Today we’re looking at tips and tricks that we use when staging to make a space appear bigger and brighter! We use similar methods to generate light and create space in small and dark rooms, so let’s dive in.

This is the first simple way to brighten a space and make it appear bigger. The addition of a mirror (mirror) on the wall in a space allows for more light to bounce around the room. This creates a brighter and seemingly bigger room. Similarly with glass top furniture, like a coffee table or bedside table. The glass lets light through and creates an illusion of more space because you can see past it. So, swap that chunky wooden table that blocks off the available space, for a glass top table. Have a look at this technique in action below.

Now obviously, having lights on in a space will help make it brighter. So, make sure your lights are on and if you’re in a bedroom have some good bedside lamps too. We personally opt for the cool toned white light bulbs like these. They photograph better and are much brighter than a warm toned bulb.

If there are windows make sure the natural light can seep through. There’s a trend in venetian blinds. But if you’re looking to let more light travel through the space, we recommend opting for curtains. Sheer curtains will let natural, ambient light in and they don’t block off the space like a heavy curtain or blind does.

By using lighter colours like white, cream and beige to accessorise the home we create the illusion of a bigger and brighter space. These colours reflect and illuminate light in the home more than darker or heavier tones would. By simply swapping for example, a navy blue rug to a beige one, you will see the space transform to being lighter and brighter. Using a lighter textured accent like, for example a cream coloured linen throw on the couch will also help make the space feel lighter.

But, like in this Foxy TV Episode we don’t always avoid dark colours when we’re trying to brighten up a space. Adding texture and layers to a room can sometimes help to complement the darkness of a room and create the illusion of a brighter and bigger space. Watch the video to get Phoebe’s full run down on why that is, and see the transformation in action.

On the topic of colours, if you’re looking to make some more renovation type changes to your space, swapping the paint colour is a massive game changer. Opting for a white based paint instead of a cream one will make your house look more luminous and feel bigger simply by letting light reflect off the lighter colour. Lexicon White is a fan favourite for this, as opposed to a traditional Hogs Bristle. But if you’re still wanting a traditional feel in your colour, Antique White is a good one because despite its cream base, it will still brighten up your space while maintaining the classic feel.

The right sized furniture will go a long way in making your space feel bigger. If you have limited space, it almost goes without saying that having smaller furniture will help make the room feel larger. A suggested rule we use is if you’re walking into the back of a couch, or your TV is in front of a window, the furniture isn’t the right size. If that’s the case, it’s time to switch it up! Try a 2 seater couch paired with an occasional chair instead of the bigger sofa, or a lower sitting entertainment unit to accentuate the height of the room. Another trick we use is ensuring the couch is placed slightly away from the wall, so leaving a little gap behind it. This creates the illusion that there is more space in the room. Learn more about our furniture placement ‘rules’ here! 

Finally, an obvious step that I feel should be mentioned anyway is to declutter your space. This will help to emphasise the space in your new bigger and brighter room! The best way to do this is ensuring everything has a ‘home’ out of view. When everything’s in its place, you will surely notice the extra space.

Try these tips and see for yourself how the space transforms from small and dark to bigger and brighter!

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