How to Make a Long, Narrow Room Look Balanced

Use a tape measure to measure the space. Depending on the length and width of the room, you may be able to create two or even three separated areas. Lay out the room on graph paper or in a home design computer program to experiment with exactly where to create divisions. In a living room, your divisions might be separate seating areas. A bedroom might divide into a sleeping area and a reading nook. A kitchen lends itself to a separate dining area.

Paint the long walls a darker shade and the short walls a lighter color. The light paint makes the shorter dimension seem bigger, while the dark color visually shortens the longer walls. Use a color wheel to select shades that harmonize rather than competing for attention.

Use large furniture pieces to break up the areas. Solid wood bookcases, heavy entertainment centers and massive sofas all work well. Face the furniture into one of the separated areas rather than placing it against a wall.

Choose softly rounded furnishings for each individual portion of the room. Overstuffed chairs, round tables and wicker baskets create a warm and inviting space. Create a focal point for each area, and select accessories that support rather than compete with the focal point.

Use accent lighting to create appropriate moods for each area. Choose soft overhead lights for the entire room, allowing the accent lights to take the focus in each space. Dramatic up lights, romantic old-fashioned lamps and battery-powered wall sconces are just a few of the choices. Choose task lighting that provides clear illumination in any area of the room that is used for specific tasks, such as reading or repair work.

Use accessories to tie the various areas together. In a bedroom, you might use throw pillows in the reading nook that match the bedspread. In a living room, you might select throw rugs in similar patterns for each area. Avoid sharp contrasts that draw attention to the room divisions.