Best Ways to Make a Victorian Terrace Feel Bigger

Victorian terraces are full of character, but they often come with a challenge: their long, narrow proportions can make spaces feel smaller than they really are. As an interior designer in Bristol, I often work with homeowners to find clever ways of maximising space and light while retaining the period charm that makes these homes so special.

Here are some of the best strategies to make a Victorian space feel bigger.

1. Maximise Natural Light

Light is your biggest ally when it comes to opening up a space. Make the most of every window by keeping treatments simple and airy - think sheer curtains or shutters rather than heavy drapes. To extend the effect, use mirrors to reflect light around the room, creating a brighter and more spacious feel.

2. Balance Built-In and Freestanding Furniture

Built-in storage is often the go-to in smaller homes, but too much can make a room feel boxed in. Sometimes, freestanding furniture allows you to see more of the room’s corners, which creates the illusion of more floor space. The key is balance: consider where built-ins are essential, but leave breathing room with lighter, moveable pieces.

3. Open Plan vs. Separate Rooms

Many Victorian terraces have been remodelled into open-plan layouts, which can dramatically increase the feeling of space and flow. However, separate rooms can also be valuable, offering cosy retreats and a sense of intimacy. The decision depends on your lifestyle: do you love entertaining in one big space, or would you prefer quiet, defined areas for different activities? Either way, thoughtful layout and design can make both options feel more generous.

4. Furniture Layout Matters

How you arrange furniture has a huge impact on how spacious a room feels. Avoid blocking natural pathways through the space and choose furniture with slimmer profiles or raised legs to let light flow underneath. Sometimes simply repositioning a sofa or armchair can make a world of difference.

5. Placement of Artwork and Décor

In narrow rooms, artwork hung too low or cluttered décor can make walls feel heavy. Hanging artwork slightly higher or choosing larger, bolder pieces over lots of small ones helps elongate the room and gives the illusion of taller ceilings. Decorative items should be chosen carefully - edit rather than overwhelm.

6. Consider Colour Carefully

Colour plays a vital role in how we perceive space. Light, neutral shades naturally make rooms feel larger, while darker tones can create depth and intimacy. For Victorian terraces, a balance often works best - light walls with darker accents to give definition without closing the room in.

Designing Victorian Homes with Care

Making a Victorian terrace feel bigger doesn’t mean stripping away its character. With the right balance of light, layout, furniture, and colour, these homes can feel both spacious and full of charm.

As an interior designer in Bristol, I love the challenge of working with Victorian spaces - finding ways to enhance their proportions, maximise light, and design interiors that are both timeless and functional.

If you’d like support transforming your Victorian home, I’d love to help you bring your ideas to life.