Narrow spaces look gloomy mainly becauselack of light. What to do if you need to cook, receive guests, or relax in such a room? Proven methods for fixing room problems are in our article Typical apartment layouts often have such "bottlenecks". You can somehow put up with a dark, elongated corridor, trying to just run through it as quickly as possible, but a cramped bedroom or kitchen simply require decisive action to return harmony to the space. We will consider examples of how you can fix design flaws with simple and effective means.
Corridor
Let's say that a narrow dark corridor is not an exception, but the norm in our apartments. It looks dull during the day, and at night it's downright scary? We'll try to fix it.
Light in the distance
If the only light spot is in the corridorgets there from the room it opens into, or from a window at the end - this must be emphasized. Put a carpet on the floor that catches the eye and leads it to the light.
Exhibition of Achievements
If you read our articles, visual techniquesYou should already know by heart the ideas for expanding space and making the most of a minimum of light: light colors, using mirrors, different lighting scenarios. These are good ideas, but the main thing is to use them carefully. For example, mirrors on both sides of a narrow hallway will turn it into a mirror maze in an amusement park, and a mirror at the end will make you shudder every time you catch a glimpse of your reflection. We offer another way: turn a cramped hallway into your personal gallery by hanging backlit paintings or photos on the walls. In addition, their glossy surface will reflect the light from the ceiling lights, making the room more cheerful.
Our opinion:— Install interior doors with glass inserts. This way, light will penetrate into dark corners. If possible, think about cutting additional windows, even very small ones, under the ceiling, in the narrowest and darkest rooms.
Kitchen
Light in the kitchen is simply necessary - both for mental comfort and for ease of work. What to do if the layout steals its last crumbs?
Arrangement of furniture
Choose a layout so that nothing gets in the wayblocked the light. If the window is at the end of the room, you will suit the arrangement of furniture along both walls, if the source of natural light is on the longer side, arrange the kitchen "in a row", with the arrangement of equipment and the surface along one wall, and arrange a sink or a small dining area under the window.
Light and color
The color of kitchen furniture is even more important than the color of the walls -furniture is more noticeable. Therefore, it is desirable that it reflects light - give preference to clean, light and smooth surfaces, without unnecessary fittings. Built-in lighting will emphasize them very effectively if natural light is not enough.
Living room
A narrow living room seems like a hopeless example of a layout lacking harmony, but we should not forget that light “sculpts” the shape of space like a sculptor. This means there is a chance to fix everything.
Game of Reflections
In decorating with mirrors is very appropriate, butStill, try not to overdo it. It's better to use glass tables and glossy surfaces wisely - so that they reflect light. The TV, by the way, also counts. But only when it's turned off.
Cool Tones
White walls are not a panacea.Take a closer look at the gentle and cool shades of blue and green - mint, sky blue. They not only calm and pacify, but also make a difficult space brighter and more harmonious.
Open windows
Try to give up curtains. It's an unusual technique, but it's common in Scandinavian design, and the northern countries certainly can't complain about an excess of light.
Bedroom
Rearranging the furniture won't help here, usually the entire narrow bedroom is taken up by the bed. The light from the window is rarely enough to compensate for the inconvenience. What to do?
Contrast solutions
A simple psychological and visual effect -If the end wall in a narrow room is darker than the side walls, the space appears more harmonious and therefore lighter. The headboard of the bed can also act as an eye-catching accent in the narrow part.
Soft light
A bulky chandelier is out of place here - it's bettercomplement a small ceiling light with sconces and reading lamps. If you want to add some light to your bedroom, consider sunrise lamps as an alarm clock.
Minimum of details
From two rooms - one filled with decor and onereservedly decorated - the second will seem lighter. When there is little light, it is better not to create unnecessary obstacles for it. Expressiveness can be created by modest means - the main thing is that all the details emphasize your individuality.
