By positioning mirrors in the right places, you have the power to make any room appear larger. Whether you live in a loft, or a four bedroom house, you can follow these tips to make small areas more comfortable.

• If you are living in a loft, you probably might have pillars throughout the room. Mirror them and they'll seem to disappear.
• If you want a hallway/stairway to appear wider: stagger mirrors on either side.
• If you want a hallway/stairway to appear longer: a mirror at the end will double its length.
• Make sure mirrors reflect only things you want to see more of. Do not place a mirror directly across from a laundry basket, or any cluttered/generally dirty area. Instead, you might want to place it across from a source of light, a favorite painting, or a window.
• You can multiply candles, flowers, etc. by joining together several mirrors with butt hinges and placing them behind the objects on a mantle or table.
• Consider replacing dark closet doors with sliding mirrored doors to open up a space.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• On-Line catalogue of decorative mirrors
• eieiHome for tips on decorating with mirrors and other things

In living color...

The colors you choose to decorate a room contribute more than anything to the feelings you associate with it. Remember the following when choosing a color scheme:

• The best color for opening up a room is bright white.
• If bright white makes you shudder, try adding a few drops of your favorite color for a tinted, warmer look.
• If that's still not your cup of tea, try beige or light grey
• Bright colors like yellow and white seem more inviting & open because they reflect light
• Dark, dramatic colors like maroon and forest green seem more intimate because they absorb the light
• Always check paint stores for mistinted paint. You might find an unusual color that appeals to you, and you'll get it at a discounted price.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Peekaboo defines paint terms (hue, tint, etc.)
• Paint and Decorating Retailers Association's site lists paint-related links.

Move it or lose it...

To make a room appear spacious when it isn't, you need to minimize your posessions. If you're moving from a large home into a smaller one, take this into consideration:

• Purchase dual purpose furniture (fold out couch, futon, flip out bed, coffee tables with storage underneath, etc.)
• Put unneeded furniture in storage, or ask your friends/relatives if they could borrow it until you need it again
• Get rid of clutter. Unless you are sentimentally attached, you don't need many nick nacks. They will only make your rooms appear smaller.

Remember...just because you live in a small space doesn't mean it has to feel that way

Published: April 2, 2002

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