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There are lots of designer tricks that will help with this dilemma, however each rooms architectural features will be different, so I’ll give you some common and typical ideas which will work for most rooms.

1. Allow as much natural light to enter the room as possible

2. Use artificial light liberally, to keep things bright

3. Use an torchiere lamp or two—it will bounce light off the ceiling and reflect it back into the room

4. The use of mirrors is very effective, possibly ceiling to floor on a wall, or framed mirrors hung in important places and with groupings

5. Allow your furniture to reveal as much floor space as possible

6. Glass dining, coffee and end tables are ideal choices

7. Use open "leggy" furniture, it helps keep the space open and free

The biggest problem I’ve seen over the years with small rooms, is an attempt to force too much furniture into the space. Be realistic about your needs, keeping the above tips in mind.

Decorating FAQ 6

Decorating FAQ 8