Before a Makeover
Ten minutes here can save a weekend of repainting.
Will a dark colour make my small room feel smaller?
Usually not at night. Dark walls blur corners so the eye stops measuring the room. Pair them with at least three warm light sources. In daylight, a dark room can feel snug rather than small, which is often what a bedroom or study wants.
Can renters paint their walls?
Only with the landlord's permission, ideally in writing. Many agree if walls are returned to the original colour. Otherwise use textiles, lamps and art; see the renter plan in Decor at Every Price.
What bulb colour temperature is best for a living room?
2200K to 2700K for evenings, with a CRI of 90 or higher so colours and skin look natural. More detail in Colour and Light Together.
How big should my rug be?
Large enough that at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on it. In most living rooms that means 160 by 230 cm or larger.
How high should I hang curtains?
As close to the ceiling as practical, extending 15 to 25 cm beyond each side of the window frame so they stack clear of the glass.
Can I mix two interior styles?
Yes. Share a colour palette or a material between them so the room has a common thread even when shapes differ. Our style breakdowns suggest natural pairings.
What should I buy first on a small budget?
Warm high-CRI bulbs and one or two lamps. Lighting changes the mood of a room more than any single piece of furniture.
How do I test a paint colour properly?
Paint an A3 sample on two walls and view it in the morning, in the afternoon and at night under your own lamps before buying tins.
How high should art be hung?
Centre artwork at around 145 to 150 cm from the floor, or about 20 to 25 cm above the back of a sofa. Galleries use similar heights so works sit at eye level.
Still unsure? Send us a note about your room.