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When decorating a smaller room, space is generally the main concern. And with the rising prices of real estates, decorating petite rooms is a challenged that more and more home owners face. But there are different ways to visually expand the space of your rooms and create welcoming ambiances and easy to live-in spaces. Small rooms don't have to be a decorating liability!

Play with lights and color to make your small room looks larger than it actually is

Whenever possible, let as much natural light flow into the room as you can. Do not block windows with blinds or heavy curtains. Natural light creates a warm atmosphere, and makes a small room more welcoming.

Also, reflecting natural light visually expands the space. When facing the main light source, mirrors become another source of natural light, and make the room brighter and look bigger.

To visually enlarge the space further, paint walls white or other soft and clear colors. These shades will bounce, not capture, light. Light-colored floors also reflect the light and make a room bright and airy.

You can also achieve the illusion of length by painting a couple of horizontal lines on your walls. Choose bold colors for a greater effect.

Choose the right furniture and decorative accents

Smaller room proportions do not mean you have to sacrifice comfort or attractiveness when selecting furniture. Considering 'function' and simplicity in your choices is the key to success.

Think about the main function of the room. It will guide you in simplifying the quantity, style, and placement of furniture. If the room has many functions, select furniture that fold, stack or hang, and only bring them out when needed.

Keeping in mind a few designers' techniques and tricks will help you to further create the illusion of more space:

- Keep furniture finishes and styles the same throughout a room. Reflective glass or glossy furniture will also further brighten up the room.

- Choose sleek furniture for a slimmer and lighter look and keep seating, beds, and cabinets low to give the illusion of a high ceiling.

- Opt for dark floor coverings. The contrast between the dark floors and the bright walls and furniture will create the illusion of higher ceilings.

You can also achieve the illusion of larger spaces by placing long framed pictures and paintings on your walls. The paintings that achieved the best results show long horizontal lines.