How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger [15 Easy Tips]

Let’s be real—having a small kitchen can feel like a daily battle. I remember moving into my first apartment, a cozy little place with a kitchen so tiny I could barely turn around without bumping into the counter. 

It was frustrating! 

I’d try to cook dinner, and between the cutting board, the pots, and my coffee maker, I’d run out of space before I even started. But over time, I figured out how to trick the eye and make that cramped corner feel like a proper room. 

If you’re in the same boat—whether it’s an apartment, a starter home, or just a quirky layout—here are 15 unique, real-world ideas to make your small kitchen look bigger. These come straight from my own trial and error, so trust me, they work!

1. Paint Everything Light to Chase Away the Gloom

My old kitchen had these dark, dated cabinets and walls that sucked up every bit of light. I grabbed a can of soft white paint and went to town on the walls—it was like flipping a switch. Light colors reflect sunshine or even that dim overhead bulb, making the space feel airy instead of cave-like. If you’re stuck with a shadowy kitchen, try a pale gray or creamy beige—it’s a game-changer.

2. Swap Solid Doors for Glass to Open Things Up

I used to stare at my solid cabinet doors and feel like they were closing me in. One weekend, I swapped a couple for glass-fronted ones, and suddenly, I could see through to the back! It’s not just about looks—your eyes get a break from all that heavy wood, and the kitchen feels less like a box. Even frosted glass works if you’re hiding mismatched dishes like I was.

3. Add a Shiny Backsplash to Bounce Light Around

My rental had this awful beige tile backsplash that did nothing for the room. I stuck on some peel-and-stick glossy white tiles, and wow—the way they caught the light made my kitchen feel twice as big. Reflective surfaces like glass or metallic tiles act like little mirrors, stretching the space visually while adding some style.

4. Hang a Mirror to Fake Extra Square Footage

I once saw a mirror in a café kitchen and thought, “Why not?” I hung a cheap, big one across from my tiny window, and it was like I’d doubled the room. It reflects light and whatever’s in front of it, so my little sink area suddenly looked like it went on forever. Just don’t put it where you’ll splash it with sauce—lesson learned!

5. Try Open Shelves to Ditch the Wall Clutter

Cabinets can feel like they’re looming over you, right? I took down one upper cabinet and put up a floating shelf instead. It held my mugs and spices, and without that solid block, the wall felt free—like the kitchen could breathe. Paint the shelf to blend with the wall, and it’s even less intrusive.

6. Pick Skinny Furniture That Doesn’t Crowd You

My first kitchen table was this chunky hand-me-down that ate up half the floor. I swapped it for a narrow console table and a couple of slim stools, and suddenly I could walk around without bruising my hips. Look for pieces with thin legs or even foldable options—less bulk means more room to move.

7. Stack Stuff High to Lift the Ceiling

I used to keep everything on the counter because I didn’t think about the walls. Then I added a tall rack for my pans and a magnetic strip for knives way up high. It cleared my workspace and made the ceiling feel taller—like the kitchen wasn’t squashing me anymore. Vertical space is your secret weapon!

8. Light Up the Shadows Under Cabinets

My counters were always dark, even with the overhead light on. I stuck some cheap LED strips under the cabinets, and it was like uncovering hidden space. The glow brightens everything up, pushing the walls back a bit and making prep time less gloomy. Plus, it’s cozy at night!

9. Roll in a Cart You Can Hide

I needed more counter space but had nowhere to put it. A friend suggested a rolling cart, and it’s been a lifesaver—I pull it out to chop veggies, then tuck it away. It’s like having an extra kitchen island without losing floor space. I painted mine bright yellow for fun, but it still doesn’t overwhelm the room.

10. Clear the Counters to Calm the Chaos

I’m guilty of leaving everything out—toaster, blender, you name it. One day, I stashed it all in a cabinet, and the difference was wild. An empty counter reflects light and feels peaceful, like the kitchen’s bigger than it is. Now I only keep out what I use daily, and it’s so much less stressful.

11. Stretch the Window with High Curtains

My kitchen window was tiny, but I hung the curtain rod way above it and let the curtains drape wide. It made the window look huge, flooding the room with light and making it feel less like a closet. Sheer white curtains are my go-to—they’re light and let the sun shine through.

12. Lay a Striped Rug to Lengthen the Floor

I had this bare floor that just stopped short, making the kitchen feel stubby. I added a runner rug with horizontal stripes, and it was like the floor grew a few feet! The lines trick your eyes into seeing more length, and it’s comfier to stand on while washing dishes.

13. Ditch Handles for a Sleek Look

My cabinets had these clunky knobs that broke up the flow. I switched to handleless ones with push-open latches, and the smooth surface made everything look cleaner and bigger. It’s a small tweak, but it stops the eye from tripping over little details.

14. Downsize Appliances to Free Up Space

I used to have a giant coffee maker that hogged the counter. I traded it for a slim one that doubles as a hot water dispenser, and it’s like I gained a foot of space. Look for compact, multi-use gadgets—less stuff crowding your kitchen means it feels open and easy.

15. Brighten the Floor to Lift the Room

My old linoleum was dark brown and dragged the whole kitchen down. I put down light peel-and-stick tiles, and it was like the floor was glowing! Light flooring bounces light up, making the space feel taller and wider—perfect if you’re stuck with a dim corner like I was.

FAQs

What Color Makes a Small Kitchen Look Bigger?

Light colors like white, soft gray, or pale pastels make a small kitchen look bigger by reflecting light and creating an airy feel. White is the top choice—it brightens the space, bounces natural or artificial light around, and gives a clean, open vibe. Avoid dark shades like black or navy, which absorb light and shrink the room visually. For the best effect, use a satin or semi-gloss finish to enhance reflectivity.

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How to Make a Small Kitchen Seem Big?

To make a small kitchen seem big, use light colors on walls and cabinets, add reflective surfaces like a glossy backsplash or mirror, and keep countertops clutter-free. Install open shelving or glass cabinet doors to break up heavy visuals, and maximize vertical space with tall storage to draw the eye upward. Incorporate under-cabinet lighting to brighten shadows, and choose slim furniture to free up floor space. These tricks create depth, light, and an illusion of a larger kitchen effortlessly.

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What Flooring Makes a Kitchen Look Bigger?

Light-colored flooring, such as white oak, pale tiles, or glossy light gray vinyl, makes a kitchen look bigger by reflecting light and lifting the space. Opt for large tiles or wide planks with minimal grout lines to create a seamless, expansive look—small patterns can feel busy and shrink the room. A glossy finish adds extra shine, enhancing the open feel. Steer clear of dark flooring like espresso wood, which can weigh down a small kitchen.

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What Backsplash Makes a Kitchen Look Bigger?

A glossy or mirrored backsplash, like white subway tiles, glass mosaics, or metallic finishes, makes a kitchen look bigger by reflecting light and adding depth. Light colors—think white, cream, or soft gray—keep it bright and open, while a continuous pattern like herringbone stretches the space visually. Avoid dark, matte backsplashes that absorb light and make walls feel closer. For maximum impact, extend the backsplash to the ceiling to lift the eye upward.

Conclusion

I’ve been there—feeling trapped in a small kitchen is no picnic, but you don’t have to live with it that way! 

These 15 tricks turned my tiny space from a headache into a spot I actually enjoy. Start with what bugs you most—maybe it’s the dark walls or the cluttered counters—and build from there. 

You’ll be amazed at how big your little kitchen can feel with a few human-tested tweaks. Go give it a shot—you deserve a space that works for you!