The “Weird” Decor Tricks Designers Say Actually Make Rooms Feel Bigger

When it comes to making small spaces feel larger, most of us have heard the usual advice: paint everything white, pick petite furniture, and keep the palette neutral. While these classic tips have their place, many interior designers now argue that sticking strictly to them can sometimes backfire, leaving rooms feeling cramped and uninspired. The secret to truly expansive-feeling spaces often lies in embracing bold, dramatic choices with confidence and intention. From oversized rugs to moody paint colors and grand drapery, these unexpected strategies help create a seamless flow that tricks the eye into perceiving more space. Below, we dive into some of the most surprising yet effective tricks top designers swear by to open up rooms in style.

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Think Big When It Comes to Rugs

It might seem counterintuitive, but choosing a larger rug is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make a small room feel more expansive. Designer Molly Torres of DATE Interiors points out that smaller rugs often create visual islands, breaking up the floor and making the space feel fragmented. “People assume smaller rugs suit small rooms, but it actually works better when the rug nearly fills the space,” she says. Rachel Fisher from Further Afield echoes this, recommending a rug size that allows all the front legs of furniture pieces to rest on it. This technique anchors the seating area and visually connects the elements, which tricks the eye into seeing a unified, larger space. Leaving only a small border of exposed flooring around the rug's edge enhances this effect, giving the room a cozy yet open vibe.

Embrace Dark, Rich Paint Colors

Contrary to traditional advice, painting walls darker shades can actually expand the feel of a room. Rozit Arditi of Arditi Designs explains that deep colors soften the room’s boundaries rather than highlighting them, which helps blur the edges and create a sense of depth. Favorites like navy, chocolate brown, and deep aubergine transform walls into enveloping backdrops that add warmth and sophistication without shrinking the space visually. One of her favorite tricks is to paint the walls, baseboards, ceiling, and trim all the same dark color. This monochromatic approach produces a seamless, cocoon-like environment that feels surprisingly roomy. Rachel Fisher also notes the power of this technique, sharing how painting an entire tiny office—including windows and doors—in one rich shade gave the space an unexpected sense of openness and calm.

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Oversized Drapes and Statement Lighting

Small rooms don’t need to play small when it comes to architectural details. Interior designer Cortney McClure recommends going big with drapery by hanging curtains from ceiling to floor and extending them wall to wall, even if the windows themselves are modest. This creates an illusion of larger windows and taller ceilings, visually stretching the room upward and outward. The key is using lightweight, streamlined fabrics that flow effortlessly without overwhelming the space. McClure also champions oversized lighting fixtures in compact rooms. “Tiny lamps and pendants tend to emphasize the room’s limited scale,” she says. Opting for a bold pendant or a large table lamp adds presence and confidence, making the space feel thoughtfully designed rather than cramped.

The Power of Editing: Less Is More

Ultimately, the biggest lesson from designers is that spaciousness is less about square footage and more about restraint. A cluttered room packed with small pieces feels chaotic and boxed in, while a carefully curated space with a few larger, striking elements offers room to breathe. McClure sums it up perfectly: “I’d rather see one incredible oversized piece with breathing room around it than a room full of smaller items competing for attention.” By paring down to essentials and embracing bold, confident choices, you create a visual narrative that invites the eye to move freely, making the room feel open and inviting without overcrowding it.

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