Tricks for making your home appear bigger

August 14, 2012

Big, open spaces are more appealing to buyers, who want to picture themselves living in your home. When listing a home for sale, maximize your space using these great tips from Forbes.

First, glass creates the illusion of extra space while also letting in extra light. Install lower and wider windows to optimize this effect, keeping in mind that green home improvements may be eligible for tax deductions. If you’re on a small budget, add a large mirror or collage of mirrors to get the same effect.

Next, clutter be gone! Whether you buy benches and closed cabinets that hide your stuff, or take this opportunity to throw away some of your belongings, make sure your spaces are clear of small knick-knacks, stacks of books or magazines, and other clutter.

While shelves can eliminate the need for bookshelves and other bulky furniture, having too much on the walls can make your home look smaller than it actually is. Get rid of excess picture frames, whether hung or on shelves, and clear the shelves of anything overly personal.

If you’d like to consider alternative flooring options, opt for larger-scale design, such as bigger tiles or wider planks of wood to visually increase your home's square footage.

Last, remember that decorating with neutral colors can also help make your home look larger. Neutrals will also allow for the feeling of a “blank slate,” so buyers can picture themselves in your home.