14 Easy Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger

Last updated on August 13, 2023

Being stuck with a small kitchen is not flattering but that’s the drawback of living in a small apartment. And while you can’t physically expand the space you can do it visually by making the most of your small kitchen.

Today we’re looking into some of the ways to make that tiny kitchen look more open and bigger. Here are 14 ideas that are quite easy to implement and the effect they have is significant. You’ll be feeling much better about your kitchen if you use just a couple of them.

What's Inside

Use Shiny Surfaces

Source: www.domainehome.com
Source: www.domainehome.com

Lacquered cabinets are our favorite because shiny surfaces bounce the light around and a light room is a visually bigger room.

Use a Runner

Source: m.domino.com
Source: m.domino.com

A kitchen runner rug will add visual length to the floor and make it look better. A runner is easily replaced so you can’t really afford not to try this idea.

Use Open Shelves

Source: www.sfgirlbybay.com
Source: www.sfgirlbybay.com

Open shelves don’t add so much visual weight as cabinets, they can use the vertical space more effectively and run around shelves are perfect for a small kitchen. So next time you remodel your kitchen, plan for some open shelves.

Use Vertical Patterns

Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com
Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com

Direct the eyes vertically with elongated vertical patterns to create a visually higher room. Use patterns on an accent wall or a backsplash.

Use Glass Door Cabinets

Source: www.bhg.com
Source: www.bhg.com

Minimize the visual weight with glass door cabinets.

Paint the Walls and Cabinets the Same Color

Source:

Paint the walls and cabinets the same hue to eliminate the visual blocks.

Design in Straight Lines

Source: www.diyandmag.com
Source: www.diyandmag.com

Ornate bulky cabinets add a lot of weight and make the kitchen look cluttered, while straight sleek lines make it look bigger.

Use the Vertical Wall Space

Source:

Yes, you have limited horizontal space but you can still make use of the extra vertical wall space to hang a pot rack.

Use Small Stools

Source: www.decoist.com
Source: www.decoist.com

Use stools that can be pushed under the table to save space and not get in the way.

Keep the Clutter Away

Source: www.myparadissi.com
Source: www.myparadissi.com

Put all unnecessary things away and leave just a few accents and the necessities out in the open. Nothing emphasizes the small kitchen size as clutter.

Roller Cart as a Kitchen Island

Source: dearlillieblog.blogspot.com
Source: dearlillieblog.blogspot.com

You can use a roller cart as a DIY kitchen island even in a tiny kitchen, it gives you an extra surface and can be moved out of the way when not used.

Add a Pullout Pantry

Source: www.bhg.com
Source: www.bhg.com

A pullout pantry is a great space saver that makes use of awkward space between the appliances and cabinets.

Put Baskets on the Cabinets

Source: www.diycraftsu.com
Source: www.diycraftsu.com

That awkward space above cabinets is rarely used, you can add baskets there for efficient storage in a small kitchen.

Expand Space with Mirrors

Source: www.decorpad.com
Source: www.decorpad.com

Mirrors can double visual space so use them in the kitchen too. For example, create a mirror backsplash.