By Rachael Thompson Interiors 11.04.2024

The One Styling Trick That Makes Every Room in Your Home Seem Bigger

It really couldn't be any more simple.

There are many things you can do to transform a home into your dream space, but perhaps the most difficult and often impossible task is to change its size. And if you’re living in a small home, or have a small room in your home, making it feel spacious is no mean feat!

Though you may not be able to actually change the square footage of your home, the good news is that there is one trick that is affordable, simple, and impactful in making a space look more grand than it actually is. Whether it's your bedroom or your bathroom, you can easily trick the eye.

The answer? Hang your curtains higher.

Why does hanging curtains higher make a room look bigger?

It’s simple really, the higher the curtain rod, the taller your windows and ceiling will appear. This is because it draws the eyes up and gives the illusion that the ceiling is higher than it actually is and makes you feel as though there is more space in the room.

How much higher should your curtains sit?

A good rule of thumb is that they should sit at least 30cm above the window frame. If this isn’t possible, any extra height at all will still make a difference. To capitalise on the optical illusion and create even more of an impact, you can also extend your curtain rod 7-14cm on each side to make your room look more open.

What type of curtains are best?

You can really go for any type of curtains that suits your room, however, sheer curtains are a great option. They are stylish and allow for soft light to enter your room – while still maintaining privacy – helping to create an airy feel to your space that makes it look bigger.

Floor-length curtains that just graze the floor are your best bet as they can create a sense of continuity and vertical lines, enhancing the illusion of height.

It’s a good idea to stay clear of curtains with horizontal stripes as these will make your room look smaller again.