Create More Space at Home with These 7 Hotel-Inspired Design Tips

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Ever stepped into a hotel room and wondered how it feels so open and airy, even when it’s not all that big? Hotels are pros at creating the illusion of space, using clever design tricks to make every inch count. The good news? You can totally copy those tricks to make your small rooms at home look and feel way more spacious. Whether it’s your tiny bedroom, a cramped living room, or that hallway that feels more like a tunnel, these hotel-inspired design tips will help you maximize space without breaking the bank.

From smart furniture choices to strategic lighting, there are so many little hacks that can transform your space from feeling tight to looking open and inviting. Think mirrors that double the view, colors that brighten, and furniture that works smarter, not harder. If you’re ready to ditch the cluttered vibe and make your small spaces look bigger, let’s dive into these genius ideas hotels use—and how you can bring them home!

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1. Experiment With Angles to Manipulate Scale

Angles can be your best friend when it comes to making a small room look bigger. Hotels often play with the placement of furniture to trick the eye into thinking there’s more space than there actually is. Instead of pushing everything up against the walls, try angling key pieces like chairs or a coffee table slightly toward the center of the room. This not only makes the layout feel more dynamic but also creates the illusion of depth, making the space appear less cramped.

Another trick is to experiment with diagonal layouts. For example, placing a rug or piece of furniture at a diagonal can instantly make the room feel longer or wider. It draws the eye across the space rather than straight to the walls, which can sometimes highlight how small the room really is. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and break away from rigid, straight-lined arrangements—playing with angles can make a world of difference!

2. Stay With a Delicate and Airy Palette

When it comes to small spaces, your color palette can make or break the vibe. Hotels know this, which is why they often stick to soft, delicate tones that give rooms an open and airy feel. Light colors like soft whites, pastel blues, gentle greys, and creamy beiges bounce light around the space, making it feel brighter and bigger. The trick is to create a seamless look where everything flows—walls, furniture, and even decor should complement each other without feeling too heavy or dark.

That doesn’t mean your space has to be boring, though! Add pops of color through accents like throw pillows, rugs, or wall art to keep things fun and stylish. Just make sure your bold touches don’t overpower the delicate base colors. Think of it like this: your airy palette is the backdrop, and those accent pieces are the stars. Stick with this approach, and your small rooms will feel like a breath of fresh air—just like stepping into a thoughtfully designed hotel suite!

3. Highlight a Standout Piece of Art

Small rooms don’t need to be packed with decor to feel stylish—in fact, the less, the better! Hotels often use a single, eye-catching piece of art to make a bold statement without overwhelming the space. A large painting, a striking print, or even a sculptural wall hanging can become the focal point of the room. By drawing the eye to one standout piece, you create the illusion of a bigger space because everything else feels less cluttered and more intentional.

The key is to go big and bold with your art while keeping the rest of the decor minimal. A large-scale piece that extends vertically or horizontally can also help elongate the room, making it feel taller or wider. Whether you choose something colorful or stick to a monochrome design, letting that one piece shine keeps the room looking polished and spacious. Bonus tip? Position your art where natural light hits it—it’ll amplify the effect and make your room feel even brighter and airier!

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4. Make the Most of a Room’s Height

When square footage is limited, it’s time to think vertically! Hotels are pros at using a room’s height to create the illusion of more space, and you can easily do the same at home. Tall bookcases, vertical wall decor, and even floor-to-ceiling curtains can draw the eye upward, making your room feel taller and more open. The goal is to make every inch of the walls work for you, so don’t let that vertical space go to waste!

Another clever trick is to hang artwork or mirrors higher than usual to make the ceiling seem farther away. You can also try adding some floating shelves or tall plants to give the room a layered, elevated look. Whether it’s a high gallery wall or curtains hung a little above the window frame, playing up the height of a room creates a sense of grandeur—even in the tiniest of spaces!

5. Harness the Power of Natural Light

Natural light is a total game-changer when it comes to making small rooms feel bigger. Hotels know this trick well, which is why their spaces often feel so bright and airy. Maximize the light you already have by keeping windows as open and unobstructed as possible. Skip the heavy drapes and go for sheer curtains or blinds that let the sunlight flood in. The more light pouring in, the more open and spacious your room will feel.

If your room doesn’t get much natural light, don’t worry—you can fake it! Use strategically placed mirrors to reflect whatever light you do have around the room. A large mirror opposite a window can bounce the light to make your space feel twice as bright. You can also add light, neutral colors to the walls and furniture to help enhance the effect of the sunlight. Bright, open, and full of good vibes—that’s the magic of natural light!

6. Feature Minimalist Clear Furniture

Clear furniture is like the magician of small spaces—it’s there, but it’s almost invisible! Hotels often use sleek, minimalist pieces made of glass or acrylic to create a clean and open look. These see-through designs don’t block your line of sight, making the room feel less crowded. Think acrylic coffee tables, glass desks, or even ghost chairs. They give you all the functions of regular furniture without adding visual weight, which is a total win for small rooms.

The best part? Clear furniture works with any decor style. Whether your vibe is modern, boho, or somewhere in between, these pieces fit right in while keeping things light and airy. Pair a glass table with a bold rug underneath or an acrylic chair with a soft throw to balance the look. It’s like adding extra space without actually expanding the room—genius, right?

7. Bring Reflective Elements Into the Design

Reflective elements are like secret weapons for making small rooms feel bigger and brighter. Hotels love using mirrors, shiny surfaces, and metallic finishes to bounce light around and create the illusion of more space. A big mirror on the wall or even a mirrored piece of furniture can work wonders by visually doubling the room’s size. Plus, mirrors add a touch of elegance, so your space instantly looks more polished and upscale.

It’s not just about mirrors, though—reflective decor like glossy vases, metallic picture frames, or even a glass light fixture can help amplify the effect. These little touches catch the light and make the room feel more open and airy. Want to go big? Consider a mirrored backsplash or a metallic coffee table for a bold statement. It’s all about adding a bit of sparkle and shine to trick the eye into seeing more space than there really is!