Decorating a space with elongated and narrow shapes is a challenge for any interior decorator. However, there are a few tricks that can be used to make that space not just look like an elongated hallway. Some of these tricks are more like clever illusions to try to open up space and not feel like you’re in a bowling alley.
Chances are, some interior decorators who have had to deal with decorating narrow, elongated spaces have been tempted to push furniture against the walls in an attempt to get more space. However, the only thing that this will achieve is to emphasize the shape of the room, making it appear even longer and narrower.
For that reason, in today’s post we want to offer you some ideas to manipulate this type of spaces.
Decoration ideas for spaces with rectangular shapes
Move furniture away from the walls
Furniture placed against the wall in a narrow area accentuates the length of the space. Instead, it is preferable to move this furniture away from the walls and distribute the seating around the center of the room.
The result of this layout will be a cozy seating area with two narrow aisles on either side of the living room.
Buy
custom-made furniture
is an ideal solution for this type of narrow and elongated rooms. Opting for this type of furniture means being able to adapt each piece perfectly in any space, so that the distribution does not end up being a problem.
Uses circular parts
Eliminate long horizontal lines with furniture that has smooth, rounded edges. There are several simple ways to break up the abundance of those straight horizontal lines.
Use a circular coffee table in the center of the seating area. Similarly, small round side tables can also be placed next to the chairs and sofa.
Mirrors with rounded shapes or pictures on the walls make the eye not only focus on straight lines.
In addition to using round furniture, also consider upholstering it with circular motifs. Another good option for blurring the straight lines of the room is to use round rugs that catch the eye.
Creates an L- or U-shaped seating area
Place a sofa against the wall and place an armchair or several chairs perpendicular to the sofa to break up the length of the room. Add another armchair,
poufs
or a set of chairs on the opposite side of the sofa to create a U-shaped seating area. This can be another way to create a path along the long wall opposite the room.
Divide the space
If the room is especially long, divide it into two separate areas. Think of two different living areas. A seating area and a small office or dining area is another option to make the most of the space. Use rugs to define each area and help the two spaces look organized and tidy by placing all the legs of each piece of furniture on the rugs.
Another possibility is to create two zones in a long, narrow room by placing a single piece of furniture. Place a sofa perpendicular to the room and place a console table or small cabinet against its back.
You can use the table placed on the back of the sofa as a desk to create a small home office area.
Maximizes vertical space
A trick often used when decorating long, narrow rooms is to emphasize and maximize vertical space.
A tall cabinet or a bookcase helps to distribute the lines much more evenly. Hanging floor-to-ceiling curtains, preferably with vertical stripes, is a good way to create the illusion of height.
