Techniques that Make a Small Utility Room Look Large 

More often than not a utility room is one of the smaller rooms in the house. By simply streamlining the design you can make this tiny room not only feel larger, but also function more efficiently.

Color Creates Space
Since this room is generally diminutive in size, you want to draw as much light into the room as possible. Select pale, neutral paint for the walls and a white ceiling. If you prefer to hang wallpaper, select a subtle design and keep the pattern small to respect the scale of the room.

Crisp Lighting
Making sure that the room has adequate lighting will also help it seem larger and brighter. Overhead light fixtures are perfect for brightening the room, and since they are on the ceiling and out of the way again it gives the illusion of adding space to the room. Overhead light is also a better choice for lighting a small room because it more effectively reflects light throughout the room, and it is safer and does not take up any valuable floor, counter or wall space.

Make the Most of Windows
If you are lucky enough to have natural lighting in the room make sure that you do not diminish the natural light by obstructing the window. Keeping your window treatment unobtrusive and streamline can add a clean, tailored feel to the window area. Curtain toppers or mini blinds help keep the window area streamlined, and they are easily adjustable for more light, less light or privacy. If you are not planning to install new flooring, simply keep your current floor free from clutter. If you plan to install new flooring use a light colored vinyl to keep the room bright. A light colored floor has the advantage of being easy to keep clean. And using vinyl flooring makes it easy to clean up any water or wet messes.

Clean and Clear
In general the smaller a room is the more important it is to keep it tidy. By having clear counters and floors, the eye travels uninterrupted around the room making it seem larger. To use the room effectively you must have proper storage for everything in the room. Investing in cabinets mounted on the wall will keep floor space clear. Mounting cabinets over the washer and dryer will use this otherwise wasted space. Instead of using up floor space for laundry hampers, tuck them under the counter or worktable instead. Especially in a utility room having a clear workspace encourages you to use your room, and cleanup is easy when everything can be neatly tucked away behind cabinet doors. Being able to easily keep this room free of clutter will save you time in the long run and make household chores just that much easier. Decorate simply with a few cheery pictures or hang mirrors and stencil a border on the walls.

By keeping the room light and uncluttered and installing adequate storage, you will have a utility room that is not only functional, but that is also a pleasure to use despite its diminutive size.

Jeanelle Deppner

Jeanelle Deppner is the senior staff writer for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com - a unique wall art store specializing in Rate this Article: