Decorating a small room can be one of the greatest challenges of interior design. A lack of space affects all aspects of the décor in a room. Fortunately, there are some ways to make the most of the space you do have. You will be amazed at how you can use furniture placement, color palettes, and other techniques to transform a cramped space into something a little more roomy. Here are some decorating tips that will make your small room look and feel bigger than it actually is.

When dealing with a small room, it is important to limit the amount of furniture in the room. It is also important to use the décor to hide things that point to the actual size of the room. This means blending furniture with the walls, angling furniture so that it does not lead the eye along the wall, and decorating the wall in a way that makes them melt into the room. These techniques and more are detailed below.

Remove Clutter

Filling a small room with furniture and accessories will only serve to make it look smaller. Keep it simple; use as little furniture as you can get away with. Make use of multipurpose furniture if possible and make sure that it is out of walkways and that the center of the room is open. Also, go easy on the accessories and accent decorations, as they will tend to crowd a small room.

Use Few, Light Colors

Light colors reflect more light and give the space an open and inviting feel. So use light colors for upholstery, the floor, and the ceiling. Contrast tends to break up a space, so use a minimum of colors, and keep them all light. So a light colored couch against a light colored wall will seem more spacious than that same couch against a dark wall.

Use light Wisely

Light is a great way to make a space feel bigger. The more light the better. Natural light is preferred but artificial is good too. Leave windows uncovered as much as possible, and use as many artificial light sources as you can get away with.

Glass and Mirrors

The more of the room you can see, the better. This means if you can see through something, the room is going to look bigger. Glass furniture is a great way to make a room look bigger. Putting a glass coffee table in the middle of the room is a great way to add function without making the room seem cramped. Mirrors are another great design trick to make a room look bigger. Even though you are just seeing another part of the room, it gives the illusion of more space.

Keep Upholstery Simple

Plain designs on upholstery will reduce contrast and blend the edges of the furniture with the walls. Using sheer fabrics is another good idea when planning upholstery for a small room. Sheer fabrics are great for drapes as well.

Create a Mural

Adding a mural to one or more of the walls in a small room can add depth as well. Choose a landscape or scene that has a far horizon and used perspective to add the illusion of three dimensions. It is possible to create custom wallpaper so you can choose any scene you want to complete your design.

So if you are stuck with a small room, whether it is an office, dorm room, or a room in your home, do not fret, there are several options to make it feel large and inviting. Look at your small room as a challenge to overcome rather than a problem.

Bio- Jay Buckley is a large format printing expert and online publisher for megaprint.com. Jay blogs about printing and design.