painting below a dado rail in a lighter shade than the walls to make a room appear taller. You can also use light-coloured curtains or blinds to help reflect light and make the room feel brighter and more open.
Is it better to have one big sofa or two smaller sofas in a small garden room?
It depends on the size of the room and the layout. If you have a large garden room, then two smaller sofas might be better because they'll create more seating without making the space feel cluttered. However, if you have a small garden room, then a single large sofa might be the best option because it will take up less visual space.
Convinced of the need for your own garden room yet? If so, feel free to give the team a call here at Cabin Master to ask us any questions you may be curious about. We can do all the electrical fittings and plumbing for you so there is no need to have to book several contractors to come in at various times during the project.
We are also more than happy to come out and have a chat through any ideas you might have, as well as suggest others. The number to call is 0115 896 6096. In the meantime, you can get yourself and your other half inspired by downloading our free Ultimate Guide to Garden Rooms.
