13 Design Hacks To Make A Small Room Look Taller.
Do you feel like your small room lacks height and depth? I’ve got some sneaky design hacks that will instantly make a small room look taller!
When it comes to designing a small room one of the biggest challenges is trying to make the room feel more spacious and less cramped. One way to achieve this is by creating the illusion of height. There are several ways to do this and they’re all super easy to implement. So if you’re ready to hack your small space keep reading. I’ll walk you through some design tricks that you can use to add height to your small room.
13 Ways To Add Height To A Small Room
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Use Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes are a creative way to create an illusion of height and make your walls look taller. Try a striped accent wall with paint or wallpaper or you can even hang striped curtains to visually stretch your room. You can even try mounting vertical wood slates for a more natural, rustic look. If you need wallpaper ideas for small spaces these wallpaper patterns will make your small room look bigger!
This design trick will draw the eyes up, make your ceiling appear higher, and your room will instantly feel more spacious. See how these rooms below have created the illusion of height using different methods.



Hang Curtains Higher
One easy way to make a small room look taller is to hang your curtains higher than the top of your windows to create an illusion of height. If possible, hang them as close to the ceiling as you can! It will make your windows look taller, and your ceiling will appear higher as well. What’s even better, this trick will give your room a more grand and sophisticated look.

Hang Long Curtains
In addition to hanging curtains higher, use long curtains that reach the floor. Not too long that you risk tripping over them but long enough to just graze the floors. This will instantly elongate the walls and create the illusion of a taller room.

Incorporate Tall Furniture
Another way to make a small room look taller is to use tall furniture. Tall bookcases, armoires, or shelving units will draw the eye upward and make your room feel more spacious. Plus, you gain some serious storage without taking up too much floor space.

Keep the Ceiling Light
Painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls is another easy way to make a small room look taller. This hack is especially effective If you have a low ceiling! Using this trick in small rooms with darker walls will have a greater impact because of the constants. Keeping the ceiling in a light color or painting it in a crisp white shade will reflect more light and make your room feel more open and airy.

Alternatively, Paint The Ceiling And Walls In The Same Color
Painting the ceiling and walls in the same color will create a sense of continuity throughout the room. It’s not immediately clear where the wall ends and the ceiling begins. This trick will stretch the walls upward making the ceiling appear higher. See this trick in action here at Glass Of Bovino. Even dark paint colors, when done right, can create the illusion of more space. Check out my other article: Can You Use Dark Paint Colors in Small Rooms? Yes! Here’s How.

Use Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to create an illusion of height and depth in a small room. They are the easiest way to make a small room look taller. Use a tall medium-sized floor mirror or mount a large floor ceiling wall mirror to add height. Large mirrors will reflect more light and make your room feel more spacious.

Choose Low Seating
If you have a low ceiling, choose seating furniture that is lower to the ground. This will create a sense of balance in your room and prevent it from feeling top-heavy. It will also make your room feel cozier and more inviting. Choose furniture that sits flush on the floor or pieces that don’t have legs.

Install Crown Molding
Crown molding is a decorative trim that can be installed at the top of your walls where they meet the ceiling. To make a small room look taller use 2- to 5-inch width crown moldings on the edge of the ceiling. It creates a visual separation between the walls and draws the eye up, creating the illusion of height in the room. Crown molding also adds elegance and sophistication to any room, making it feel grand. If crown molding is not your jam, you can create this effect with ceiling beams!
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelves
Installing floor-to-ceiling shelves can add height to a small room. The shelves will draw the eye upward and make the room appear taller. You can use the shelves to display decorative items or to store books and other items. Make sure to keep the shelves organized and clutter-free to avoid making the room feel cramped.

Hang Artwork High
Hanging artwork high on the walls can create the illusion of height. Make sure to hang the artwork at eye level or slightly higher. This will draw the eye upward and make the room appear taller. Avoid hanging artwork below eye level as this can make the room feel smaller. You can even incorporate tall, tree-like plants to your decor to add height in the room. See how to decorate a small space with plants here.

Use Statement Lighting
Ample lighting in general is essential for small rooms and they have the power to make a room feel more open and spacious. But if you want to make your small room look taller hang a statement light fixture in your room to draw the eye upward and make your ceiling appear higher. This will also add a nice touch of elegance and sophistication to your room.

Keep It Simple
Keep your decor and accessories simple and minimalistic. This will prevent your room from feeling cluttered and cramped. A clean and simple design will make your room feel more spacious and airy.
Creating height in a small room is all about tricking the eye and creating an illusion of space. By incorporating just one or two of these design hacks into your space, you can easily make your room look taller and more grand. Don’t let a small space limit your design possibilities – use these tips to elevate your space and make it feel more open and spacious.
More Small Space Decorating Ideas:
- 14 Brilliant Tips To Make A Small Bathroom Look Bigger!
- 6 Wallpaper Patterns That Stretch Small Rooms
- How To Decorate A Small Room Like A Pro?
- Can You Use Dark Paint Colors in Small Rooms? Yes! Here’s How.
- The Best Furniture Pieces For Small Apartments
- Your Ultimate Guide to Small-Space Living
- The Best Tips for Decorating A Small Living Room
- How To Decorate Your Small Apartment With Plants?