The living room is one area of your home that sees a lot of traffic. It’s a dynamic room which is perfect for both relaxing and hosting friends and family. Because visitors may be spending a lot of time in here, you might want to make the most of the space you’ve got and even make it appear larger. Use these 9 tips to add spaciousness to your living room.

1. Keep the colours light

Using light or pastel colours on the floor and walls reflects light around your living room. It will feel bright, airy and welcoming. Because both the floor and walls are light colours, they’ll flow together well and create the illusion of more space.

2. Hidden storage

This one’s a great way of making the most of your space, and decluttering when you have guests visiting. You can purchase tables and ottomans with hidden storage in a range of styles, to ensure they tie in with your existing décor.

3. Get rid of small accessories

Small accessories make an area seem full. Rather than a large number of small accessories, choose two or three larger ornaments which won’t make the space look cluttered.

4. Pull furniture away from the wall

If furniture is right up against the wall, it can make a room feel cramped. By moving furniture slightly away from the edges of a room, it creates the illusion of a more open space.

5. Natural light

A light room instantly feels more spacious than one that’s dark and dingy. If possible, move anything that’s obstructing windows to make the most of natural light. If you’re limited in what you can do, a lamp or two can make a positive impact as well.

6. Raised leg furniture

Furniture with raised legs allows more light to travel, and takes up less room than solid pieces. It can also provide extra storage if you’ve got items that are okay being placed on the floor underneath.

7. Use mirrors

Mirrors make the most of light by reflecting it across your living room. A large mirror will also make the room feel naturally bigger.

8. Declutter

Excess clutter will make your living room appear untidy and cramped. By keeping this to a minimal and staying organised, you’re making the most of the space you do have.

9. Use stripes

Stripes either elongate a room or make it appear wider, depending on the angle they’re viewed from. Wood flooring planks, a striped carpet or even a decorative rug are great ways to draw the eye across you living room and make it seem bigger.