How can you make a small room look more spacious in photos?

1 Choose the right angle

The first thing you need to do is to find the best angle to capture the whole room without making it look distorted or dark. Avoid shooting from the corners or the doorways, as they can create awkward angles and shadows. Instead, try to shoot from the center of the wall opposite the main window or the largest source of natural light. This will help you balance the exposure and create a sense of depth and symmetry. You can also use a tripod and a wide-angle lens to get a better perspective and avoid camera shake.

2 Declutter and simplify

The next step is to remove any unnecessary items and furniture that can make the room look crowded and messy. You want to create a clean and minimalist look that highlights the available space and the functionality of the room. Keep only the essential pieces that define the purpose of the room, such as a bed, a nightstand, and a lamp for a bedroom, or a sofa, a coffee table, and a rug for a living room. You can also use storage baskets, boxes, or bins to hide any personal belongings or clutter that you don't want to show in the photos.

3 Use light colors and textures

Another way to make a small room look more spacious in photos is to use light colors and textures that can reflect the light and create a sense of openness and airiness. You can paint the walls with a neutral or pastel shade, such as white, beige, gray, or blue, that can match any style and mood. You can also add some contrast and interest with colorful accents, such as pillows, curtains, artwork, or plants, that can pop against the light background. You can also use mirrors, glass, metal, or glossy surfaces that can bounce the light and create a visual illusion of more space.

4 Arrange the furniture strategically

The way you arrange the furniture in a small room can also make a big difference in how spacious it looks in photos. You want to avoid blocking the windows, the doors, or the pathways, as they can make the room look smaller and darker. Instead, try to create some space between the furniture and the walls, as well as between the furniture pieces themselves, to create a sense of flow and movement. You can also use furniture that has multiple functions, such as a sofa bed, a coffee table with storage, or a wall-mounted desk, to save space and add convenience.

5 Add some depth and dimension

The final tip to make a small room look more spacious in photos is to add some depth and dimension that can draw the eye and create a focal point. You can do this by using different levels, heights, shapes, or patterns that can break the monotony and add some character and personality to the room. For example, you can use a shelf, a ladder, or a plant stand to display some books, plants, or accessories that can add some height and texture. You can also use a rug, a wallpaper, or a mural to create some contrast and dimension on the floor or the wall.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?