START WITH A LARGE RUG
Nothing makes a space look smaller than a rug too small for it. In the bedroom, it’s especially important to have a rug large enough to cover the area around the bed — not to mention it’s more comfortable to step on when you wake up.
Small-space tip: If you can’t fit a large rug in your space, opt for two runners flanking the bed instead.
GO ALL WHITE
Want to get that plush hotel look? Try going all white: walls, ceiling, floors, furniture, and, most importantly, bedding. Play with textures instead of colors by adding cashmere, sheepskin, and linens.
Small-space tip: White walls can look dingy in a small room with very little natural light. If that’s the case for you, paint the walls and ceiling a soft muted color and keep everything else white.
ADD A STATEMENT CHAIR
Fill an awkward corner with a statement chair. Not only does it look great on its own, but it comes in handy when you want to throw clothes or a bag over it at the end of a long day. After all, laziness happens to the best of us.
Small-space tip: If there is no space for a chair, try a smaller accent like a stool or even a woven basket to handle extra clutter.
MAKE A CHANDELIER STATEMENT
Fill the height of your space with a large statement chandelier, which will also enhance the mood lighting in your space. Just don’t forget to put it on a dimmer in case you want to set a romantic tone. If you have low ceilings, opt for a chandelier that branches out horizontally instead of vertically.
Small-space tip: To know exactly how big your chandelier should be for the space, add the dimensions of the room together in feet, and then convert the result to inches. For instance, a room that’s 8 by 10 feet should have a chandelier with a diameter of 18 inches.
TRY A CANOPY BED
One of the most frequent questions people have for their interior designers is how to fill a large, blank wall space. This problem is especially common in the bedroom, where you often have a large wall behind the bed. A canopy bed visually fills vertical space in your room so it looks more structured and layered.
Small-space tip: Yes, you can have a canopy bed in a small room. Just opt for one with a thin frame.
GO BOLD WITH WALLPAPER
Another way to fill large blank space, especially in a room with tall ceilings, is to use a patterned or textured wallpaper. It gives the space a moody feel and keeps the eye interested.
Small-space tip: Don’t be afraid to use dark colors in small spaces. Especially if you have little natural light, it can help the space feel cozier.
SUPERSIZE YOUR SCONCES
In a large bedroom, don’t be afraid to supersize your bedside tables and sconces. There’s nothing worse than leaving large blank spaces on each side of the nightstands.
Small-space tip: Sconces work wonders in small rooms because they free up nightstand space. Just make sure you opt for lights that have an appropriate scale for the room.
END WITH A BENCH
In large bedrooms, empty space can feel awkward. Try adding a small living area in your room if you can, or even just add a bench at the foot of your bed to fill the room. Not only will it make the space feel more layered, but it’s practical, too.
Small-space tip: Pay careful attention to the traffic clearance in your space — which should be around two to three feet wide to walk around comfortably. Don’t try to cram too much furniture in, or your space will end up looking cluttered.
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