Deciding how to arrange and decorate big rooms can seem overwhelming. With so much space to fill, it can be hard to know where to start and which design options are best. The good news is that large spaces often give you a variety of furniture placement choices and how the rooms will be used. To help tackle large decorating projects, here are some tips:
1. Visualize the Space with Drawings
Before you start moving furniture around, draw room arrangements with pieces to scale, either digitally or on graph paper, to see how things will fit.
2. Break Up the Space
Consider having different seating areas to break up the space, and think about using large rooms for more than one purpose. For example, if you have a sizeable great room or living room, divide the space between a seating area and a desk area, or create an additional dining or game space. If you have a large bedroom, divide the space between sleeping and dressing areas, or incorporate a reading or media space.
3. Take Traffic Flow into Consideration
When you design the room’s layout, remember to designate traffic lanes. Think about how people will enter and exit the room, as well as how they will move around the furniture.
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4. Implement the Use of Rugs
Use rugs to define different room areas, and use runners to define traffic lanes. Rugs and runners don’t necessarily have to match to be attractive. As long as they complement each other, different rug types and textures can add interest to a room’s décor.
5. Create Focal Points Within the Room
In large spaces, you can often have more than one. For example, focal points can include fireplaces, picture windows, televisions, pianos, and artwork. Arrange seating areas around the focal points as much as possible.
6. Pay Attention to Lighting
It’s important to pay particular attention to the lighting in large spaces. In addition to overhead lighting, you’ll likely need more table and floor lamps to illuminate dark corners. Ceiling fixtures and chandeliers can also help define and accent designated seating and dining areas.
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7. Use Large Wall Space to Your Advantage
Generously sized rooms can mean big walls to fill. Look for large-scale art, and avoid floating small, framed objects unless they are hung in groupings. Large framed mirrors can help anchor tables, chests, and seating arrangements in large spaces.
8. Implement a Variety of Furniture Styles
Consider using a variety of furniture styles and textures in large rooms to add interest and detail. Mix light and dark finishes, wood and metal materials, as well as refined and rustic accessories. Vary upholstery fabrics, too, for an upscale feel.
9. Look for Ways to Expand the Room Vertically
Adding built-in or free-standing bookcases can draw the eye upward, as can perpendicular artwork. Substantial light fixtures, sconces, and ceiling fans can also be attractive additions to help to fill vertical space.
Large spaces don’t have to be cold and stark. To add warmth, remember to include welcoming details like candles, pillows, books, and family photographs. Potted plants can help fill corners and empty spaces, and fresh flowers can add pops of color and brightness.