Your personal space—whether it be your bedroom, living area, or office—should be a place where you feel relaxed and at ease. However, poor design choices can sometimes make a room feel claustrophobic, unintentionally causing discomfort, anxiety, and stress. A room may feel closed-in for several reasons, such as a lack of windows, dark interior colours, or cluttered furniture placement. That’s why it’s essential to thoughtfully decorate your space for your own comfort and well-being.
To help you with that task, DROOL offers a large selection of art posters and prints that can serve as great décor pieces for your home or office, infusing the space with your personal style while also bringing life to an otherwise plain or drab room. Even if you’re not well-versed in the art scene, our Art Finder Quiz can help you discover unique and stunning pieces from up-and-coming artists. Plus, searching for prints on our website is a breeze—you can filter results by medium, style, and size to suit your preferences.
All in all, DROOL makes it easy to find high-quality art prints to adorn your personal spaces and help them feel less claustrophobic. To further brighten your home or office, here are some moretips you can take into consideration.
1) Use Light Colours
The simplest way to make a room look brighter is to incorporate light colours. Shades like white, beige, soft gray, and pastels such as light blue, pale pink, or mint green reflect more light, creating an illusion of spaciousness and brightness. This doesn’t apply only to wall paint; using light-coloured rugs or flooring can also enhance the brightness of a room.
That said, it’s perfectly fine to include darker colours, preferably as accents that contrast with lighter tones. For example, a vibrant photography print can be complemented with a sleek black picture frame to create a stylish focal point.
2) Incorporate Mirrors
Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, helping to brighten a space while creating the illusion of depth. Even a single well-placed mirror can work wonders in a claustrophobic room. For instance, positioning a large mirror directly across from a window can reflect daylight and thus enhance the brightness of a space. Mirrored wall panels can also visually extend the room’s depth.
Beyond traditional mirrors, you can incorporate glass and transparent elements into your décor. Opt for glass tabletops instead of solid wood, or use acrylic shelving to store items without making the room feel heavy. By reducing visual barriers, these transparent elements can make your space feel brighter and more open.
3) Maximise Natural Light
Natural light not only makes a room feel more open but also improves mood and energy levels. It adds warmth and creates a welcoming atmosphere, reducing the feeling of confinement. If your room has windows, avoid blocking them with furniture or heavy curtains. Instead, use sheer curtains and keep your windows clean to let in as much light as possible.
By combining this tip with the previous one (using mirrors), you can maximise illumination even if you only have a small window to work with.
4) Choose the Right Furniture
Your furniture choices play a crucial role in making a room look more spacious. Bulky, oversized furniture can overwhelm a space, making it feel tighter than it actually is. You should instead opt for multi-functional furniture, such as ottomans with hidden storage or tables with built-in shelves, to maximise floor space. When selecting furniture, also choose pieces with slim legs rather than blocky, heavy bases to create a sense of openness. Low-profile furniture also helps prevent the room from feeling crowded vertically, enhancing the illusion of additional space.
5) Declutter and Organise
A messy, cluttered room can quickly feel chaotic and cramped. To counter this, remove unnecessary items and keep only what adds value to your space. Storage bins and shelves can help you stay organiSed and keep surfaces clear.
When decorating, avoid overcrowding your walls and shelves. Instead, embrace a “less is more” mindset and ensure that every piece of décor serves a purpose.
6) Opt for Vertical Design
Drawing attention upward can make a room feel taller, reducing the sensation of being boxed in. You can achieve this by installing tall bookshelves or cabinets to emphasise height. Floating shelves are another great option—they create vertical interest without taking up floor space. Additionally, choosing vertical artworks or prints can elongate the look of your walls, making them appear taller and more spacious.
Even a small or cramped room can feel bright and inviting with the right design and artwork choices. By applying these tips, you can transform your space into a more open, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment—eliminating that claustrophobic feel for good.
