Fall decorating is all about adding warmth and coziness, but some seasonal touches can accidentally make a room feel crowded instead.
From oversized centerpieces to bulky throw blankets, certain fall décor choices shrink the sense of space rather than enhancing it.
Before you spend money on trendy items that may overwhelm your home, take a look at 12 common fall pieces that often make rooms appear smaller than they really are.
Darker Toned Throw Blankets
When the temperature drops, it’s tempting to drape a darker toned throw blanket over the couch or bed. The problem with these is that they absorb light, making the room feel smaller. Instead, opt for lighter shades that reflect light and create an illusion of space.
Look for soft, plush textures that give a cozy yet airy feel. A warm taupe or gentle cream can still convey that fall feeling without shrinking your space.
Oversized Autumn Wreaths
Oversized autumn wreaths are a staple for many households during fall. However, their large size can make a doorway or wall feel cramped. Instead, consider a smaller wreath with a more open design to let your wall color shine through.
Or, opt for a more minimalistic wreath with sparse decorations. This can still convey the essence of autumn without overwhelming your space.
Large Fabric Pumpkins
Large fabric pumpkins, while festive and adorable, can eat up a lot of surface area. Instead, scatter smaller faux pumpkins across your space. This way, you can still get that autumn vibe without making your room feel overcrowded.
Try clustering them in groups of three or five for a balanced look. This can create a sense of abundance without the bulk.
Deep-Colored, Voluminous Curtains
Deep-colored, voluminous curtains can make a room feel smaller by absorbing light and taking up visual space. Consider swapping them out for sheer curtains in a lighter hue. This can let in more light and make your room feel more spacious.
Or, if you can’t part with your dark curtains, consider hanging them higher and wider than your windows. This can create an illusion of larger windows and a more spacious room.
Bulky Harvest Centerpieces
Bulky harvest centerpieces are a classic fall decoration, but they can make a dining table feel cramped. Consider a more streamlined centerpiece with a long, narrow shape. This can still provide that fall feeling without taking up too much space.
You could also opt for several smaller centerpieces scattered across the table. This can create a sense of plenty without the bulk.
Oversized Plush Rugs in Autumn Shades
Oversized plush rugs in autumn shades can provide warmth and color, but they can also make a room feel smaller. Consider a smaller rug with a more open design, or even a rug in a lighter hue to reflect light and create an illusion of space.
If you’re set on a large rug, consider one with a low pile. This can still provide warmth and color without adding visual bulk.
Large Seasonal Decorative Pillows
Large decorative pillows can add a festive touch, but they can also make a couch or bed feel overcrowded. Consider smaller pillows in a variety of textures and patterns. This can add interest and coziness without overwhelming your space.
You could also opt for a few larger pillows with a more streamlined design. This can provide comfort and style without the bulk.
Big Wooden Harvest Signs
Big wooden harvest signs can make a room feel smaller by dominating the wall space. Consider a smaller sign, or even a collection of smaller signs. This can still provide that fall feeling without overwhelming your space.
You could also opt for a sign with a more open design. This can let your wall color shine through and create a sense of space.
Oversized Candle Holders and Lanterns
Oversized candle holders and lanterns can make a room feel smaller by taking up a lot of surface area. Consider smaller, more streamlined holders and lanterns. These can still provide a warm glow without overwhelming your space.
You could also opt for a few larger lanterns with a more open design. This can let light shine through and create a sense of space.
Chunky Knitted Blankets
Chunky knitted blankets are a cozy fall staple, but they can make a room feel smaller by adding visual bulk. Consider a lighter, more streamlined blanket. This can still provide warmth without overwhelming your space.
You could also opt for a blanket with a more open weave. This can let light shine through and create a sense of space.
Large Fall-Themed Tablecloths
Large fall-themed tablecloths can make a room feel smaller by covering up a lot of surface area. Consider a smaller tablecloth, or even a collection of smaller table runners. This can still provide that fall feeling without overwhelming your space.
You could also opt for a tablecloth with a more open design. This can let your table’s color and texture shine through and create a sense of space.
Voluminous Door Hangings in Autumn Colors
Voluminous door hangings in autumn colors can make a room feel smaller by dominating the wall space. Consider a smaller, more streamlined hanging. This can still provide that fall feeling without overwhelming your space.
You could also opt for a hanging with a more open design. This can let your wall color shine through and create a sense of space.
In conclusion, while these fall décor pieces can make a room feel smaller, there are ways to use them effectively. By choosing more streamlined, open designs and lighter hues, you can still bring that warm, cozy fall feeling into your home without sacrificing space. Happy fall decorating!
