How to make small city homes feel bigger and brighter
Living in a city can be exciting, but it usually comes with one big challenge—space. City homes, especially in places like New York, tend to be smaller and more packed in. That means less room to spread out and not much natural light, especially if you’re surrounded by tall buildings. But there are ways to make a small home feel way bigger and brighter without doing a full remodel.
It’s really about working with what’s already there and making a few smart changes. Even the tiniest room can feel open and fresh with the right layout, colors, and light.
Add light from above
One of the best ways to brighten a small space is to bring in more natural light. In city homes, windows are often small or blocked by nearby buildings, so the sunlight doesn’t always make it inside. That’s where skylights come in.
Skylights let light in from above, which works well when windows aren’t doing enough. They’re especially useful in brownstones, townhouses, or top-floor apartments. Installing a skylight in a bathroom, hallway, or kitchen can make the whole space feel taller and more open. And even though people think skylights are mostly for houses in the suburbs, they can work just as well in the city.
If you’re in New York and wondering where to start, it’s helpful to check out local options for skylights new york to see what types work best in your building and how to get one installed. You don’t need a full roof remodel—just a space where light can come in without causing leaks or other issues.
Use mirrors to open up the space
Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to make a room feel bigger. They reflect light and give the illusion of more space. Hanging a mirror across from a window or near a light source helps bounce brightness around the room. It’s also a great way to make walls look deeper without adding actual square footage.
For really small homes, mirrored closet doors or mirror-backed shelves can do the same thing. Even a single large mirror can make a noticeable difference, especially in narrow hallways or living rooms.
Pick lighter colors
Dark colors absorb light, while light colors reflect it. That’s why painting walls in soft shades—like white, light gray, pale blue, or beige—can make a room feel way more open. It’s not just the walls, either. Lighter-colored furniture, rugs, and curtains all help make the space feel brighter and cleaner.
This doesn’t mean everything has to be white. Mixing in soft tones with brighter accents keeps it interesting without making the room feel heavy. Even using a lighter shade on just one wall can brighten the entire room.
Keep furniture low and simple
Tall, bulky furniture can block sightlines and make a room feel smaller. In small city homes, furniture that sits lower to the ground helps create a sense of space. A low-profile couch, a coffee table with open legs, or a bed with a slim frame gives the room more breathing room.
Simple furniture designs—without big arms or thick cushions—help make the space feel less crowded. Plus, choosing furniture with built-in storage (like ottomans or beds with drawers) helps cut down on clutter without losing style or comfort.
Don’t block natural light
Sometimes light is already coming into the room but gets blocked without anyone realizing. Heavy curtains, tall bookshelves, or large furniture in front of windows can stop the light from spreading through the space.
Try using sheer curtains instead of thick ones, or leave windows uncovered during the day. If furniture is blocking a light source, moving it even a few inches can help more sunlight fill the room. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how open everything feels.
Use multi-purpose furniture
In a small home, every inch counts. That’s why furniture that can do more than one thing is so useful. A dining table that folds down, a wall-mounted desk, or a couch that turns into a bed gives you flexibility without taking up too much room.
Storage furniture is especially helpful in city apartments. A bench with storage inside, a bed with drawers underneath, or a coffee table with shelves can hold extra items while keeping the room tidy.
Open up the layout
Sometimes a space feels cramped just because of how it’s arranged. Take a look at where the furniture is placed. Is it easy to walk through the room? Can you open doors and drawers without bumping into anything?
Moving things around to create a better flow can make the whole home feel more open. Try not to line every piece of furniture against the walls—floating a couch in the middle of the room or angling a chair can create a more relaxed, open layout. If there are walls or partitions blocking light between rooms, removing them (if possible) or using glass panels can also help.
Use vertical space
When floor space is limited, go up. Using the walls for storage, lighting, or decoration frees up room below. Wall-mounted shelves, tall bookshelves, and hanging plants make use of vertical space without cluttering the floor.
Hooks and racks on the back of doors or inside closets can hold coats, bags, or kitchen tools. In small kitchens, using vertical storage for pans or utensils keeps counters clear and makes the room feel bigger.
Keep it clean and clear
Too much clutter makes even a big room feel tight. In a small space, it’s even more important to keep things simple. That doesn’t mean getting rid of everything—it just means making sure there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place.
Storage bins, baskets, and drawer organizers help keep things neat. Even small habits—like putting things away right after using them—can make a home feel more open day to day.
Start small, think smart
Making a small city home feel bigger and brighter doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart changes—more natural light, better furniture choices, and keeping things clean—can totally change how a space feels. Whether it’s adding a skylight, hanging a mirror, or just painting the walls a lighter color, every little step makes a difference.
The key is to make the most of the space you have and let light do the heavy lifting. Try one idea at a time, see how it works, and keep going from there. With the right design, even the smallest home can feel open, fresh, and easy to enjoy.
