How to Create the Illusion of Space
Mirror mirror on the wall...
By positioning mirrors in the right places, you have the power to make any room appear larger. Whether you live in a loft, or a four bedroom house, you can follow these tips to make small areas more comfortable.
- If you are living in a loft, you probably might have pillars throughout the room. Mirror them and they'll seem to disappear.
- If you want a hallway/stairway to appear wider: stagger mirrors on either side.
- If you want a hallway/stairway to appear longer: a mirror at the end will double its length.
- Make sure mirrors reflect only things you want to see more of. Do not place a mirror directly across from a laundry basket, or any cluttered/generally dirty area. Instead, you might want to place it across from a source of light, a favorite painting, or a window.
- You can multiply candles, flowers, etc. by joining together several mirrors with butt hinges and placing them behind the objects on a mantle or table.
- Consider replacing dark closet doors with sliding mirrored doors to open up a space.
Helpful links:
On-Line catalogue of decorative mirrors
Free online interior decorating advice
In living color...
The colors you choose to decorate a room contribute more than anything to the feelings you associate with it. Remember the following when choosing a color scheme:
- The best color for opening up a room is bright white.
- If bright white makes you shudder, try adding a few drops of your favorite color for a tinted, warmer look.
- If that's still not your cup of tea, try beige or light grey
- Bright colors like yellow and white seem more inviting & open because they reflect light
- Dark, dramatic colors like maroon and forest green seem more intimate because they absorb the light
- Always check paint stores for mistinted paint. You might find an unusual color that appeals to you, and you'll get it at a discounted price.
Helpful links:
Peekaboo defines paint terms (hue, tint, etc.)
Paint and Decorating Retailers Association's site lists paint-related links.
Move it or lose it...
To make a room appear spacious when it isn't, you need to minimize your posessions. If you're moving from a large home into a smaller one, take this into consideration:
- Purchase dual purpose furniture (fold out couch, futon, flip out bed, coffee tables with storage underneath, etc.)
- Put unneeded furniture in storage, or ask your friends/relatives if they could borrow it until you need it again
- Get rid of clutter. Unless you are sentimentally attached, you don't need many nick nacks. They will only make your rooms appear smaller.
Remember...just because you live in a small space doesn't mean it has to feel that way
Also See:
Saving Space in the One-Room or Small Apartment
Reeeally Cheap Decorating Ideas
Cheap Tricks For Decorating Your Apartment
Keep Your Apartment From Feeling Lonely
Written by Kate Kemp
Copyright © 1999 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.
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