When decorating a room, it’s easy to make choices that unintentionally shrink the space. Small mistakes can make your room feel cramped and less inviting, even if square footage isn’t an issue.
Knowing which decorating errors to avoid can help you make your space feel larger and more comfortable. This article highlights common pitfalls that affect room size perception and how to steer clear of them for a more open, airy feel.
Using oversized furniture that overwhelms the room
If you fill your room with big, bulky furniture, it can quickly make the space feel cramped. Oversized pieces take up too much floor area and leave little room to move.
You might love that huge sofa, but in a small room, it can dominate everything else. Try choosing smaller, more streamlined furniture to give your space a balanced look.
Leaving some open floor space helps the room breathe and makes it feel more inviting. Remember, it’s about fitting the furniture to the room, not the other way around.
Placing rugs that are too small for the space
If your rug is too small, it can make the whole room feel disconnected and cramped. When the rug doesn’t extend beyond the furniture, the space looks unfinished and a bit awkward.
To fix this, choose a rug that at least fits under the front legs of your sofa and chairs. This helps anchor the furniture and makes the room feel more open and balanced.
Avoid tiny rugs that float in the middle of the room. Bigger rugs bring all the elements together and create a more inviting vibe without squeezing the space.
Hanging curtains too low instead of near the ceiling
When you hang your curtains too low, right above the window frame, it can make the ceilings feel shorter. This placement shrinks the visual height of the room and makes the space seem cramped.
Instead, try mounting the curtain rod closer to the ceiling or at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. This draws the eye upward and helps your room look taller and more open.
Even a few extra inches make a difference. Avoid leaving a big gap between the top of the rod and the ceiling, or your curtains might look like they’re floating in the middle of the wall.
Neglecting proper lighting and relying on a single source
When you rely on just one light, like an overhead fixture, your room can end up feeling flat and cramped. Shadows appear in corners, making the space seem smaller than it really is.
Adding layers of light changes the whole vibe. Mix in task lights, floor lamps, or wall sconces to brighten up dark spots and create depth.
Proper lighting helps open up a room visually. So, avoid putting all your eggs in one basket with just a single light source. It makes a big difference.
Cluttering surfaces with too many decor items
When you cover every surface with decorations, your room can quickly feel cramped and chaotic. Instead of creating a cozy vibe, too many items can make the space look unsettled.
Try picking just a few favorite pieces and give them room to shine. Leaving some empty space around them helps your room breathe and feel more open.
Grouping similar items in odd numbers, like three or five, with different heights can create balance. Avoid stuffing your surfaces to keep your space feeling comfortable and organized.
Choosing dark, heavy colors for walls and furniture
Using dark colors on your walls or large pieces of furniture can make a room feel smaller and more cramped. Dark shades absorb light, which reduces the sense of openness in the space.
If you love dark hues, try using them in smaller doses. Accent pieces or furniture work better than painting an entire room in a heavy color.
Pair dark colors with plenty of natural or artificial light. Adding lighter accents helps balance the mood and prevents the room from feeling too closed in.