Interior design and home decor can feel intimidating for many people. Knowing how to make spaces feel multidimensional and layered is key to creating rooms with visual interest and depth. The good news is that adding dimension to any space is simpler than it may seem. With clever styling techniques and strategic use of scale, texture, color and lighting, you can easily breathe life into a space and make it shine.

Using Scale and Proportion

One of the most important concepts in interior design is using furniture and accessories of varying sizes and scales. A room filled with similarly sized items will look flat and monotonous. Introducing larger statement pieces along with medium and small decorative items will immediately add depth and dimension.

Choose Statement Pieces

Focus on larger furniture such as sofas, beds, dining tables or dressers to anchor a space. Bracket big pieces with smaller companions like side tables, ottomans and chairs. You can also hang wide artwork above furnishings or use an oversized mirror to amplify visual space.

Layer in Medium Elements

Next, bring in medium-sized furnishings like sideboards, desks, chandeliers and armchairs. Their presence helps transition between the larger anchors and the smaller details. Make sure to vary heights – a tall floor lamp near a mid-height bookshelf, for example.

Add Small Touches

Finally, sprinkle in the smallest details like vases, table lamps, trays, bowls, books and decorative objects. Cluster items on surfaces at varying heights for lots of visual interest. Use sculpture, ceramics or glassware to introduce more shapes and textures.

Textures and Materials

Incorporating a range of textures is another excellent way to add depth and dimension in any space. Provide contrast with smooth, glossy surfaces and soft textured textiles. Accent with natural and industrial materials for more diversity.

Soft and Smooth

Use velvet or silk on upholstery, shag rugs on the floor, and ceramic or glass objects on tabletops and shelves. Add pillows or throws in varying fabrics like cotton, wool and linen. Introduce metal finishes like brass, silver and bronze for sheen.

Natural and Tactile

Bring in materials like wood, stone, leather and rattan for organic texture. Live plants like succulents or orchids also enhance spaces with their soft colors and forms. For more coziness, use nubby knits on ottomans and beds. Try sisal or seagrass on flooring.

Industrial Style

Exposed brick, concrete, raw metal and piping are great industrial accents. Worn finishes like patinaed brass and distressed wood add character. Stack books or display collected objects for a curated feel. The key is combining these materials with contrasting textures.

Color and Contrast

Strategically using color is a powerful tool in interiors for adding visual interest and dimension. Contrasting colors naturally draw the eye. Monochromatic palettes also gain depth when you vary shades and tones.

Complementary Colors

Pairing complementary hues like blue and orange, purple and yellow or red and green makes each seem more vibrant. Try painting walls or adding a large piece of art in these accent colors. Use coordinating throw pillows, drapes and accessories throughout the space.

Analogous Schemes

Analogous palettes use adjacent shades on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green and green. This type of scheme is harmonious but gains dimension by altering values and intensities. Soft pastels contrast nicely with their deeper saturated versions.

Neutrals and Pops

A neutral base with bold colorful accents is a classic approach. Greys, taupes and tans recede, making brighter colors really stand out. Introduce pops through paint, tilework, fabrics or furniture. Florals and geometric patterns also enliven neutrals.

Lighting Layers

Effective lighting is key for enhancing any decor. Combining general, task and accent lighting builds dimension and ambiance.

Ambient Lighting

Overhead lighting whether recessed, track or chandeliers provides overall illumination and works best when on dimmers. Have switches for separate zones to control different areas.

Task Lighting

Desk lamps, reading sconces and under-cabinet lights focus light right where you need it. Place matching fixtures on either side of a bed or seating area to balance. Use directional lights to highlight artwork.

Accent Lighting

Table and floor lamps add a warm glow while enhancing specific parts of a room. Try pendant lights above kitchen islands or dining tables. Install picture lights to showcase artwork and decorative displays.

Natural Light

Maximize sunlight during the day by keeping window treatments open. Add mirrors and reflective surfaces to amplify and distribute light. Make sure lighting balances any natural light at night.

Decorating by Room

Applying dimensional decorating principles transforms any interior. Here are tips for key areas of a home:

Living Rooms

This main gathering space deserves lots of visual interest. A large statement sofa or sectional makes an impact – balance it with contrasting armchairs or benches. Vary textures with pillows and throws. Use a substantial coffee table as an anchor then fill shelves and surfaces with books, sculptures and collected items of different sizes and heights. Include floor lamps, sconces and table lamps.

Dining Rooms

Mark this space with a statement chandelier suspended properly above the table. Choose a rug with texture and pattern to define the area beneath. Set the table with large chargers layered over contrasting placemats and different plates. Use ample lighting on the table then accent the sideboard with picture lights.

