Since there are no set boundaries in a one room space, it's hard to distinguish one area from the next. Here are some tips on creating the illusion of rooms within a room.

Use different color themes for different sections.

If everything in the sleeping area is a shade of red, and everything in the living area is a shade of blue, you will create definite differences between the two sections. Choose bold, bright colors for a retro look, or softer shades for a more subtle distinction.

Screening

Picture frame screens are incredibly popular right now. Not only will they provide absolute boundaries within a room, but they provide the added benefit of conserving space. When you have these screens, you don't have to worry about the clutter of picture frames on your desk or countertops.

You might prefer to purchase a semi - transluscent frame or frosted glass frame. This way, light can shine through the screen and you'll appear to have more space than when you use an opaque screen.

You may also decide to use bamboo blind screens. These nice, lightweight blinds can be hung from the ceiling. When you want to divide two areas, you can roll them down, and when you're done, they can be rolled back up.

Use your furniture

By positioning furniture back to back, you have made an immediate distinction between two areas. For instance, if you place the headboard of the bed against the back of a dresser, you now have a dressing area and a sleeping area. Remember also that a long couch can seem to separate a room by itself.

Can't go out? Go up!

Often, lofts will have relatively high ceilings. This can be an excellent benefit when you feel like you're running out of space. A friend of mine lives in a loft, and he uses only the top bunk on a bunk bed. The bottom area is used for the computer area, and when he doesn't feel like straightening up after studying, he can draw a curtain around the bottom bunk area. This area could also be used to house an entertainment center.

Beads/Curtains

Divider beads or curtains can be hung from the ceiling to section off different areas, and they're relatively inexpensive.

Shelves

You can form your own walls by placing tall shelves where you think they should be.

Don't stress out about decorating a one room apartment. By following these simple tips, you will create definite boundaries, rooms within rooms, and you might even save some space in the process!

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Published: October 7, 1999

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