You cannot move the walls, but you can change how a space feels. Most of these ideas work for renters and cost little.
Bring in more light
- Hang curtains close to the ceiling and wider than the window.
- Use sheer fabrics where you can.
- Add lamps at different heights so that corners are not dark.
- Place a mirror where it reflects a window.
Rethink your furniture
- Choose pieces with visible legs, as seeing the floor makes a room feel larger.
- Keep pathways clear, and do not push everything against the walls if a better layout exists.
- Pick one large rug over several small ones, which breaks the floor into pieces.
- Replace bulky pieces with ones suited to the room.
Use furniture that does two jobs
- A storage ottoman doubles as a seat or a table.
- A bed with drawers replaces a dresser.
- A foldable table frees up floor space.
Go vertical
Tall bookcases draw the eye upward. Use freestanding units and anchor tall furniture securely if your lease allows. Use over-door organizers for items that have no home.
Create zones
A rug, a bookcase or a sofa can separate the living and dining areas in an open room, without building anything.
Keep it calm
Limit your color palette, clear surfaces and store cables out of sight. See your layout with the Room & Setup Visualizer.