Bedrooms

The bed itself should make a statement, either with a dramatic headboard or upholstery with interesting texture. Balance with nightstands and benches or chaise lounges. Layer the bed with plenty of pillows and blankets in various fabrics and thicknesses. Use tactile bedside rugs and ample layered lighting.

Kitchens

Kitchens contain many opportunities to inject visual interest. Contrast finishes like wood cabinetry against stone or tile backsplashes and stainless steel appliances. Use lighting beneath cabinets and pendants over islands. Display dishware to break up wall space. Introduce colored and patterned towels, rugs and curtains.

Bathrooms

Make the vanity a focus with framed mirrors and pendant lights. Use contrasting shapes and textures like vessel sinks, stone counters and wood shelving. Put out colorful dishes filled with colorful cotton swabs and cotton balls. Introduce vibrant artwork and fluffy towels. Add a patterned rug.

Display Collections Creatively

Showcasing collections is an excellent way to exhibit your interests while adding dimension. Display books, ceramics, glassware, artwork, plants or any passion in these creative ways:

• Floating corner shelves
• Shadow boxes
• Ladder shelves
• Wall ledges
• Bookcases
• Cabinets with glass doors
• Small pedestals or plinths
• Wall groupings
• Stair step organizers
• Mantle vignettes

Aim for groupings with height variation and contrasting shapes, frames and bases. Add accent lighting as needed. Rotate items to keep it fresh and inviting.

Final Thoughts

The key to decorating with dimension is to incorporate a purposeful mix of elements that capture the eye through contrasts. Vary textures, play with scale, use bold colors and employ strategic lighting. With these strategies you can take any space from flat to fabulous. Don’t be afraid to combine styles either. The most intriguing interiors have depth, character and a touch of the unexpected.

FAQs About Decorating with Dimension

What does it mean to decorate with dimension?

Decorating with dimension refers to creating visual depth and layers in a space through strategic use of scale, color, texture, lighting and display. The goal is to achieve an inviting interior with ample visual interest.

How do you add dimension to a room?

There are several techniques to add dimension:

• Incorporate furniture and accessories of varying sizes and scales. Use large statement pieces balanced with medium and small elements.
• Add tactile materials like wood, stone, leather, knits and plants.
• Use contrasting colors and textures together to create visual interest.
• Layer lighting sources like ambient, task and accent lighting.
• Display collections with height variation and on contrasting bases.
• Arrange items like books and objects so heights stagger.

What are the principles of interior design dimension?

The main principles for adding dimension through interior design include:

• Scale and Proportion – Use large, medium and small elements.
• Contrast – Vary textures, finishes, colors.
• Layers – Overlap rugs, bedding, pillows.
• Light and Shadow – Use ambient and directional lighting.
• Display – Vary heights and sizes of displayed items.

How do you add character to a boring room?

Some easy ways to add character to a boring room include:

• Painting a bold color on one wall as an accent.
• Adding pattern through wallpaper, pillows, throws or rugs.
• Using an interesting light fixture like a chandelier or pendant light.
• Bringing in some antique or vintage furnishings.
• Displaying collections or meaningful items.
• Installing architectural details like trim, panels or tile.

What are the 3 elements of design?

The three main elements of design are:

• Color – Hue, shades, tones, temperature.
• Space – Positive and negative, proximity, alignment.
• Line – Types and directions, outlines, patterns.

How do you add texture to a room?

Adding texture creates depth and dimension. Ideas include:

• Layer rugs like dhurries over carpets.
• Use pillows and throws of different fabrics.
• Add sheer curtains.
• Bring in rattan or wicker furniture.
• Incorporate plants of varied sizes and leaf shapes.
• Display natural objects like stone, wood, clay.
• Add upholstered furniture and velvet pillows.
• Hang wall tapestries.

How do you create contrast in interior design?

Contrast draws the eye around a space. Ways to create contrast include:

• Pair glossy and matte surfaces.
• Combine rough and smooth textures.
• Use contrasting colors like navy and lime green.
• Mix vintage and modern decorative styles.
• Place delicate details near sturdy furnishings.
• Set lightweight sheer curtains on heavy drapes.
• Position airy fabrics near chunky knits.

How do you create depth on a flat wall?

• Hang artwork of varying sizes and frames at different heights and angles.
• Install floating shelves.
• Use wallpaper or paint with vertical stripes.
• Add architectural interest like wainscoting, trim or panels.
• Place furniture like console tables, benches and armchairs against walls.
• Mount sconces at staggered heights.
• Arrange artwork in gallery style formations.

What are the 5 principles of design?

The five key principles of design are:

• Balance – Both symmetrical and asymmetrical.
• Emphasis – Points of focus and accents.
• Movement – How the eye flows through a space.
• Repetition – Of colors, shapes, textures.
• Unity – Overall harmony of elements.