When it comes to the size of your living space, the smallest change can make a huge difference

Any homeowner knows that there’s a big difference between cosy and cramped. While you want your living space to feel homely and inviting, nobody wants to feel like they’re hanging out in a hoarder’s paradise. That’s why creating the illusion of space can be so beneficial.

With that in mind, here are five surprisingly simple ways to make your living room feel more spacious. Let’s take a look.

Use mirrors to magnify space

Many people underestimate the power mirrors have when it comes to space and light. Their reflective surface has the ability to create the illusion of extra space, while also bouncing natural light back into the room and making it appear brighter.

Make sure you introduce at least one full-length mirror to your space in order to create this sense of space. Lucite and glass furniture can also have a similar impact, working beautifully together.

Let the light in by widening your windows

You can have the largest, most spacious windows in your living room, but if you’re covering them up with curtains then you’re never going to reap the rewards. Many traditional curtains feel dark and heavy, and can mask a significant portion of your window glass even when tied back.

Instead, try a set of sheers in the living room to allow the light to stream in throughout the day. You can also install roll-down blackout blinds in the bedroom to give you privacy when you need it, without sacrificing natural light during daylight hours.

Give your furniture some breathing room

If you’re short of space in your living room, try moving all the furniture that’s currently leaning against the walls out a few inches.

This quick and easy solution is something many people aren’t aware of, but giving items like armchairs, bookcases, sideboards and sofas a bit more breathing room can instantly make your living room appear more open and airy. Keeping your furniture pressed against the wall gives the impression that you’re short on space.

Reach for the sky with ceiling-defying illusions

Creating the illusion of height is just as important as creating the illusion of floor space when aiming for a larger living area. Achieving this is simple: place things high up. Mounting a set of shelves or a piece of wall art in the top half section of your wall allows you to fake it ‘til you make it when it comes to height.

Placing items at a height will draw the eye upward and give a sense of loftiness. Another simple yet effective tip is to dress your curtains for the entire wall, not just the window. Mount your curtain poll near the top of the wall and invest in light curtains which reach down to the floor, rather than just to the bottom of the window.

Remember that less is more

It was Coco Chanel who said that before you leave the house, you should take one thing off. Well, the same applies to your house itself. Stripping back your living space to the bare essentials and beloved pieces creates more space and makes the room seem less cramped.

Aim for fewer, larger items in your living room, rather than a lot of little knick-knacks. Start taking out those small, decorative pieces which don’t really add anything to the space, and enjoy a living room that appears crisper, cleaner and more spacious.

Looking for your dream home in the North East? Explore the stunning developments from Homes by Esh today. You can book an appointment with a member of our sales team using our online booking calendar.