These 5 Design Blunders Can Make Your Home Feel More Confined

Let's face it, "having too much space" isn't an issue most of us deal with. In truth, many of us simply want to make the most of the space we already have, giving our homes a sense of spaciousness without the need for any construction, additions, or moving. However, some design choices could be unintentionally making your space appear smaller. Here are five design errors that could shrink your room’s visual appeal—and how to avoid them.

Overcrowding the Space With Furniture

Interior designer Sarah Stacey suggests that mismatched furniture arrangements could be the reason your home feels cramped. According to her, the issue isn't just how furniture is arranged, but also how much furniture is added to a room. She shares, "I often see clients get anxious when they notice empty space and feel the need to fill it with extra seating [or other items]."

For instance, if you already have a sofa and one or two accent chairs in your living room, a loveseat probably isn’t necessary. (After all, how often do you have more than three guests at once?) If you're looking to fill additional space, opt for a functional console table or something smaller in size. Alternatively, leave the floor clear and hang a piece of artwork to make the empty wall space feel more complete.

Choosing Furniture Without Taking Measurements

This is a common issue, as noted by Stacey. “Even the largest living room can appear tiny if you purchase an oversized sofa without measuring,” she warns. Always measure your space before you click “add to cart.” If you're unsure whether a piece will fit, use blue painter’s tape to outline its dimensions on the floor. This gives you a more accurate sense of how it will fit in your room.

Beds Positioned in Corners

Placing the bed in the corner is a typical choice for smaller bedrooms. However, unless you're in a dorm or decorating a child’s room, it’s best to skip this setup, if possible. While positioning the bed along a wall might create the illusion of more open floor space, this arrangement can disrupt the flow of the room. By centering the bed, you make it the focal point and allow more breathing space around it, fostering a cozier, more inviting atmosphere that doesn’t feel cramped.

Cluttered Decor

In smaller homes where floor space is limited, you might be inclined to decorate with smaller items on walls and surfaces to express yourself. But too many trinkets can make your space seem more crowded. Whether it’s a gallery wall full of photos in a small powder room or knick-knacks filling every corner of open kitchen shelves, remember: sometimes, less really is more. Instead of crowding the space with lots of small pieces, opt for fewer but larger items that still allow you to showcase your style.

Floor Lamps in Tiny Living Rooms

While floor lamps are great for layering lighting, they can take up too much space in a small living room. Not sure if your living room is too small for a floor lamp? If you find yourself ducking or moving awkwardly when getting up from the sofa, then the space is too tight. If you're using a floor lamp to fill an empty corner, consider leaving the space open or adding a smaller side table that doesn’t occupy as much visual or physical room.