Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt like the walls were closing in? You're not alone. Some design choices—often made with good intentions—can unintentionally shrink your space.

The good news? Most of them are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

In this post, we’re going to walk through 10 common interior design mistakes that make your home feel smaller than it actually is—and give you simple, actionable solutions to open things back up.

1. Dark Walls in Small Rooms

Why it’s a problem:While dark colors can be cozy and dramatic, they also absorb light and can make a room feel closed in.

How to fix it: Opt for light, neutral shades like soft white, beige, or pale gray to reflect more light and create the illusion of space.

2. Bulky, Overstuffed Furniture

Why it’s a problem:Oversized sofas and chairs eat up valuable floor space and can overwhelm a room.

How to fix it:Choose low-profile, slimline furniture that still provides comfort without the bulk. Look for raised legs to allow visibility under furniture—it adds airiness.

Image prompt:“Before and after of a small living room: first with big brown leather sofa, second with sleek mid-century modern couch and open shelving”

3. Lack of Natural Light

Why it’s a problem:A dark room feels smaller—simple as that.

How to fix it:Remove heavy curtains, opt for light or sheer fabrics, and consider adding mirrors opposite windows to reflect light.

4. Pushing All Furniture Against Walls

Why it’s a problem:It might seem like you’re creating more space, but this layout can make a room

feel off-balance and awkward.

How to fix it:Float your furniture slightly away from walls to create natural flow and breathing room.

5. Too Many Small Decorations

Why it’s a problem:Clutter—especially visual clutter—makes a room feel tight and chaotic.

How to fix it:Go for fewer, larger decor pieces instead of dozens of small ones. Think bold artwork, large planters, or oversized vases.

6. Not Using Mirrors

Why it’s a problem:Mirrors bounce light and extend sight lines—without them, a room lacks depth.

How to fix it:Hang a large mirror opposite a window or on a central wall to instantly expand the feel of the space.

7. Low-Hanging Curtains or Blinds

Why it’s a problem:When curtains are hung just above the window frame, they shorten your walls visually.

How to fix it:Mount curtain rods close to the ceiling and let curtains fall all the way to the floor to make ceilings appear taller.

8. No Clear Focal Point

Why it’s a problem:Without a defined focal point, the room lacks visual organization and feels cluttered.

How to fix it:Anchor your space with a bold feature—like a fireplace, statement wall, or large piece of art—and arrange furniture around it.

9. Rugs That Are Too Small

Why it’s a problem:A tiny rug makes a room feel fragmented and disconnected.

How to fix it:Choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to rest on. This visually unifies the space.

10. Ignoring Vertical Space

Why it’s a problem:When everything is at eye level, walls can feel flat and ceilings lower than they are.

How to fix it:Use vertical storage (like wall-mounted shelves), tall bookcases, or hanging plants to draw the eye upward and add dimension.

Final Thoughts

Designing a home that feels open and spacious isn’t about having a huge floor plan—it’s about making smart choices. By avoiding these common mistakes and applying simple fixes, you can transform even the smallest space into a breathable, cozy retreat.

Want more space-enhancing tips? Explore our latest ideas on DesignTrends360.com and follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration!