Learn expert real estate photography tips to make any room look bigger in your listings. The Smallbone Team shares proven techniques to enhance space, light, and appeal for faster, higher-value home sales.
Photography Tips: How to Make Any Room Look Bigger in Listings
When it comes to real estate marketing, photography can make or break a buyer’s first impression. Small, dark, or cluttered rooms can quickly turn potential buyers away—long before they ever book a showing. The good news? With the right photography techniques, any room can look brighter, more spacious, and more inviting.
At The Smallbone Team, we know that beautiful listing photos are one of the most powerful tools to attract qualified buyers. Here are our top photography tips to maximize space and make every room look bigger in your real estate listings.
Declutter and Simplify the Space
A clean, minimal room instantly appears larger. Before photographing:
Remove excess furniture
Clear countertops
Hide cords, personal items, and bulky décor
Leave only essential, visually light pieces
The goal is to create negative space, allowing the room’s structure—not the objects—to shine.
Use Mirrors to Expand the Room
Mirrors reflect both light and surroundings, doubling the sense of space. Place them:
Opposite a window to bounce natural light
On larger walls to visually widen narrow rooms
Behind small furniture pieces to create depth
Even a single mirror can transform a photo by adding dimension.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend in photography—especially in tight spaces. Shoot when the room is brightest:
Open blinds and curtains
Turn off harsh overhead lights
Use lamps for soft, indirect light if needed
Bright rooms appear more open, airy, and welcoming.
Stick to Light, Neutral Colours
Light-coloured walls and décor photograph larger and more open. If the room has dark or bold walls, consider:
Using softer lighting
Highlighting lighter furnishings
Adjusting exposure in editing to brighten tones
Spaces with consistent, neutral palettes feel clean and expansive.
Arrange Furniture to Show Flow
The right furniture layout can make small rooms look more functional.
Try:
Centring furniture to create walkways
Choosing slender pieces rather than bulky items
Leaving open spaces near doors and windows
Rooms that look easy to navigate will feel larger in photos.
Final Thoughts
Great real estate photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about telling the story of the home. When rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more open, buyers instantly imagine themselves living there.
At The Smallbone Team, we use professional photography and strategic staging to ensure every listing captures its absolute best. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want expert guidance on showcasing your home, our team is here to help.
