Decorating Principles
Negative Space
Negative space, also called white space, is the empty area around and between objects in a design—the "nothing" that actually does significant visual work. Far from wasted space, negative space allows the eye to rest, highlights the elements that are present, and prevents the visual overwhelm that occurs when every surface is filled.
In interior design, negative space appears as the distance between furniture pieces, the blank wall surrounding artwork, the clear floor around a rug, and the breathing room on shelves and surfaces. Appreciation for negative space distinguishes cluttered rooms from curated ones and is essential to minimalist design. Even in maximalist interiors, judicious negative space prevents chaos from tipping into visual overload.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Empty areas around and between objects
- ✓Provides visual rest and breathing room
- ✓Highlights positive elements
- ✓Prevents overwhelm and clutter
- ✓Essential to minimalist design
- ✓Proportional to room scale
Types & Variations
Wall negative space (around artwork)
Floor negative space (around furniture)
Surface negative space (on shelves, tables)
Active negative space (shapes room flow)
Passive negative space (background areas)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Leave at least 18-24 inches for walking paths, more in high-traffic areas. Group objects with collective negative space rather than spacing evenly. On surfaces, leave 30-40% empty to avoid crowded appearance.
💡 Pro Tip
If a room feels crowded, the problem is usually insufficient negative space rather than wrong furniture size. Remove or consolidate items before considering replacing furniture—often one less object makes the remaining pieces work better.