Five Ways to Instantly Add Height to a Room
Image: ECHE for the 2019 Decorator Showcase
The right piece can have instant transformative power. Whether by making the most of the space with smart storage, setting the tone with statement furniture, or just finding that one element that brings it all together. The latter is what we’re talking about today. Sometimes you need a piece that adds a bit of height to the room. It can balance out a composition, draw the eye up, and makes the most of limited floor space. That awkward corner you don’t know what to do with, or that sliver of wall space between doorways? These are the MVPs for all of the spots that need a little something but can be tricky to work with. Here are five of our go-to solutions.
1. A floor mirror
Want to instantly make any space appear larger, brighter, and add symmetry? If so, a floor mirror might be the ticket. There are beautiful options for every style and at every price point. From ached beauties that add the illusion of an architectural element to a builder-basic space, to ornate French filigree so you can pretend you’re in a Parisian pied-à-terre while you social-distance from the comfort of your couch.
Style Tip: If you find the mirror you love, but it just isn’t in your budget, check your local classifieds. Sometimes your dream piece is only a can of spray paint (or some rub-n-buff) away.
2. An Indoor Tree
Besides creating a bit of height, an indoor tree breathes life into your space. Green spaces can help create emotionally grounding environments, and they’re natural air purifiers. While fiddle leaf figs may be a natural go-to, they can be a bit fussy (I moved mine less than a foot and it’s dropping leaves in protest), so don’t limit yourself to one option. Rubber trees come in both pretty pastel shades, and dramatic black, indoor palms create instant vacation vibes, and if you have an exceptionally warm, sunny spot, olive trees are a showstopper.
Style Tip: If house plant maintenance is not your thing or you don’t have enough natural light, faux plants have come a long way over the past couple of years and can give you the look you’re after, fuss-free.
3. A Bookcase
Bringing in a bookcase is one of the best ways to marry style and function in a space. It adds vertical storage and can be a great place to show off your shelfie skills. Pack it with books, fill it with houseplants for a vertical garden, showcase your favorite handmade ceramics or create a mix of all three; the sky (well- really, ceiling) is the limit.
Style Tip: Find a bookcase with closed storage on the bottom to keep clutter at bay or use baskets for items you don’t want in easy view. You can also find bookcases with built-in desks if you’re looking to carve out an office nook.
4. A Floor Lamp
Aside from the obvious function of brightening up a dark corner, floor lamps create a warm ambiance and are the perfect way to transform a comfortable chair into a cozy reading nook. With many beautiful options to choose from, they can also function as a sculptural element in a room and reinforce the style you’re after subtly from ultra-modern to industrial.
Style Tip: Use a smart bulb or plugin dimmer to control the ambiance of the room without having to hire an electrician.
5. A Leaning Ladder
A ladder can be a great way to use the slimmest of spaces and is perfect if you have a collection of colorful quilts or textiles to show off. Add hooks for an easy way to hang items like hats and purses, or you can attach hook on planters for yet another spin on a green wall.
Style Tip: Ladders are a piece that can easily transition from one space to another, serving different functions. In the bathroom, they can be used as a towel rack, by the door a place to hang your belongings and in the living room a more traditional blanket ladder. This means they have a lot of longevity as you’re more likely to find a place for them if you move or redecorate.
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