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Decoration

7 Tips to Make Your Small Room Look Much Bigger

Transforming a small room into a projects that seems larger is the result of smart and sensitive decisions.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Nov 28, 2025, 1:00 PM

08 min de leitura
Projeto de Bárbara Dundes.

Projeto de Bárbara Dundes. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

The perception of space does not depend only on square meters — it is born from choices! In a small room, every element, from furniture to lighting, directly influences the sense of amplitude. Therefore, small changes can completely modify how the projects are experienced on a daily basis.

Apartment 220 m2 minimalist air white wood Tres Architecture decoration living room sofa carpet wooden table panel

Projeto Très Arquitetura. (Ricardo Bassetti/CASACOR)

Creating this visual expansion does not require major renovations or high investments. With strategic decisions, it is possible to reorganize volumes, enhance circulation, and better illuminate the space, making the small room appear much more open, fluid, and inviting.

1. Invest in light colors and soft palettes


The colors have a direct impact on the sense of amplitude, especially in a small room. Light tones reflect natural light better, soften contrasts, and help create a lighter environment. Neutral palettes — such as sand, ice, soft gray, or off-white — are excellent starting points.

Without breakage, a 150 m² apartment bets on soft tones and a green kitchen. Project by Ana Cano. In the photo, living and dining room, shelf, piano, and sofa.

Projeto de Ana Cano. (Lilia Mendel/CASACOR)

For those who love color, it's worth investing in pivotal details: a throw, a picture, or a vase in vibrant tones. The secret lies in balance, allowing the space to maintain visual breathing while gaining personality.

2. Invest in multifunctional furniture


In a small room, each piece needs to deliver more than the basics. Multifunctional furniture, such as tables with shelves, benches with internal compartments, or racks with versatile niches, help organize without occupying excessive areas.

By the sea, a minimalist apartment takes on the atmosphere of an art gallery. Project by João Panaggio. In the photo, a living room with a painting, a bar console, armchairs, and a sofa.

Projeto de João Panaggio. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

These items free up space, reduce the need for extra furniture, and make the projects more fluid. In addition, their aesthetics tend to be discreet and contemporary, fitting well with different styles.

3. Use mirrors to double the sense of width


The mirrors act as classic allies for those who wish to expand the small room. They reflect light, create depth, and make the projects more dynamic. A large piece positioned behind the sofa, next to the window, or above the console completely transforms the spatial reading.

Apartment in Barra da Tijuca gets a minimalist décor, but very cozy. Project by A+G Architecture, In the photo, living room integrated with kitchen with light decor, sideboard and sofas.

Projeto de A+G Arquitetura. (Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

Shapes oval, rectangular or irregular can dialogue with the decoration and complement the style of the projects. The important thing is that the mirror reflect interesting elements — such as plants, windows, or works of art.

4. Prefer lightweight curtains installed higher


The height of the curtains directly influences the sense of vertical space. In a small room, installing the rod close to the ceiling and opting for flowing fabrics — such as voile, light linen, or blackout with a soft drop — creates the illusion of higher ceilings.

Meet the home of actress Clara Moneke, signed by Tom Castro. In the photo, living room with a view of the sea, sofa, and rug.

(André Nazareth/CASACOR)

This technique also enhances natural light, which is essential for expanding compact projects. In addition, longer curtains add movement and elegance to the space.

5. Keep circulation unobstructed


Clear circulation means sense of breath. In a small room, reorganizing the layout to avoid visual blockages is essential. This includes not pushing all the furniture against the walls, keeping passages clear, and avoiding excess objects on the floor.

Lino Architecture - Refuge. Project of CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025.

Lino Arquitetura - Refúgio. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)

Cleaner lines make it easier to read the projects, make them appear larger, and reinforce the functionality of the space. The fewer obstacles, the greater the visual amplitude.

6. Invest in distributed lighting


A single ceiling light can reinforce shadows and flatten the space. For a small room, it is worth distributing light points that create layers: a floor lamp next to the sofa, a discreet sconce, a table lamp on the side table.

Amanda Godofredo Ohpis - Being of the Family. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Amanda Godofredo Ohpis - Estar da Família. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Talita Paziam/CASACOR)

This composition creates depth and shapes volumes in the space, making the room appear more cozy and spacious. The diversity of lighting points also contributes to visual comfort.

7. Choose proportional rugs


Rugs that are too small visually reduce the projects. Meanwhile, large models, which accommodate the sofa and at least two legs of the armchairs, help unify the small room's space, creating continuity. Besides visually organizing the layout, the right rug adds texture, comfort, and delineates areas without creating barriers.

Meet the apartment of architects Carol Freitas and Fabio Bouillet. In the photo, TV room with paintings, armchair, and rug.

Projeto de Carol Freitas e Fabio Bouillet. (Lilia Mendel/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.