by Dorothy Sander

Created on: January 15, 2008

Do you have a room in your house that makes you feel claustrophobic? Chances are it has more to do with the decor than with the dimensions, even if in fact it is a very tiny room. Believe it or not you can make significant changes without spending a great deal of money.

Consider the following:

1. Are your walls dark and laden with pictures and hanging decor? Or are they light, airy and minimally covered? To make a room feel bigger, paint the walls with a light color such as white or pale yellow. In choosing a color take into consideration the amount of sunlight the room receives. If it is on the north side of the house, receiving little or no direct sunlight, a pale yellow is your best choice. If, on the other hand the room does receive a substantial amount of sun, you can go with a pale green or blue. The color you choose should have little or no black tint (ask your paint store for suggestions).

2. Next, consider removing your window treatments completely. This will open your room up drastically. Heavy drapes close a room in and make it feel dark. If you want something on the windows for privacy use mini blinds in white or wall color. For softness add window treatments that are minimal in size such as a rod pocket and light in color. Sheers work well too. When placing them position the rods so that the curtain does not cover the window at all.

3. Remove any dark or heavy pictures or wall hangings. Dark, heavy frames give the feeling of pulling the walls in. Numerous items on a wall will do the same thing. Instead try scattering just a few select items in light colors with light weight, light colored frames.

4. Consider painting your furniture white or covering with a light colored fabric. Using light colors, close to the wall color will make the room feel more open and airy.

5. Minimize the furniture in the room removing everything you can live without. Avoid tall book cases and any large, bulky items.

These simple changes can stretch your room without stretching your budget!

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