Most student housing accommodations can be smaller in size than standard apartments. Whether it’s a room in a house, shared unit, or tiny apartment, optimizing the space will create the illusion of a bigger area.

Use Organization to Your Advantage

• Colour code the things on your shelf. This creates a feeling of structure.
• Make use of hidden storage and multi-purpose items.
• Remove drapes and unnecessary rugs. Use small and minimalist fixtures to avoid taking up space. Hang light-weight mesh or cloth blinds.
• Organize furniture to one side of the room to help create a clear pathway, which prevents pumping into things and the feeling of claustrophobia.

Make the Room Feel Taller

• Hang shelves near the ceiling to draw the eye upward.
• Use low-sitting furniture to leave more space above the head. This creates a sense of area.
• Hang large statement pieces, such as a mirror or a piece of artwork.
• Hang drapes close to the ceiling to give the illusion of height.

Make the Room Feel Wider

• Leave space between furniture and walls to give a sense of openness.
• Use glass or transparent items for decorating.
• Mirrors help reflect light and also trick the eye into perceiving there’s more space.
• Use a bar to hang drapes and extend them beyond the window frame, creating an openness by fully exposing the window.

Remove Visual Speed Bumps

• Place furniture with exposed legs, allowing air to flow above and below, creating an open feeling.
• Use stripes to elongate the space.
• If painting is allowed, paint with all the same colour. This emphasizes the architecture and enables the eye to move around the room seamlessly.

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