Today’s interior designers are all about minimalism, and with the appeal of a fresh, clean space with no clutter, it’s easy to understand why.

But what if your room is looking too empty, to the point of appearing unfinished? This is particularly common with awkwardly shaped rooms, like long, thin living areas with not enough space for full-sized furniture pieces but too much room to leave completely bare.

If you’re looking for simple ways to make an empty-looking room look busier, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this article.

Use Layered Lighting

Lighting can change how a room feels instantly. If your room currently only has overhead lights, these can make it feel flat and uninviting. A great way to add more depth to the space, and make it seem a little fuller, is to add a variety of lighting.

Consider investing in large table lamps or floor lamps to fill awkward gaps or corner spaces. Wall sconces are also a good way to create depth and make a bare-looking wall more exciting. Warm lighting softens the look of empty spaces, so keep this in mind when you’re choosing bulb colors.

Incorporate Texture

Flat, empty surfaces make a room feel unfinished, but the good news is that you can give your room a busier feel with an easy fix: layer up with textured fabrics and rugs, or even wall hangings.

Investing in something as simple as a patterned throw to drape over a sofa or a woven basket to put in an empty corner should add dimension.

Add a Fireplace

If you’re decorating a bedroom or living space that has a chimney but no fireplace, it’s well worth bringing the fireplace back as a focal point in the room.

The previous owners probably removed the fire because it no longer served a practical purpose and they didn’t want the hassle of maintaining it. But now, websites like fireplace.co.uk have dozens of options when it comes to different fireplace styles and appearances, and they’re commonly used purely as a design feature.

Of course, if you want your fireplace to serve a practical purpose too, you can consider a wood fire (the most affordable option) or go for a more conventional gas or electric fire.

Fill Corners with Purpose

Empty corners stand out, so it’s worth thinking about how you can fill them creatively. A few good ways to make use of them include installing a reading nook, adding a small table, or filling the space with a decorative plant.

Think about how you can intentionally decorate depending on the location. For example, if the corner is right by the door, you could consider installing a shoe rack or shelving for your keys and other essentials, so it serves a practical purpose, too.

Takeaway

It can be difficult to see how you can make a bland-looking space feel finished, and hopefully, this article has given you some guidance in the right direction.

And that’s not all you can do either. Other ways to make an empty space feel busier include adding mirrors, mixing large and small decor, and using multi-functional furniture. Play around and use an app that lets you see what certain design features look like in your space before you spend your money.