We all want more space in our home but finding it is one of life’s most difficult tasks. Small rooms are a burden yet move into a big house and you’ll find yourself filling it with more items, once more taking up that much needed space. However, did you know there are some simple and effective design tips to maximise space and make your home feel twice the size?

The most obvious thing to do to clear space is to ditch unnecessary furniture. This isn’t to say that you should send everything to the charity shop but when was the last time you used that sofa in the spare room? Chunky furniture is a luxury that small homes cannot afford. Swapping bulky cupboards and chest of drawers for a simple clothes rail is a great tip and why not make some extra money by selling old clothes? It can be difficult to decide what to get rid of but by rule of thumb, if you haven’t used or worn it in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it.

Light coloured and transparent furniture will enhance the feeling of space by making your room feel brighter. If you can see space around the room then it tricks your eyes into thinking that there is vast amount of area. Mirrors can also be used to enhance the feeling of space by bouncing light around the room. Not only do they look great but they can also be hung on walls, minimising floor space. It is a myth that small rooms need small furniture, instead add oversized lights or wall art. Small objects in a small room actually have an adverse effect and will make your home seem smaller.

With living space becoming smaller and smaller, the need for spaces to be multifunctional is now a necessity. By using a sofa bed in the living room, you now have a guest bedroom and why not turn the space under your stairs into a cloakroom or office?

One of the benefits of small space living is that you can pull off quirky storage methods. If you haven’t got space sideways, go upwards! Use floor to ceiling storage cupboards in the kitchen and use items that can double up as something else. Place that spare chair next to your bed and accessorise with a pile of books and a lamp – there you have it, storage and a table in one. Open shelving is also versatile and can look great.

Finally, it’s a well-known fact that dark colours will make your room appear smaller so when decorating opt for light and natural colours and materials.