14 Mistakes that Make Your House Smaller than It Has to Be

I lived in five different houses before I went away to college at age 17.  That's a move every three to four years, each time for a slightly larger house.  My mom never felt we had enough space, enough closets, a big enough kitchen, a large enough yard.

Her feelings weren't unusual then (the 1960s and 70s), and they're even more common now.  The average home size has grown from 983 square feet in 1950 to almost 2,200 square feet today.  Families are smaller, but we seem to need more personal space.  Or at least we think we do.

There are some things a lot of us do that make our homes feel smaller.  I think we can be happy with less square footage if we learn to make our spaces look and feel larger.  Read on for my best tips.

14 errors that make your home feel small, and how to fix them

1.  Shoes

If your entry hall hosts a pile of shoes, that's what greets you every time you come in.  Not only does it look like a mess, but it makes the entry feel crowded, and might even be hazardous.

You could keep a large basket on the floor of your entry closet, or invest in a small shoe cabinet* or rack.

* This blog is reader-supported.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

2.  Bulky furniture

That huge, cushy sectional might be comfortable to lounge on, but it can make your room feel overfull.  If you're looking for a new piece, try something more streamlined.  You can still enjoy comfort without all the puffiness.

3.  Furniture blocks

If you're blocking a doorway just so you can fit in an extra chair, or squeezing your hallway with an extra cupboard or bookcase (as I used to do), consider removing the furniture.  Not only does it give you easier access to the room or hall, but the area will look more spacious.

4.  No legs

If all of your furniture is legless (solid down to the floor or close to it), the room will look heavier.  Legs will give the space a lighter, more open look, and will also make it easier to clean.

5.  Gallery walls

One gallery wall might be a conversation piece, but too many small pieces of art will look crowded.  Ironically, when you hang more things on your walls, it looks like you have no wall space!  Try one large piece of art for a cleaner, more spacious feel.

6.  Cluttered counters

This is a killer.  All of those small appliances and food cannisters in the kitchen, or the many bottles in the bathroom, make it look as if you have no counter space.  And you don't!  You have to move too many things just to do your work, and cleaning takes so much longer (or it doesn't get done as thoroughly as it should).

Declutter all of the duplicates in your cupboards so you can put oft-used appliances behind closed doors.  It only takes a few seconds to get out my toaster and put it away, so it's handy when I want it, but doesn't take up counter space 24/7.

7.  Too many magnets

Is your refrigerator door covered in magnets holding lists, photos, kids' drawings, take-out menus, and more?  Not only does this look like a messy jumble, but it makes your whole kitchen look chaotic and crowded.  Clear off the refrigerator, and you'll immediately calm and refresh your space.  One simple magnetic caddy on the side of the refrigerator can hold a pen and notepad for lists, notes, and reminders.

8.  The wrong rugs

Too many small rugs will make your space look smaller.  Go for one large rug, and opt for a lighter color as well.

9.  Filling every space

Just as music needs moments of rest to add emotion or beauty, our homes need empty spaces in order to look their best.  Let your treasured items shine by paring them down to the best of the best.  Leave some tabletops and corners bare.  This adds elegance, enlarges the room, and makes cleaning so much easier.

10.  Low-hanging light fixtures

Low-hanging lights block your line of sight and make ceilings feel low.  A good rule of thumb is to keep at least seven feet between the bottom of the fixture and the floor.  If you've got eight-foot ceilings, consider skipping light fixtures altogether and opt for lamps.  They'll make your space feel warm and intimate.

11.  No natural light

Heavy, ornate window coverings are one of the reasons Victorian homes feel stuffy and crowded.  Use lighter-weight curtains that can be pulled to either side of a window (yet be wide enough to create full, soft gathers when closed), and blinds that can be opened to let in the light.  Whenever possible, arrange furniture to keep the windows clear.

Also hang curtains that nearly touch the floor (even if the windows don't) to elongate the window and add elegance.

12.  Overdone patterns

I love floral and leaf patterns, but too many patterns can overwhelm a space.  If you choose patterned curtains, bedspread, or wallpaper, or an ornate rug, stick with solid colors, simple geometrics, or stripes in the rest of the room.

13.  Too many tables

In a small living room, a coffee table plus end tables will not only crowd the room, but add more flat spaces that collect clutter.  Consider using end tables only and leave the middle of the room open.  If you feel you must have a coffee table, choose a slim bench.

You'll see the same problem in a small bedroom that includes a large dresser plus bedside tables.  Just keep the dresser and add small floating shelves on either side of the bed.  You'll retain function but increase floor space.

14.  Too much stuff

Finally, the biggest culprit in a cramped home is clutter!  Take some pictures so you can see the space with fresh eyes and notice areas that could use clearing out.  Be honest with yourself about what you could let go of.

Want some practical help decluttering?  Check out these simple ways to reduce clutter today, and these easy ways to get and stay clutter-free.

Don't waste your space.

Be happier in a home that looks and feels more spacious.  Don't pay for more square footage – create it with my simple tips.