Decorating Principles
Positive Space
Positive space refers to the areas in a design occupied by objects, furniture, and elements—the "filled" portions of a composition as opposed to the empty areas around them. While negative space often receives attention in design education, positive space is equally important: it's what we furnish, decorate, and interact with directly.
Understanding positive space means considering not just individual furniture pieces but how occupied areas relate to open areas in the overall composition. Too much positive space creates cluttered rooms; too little makes rooms feel empty and unwelcoming.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Areas occupied by objects and furniture
- ✓The "filled" portions of space
- ✓Contrasts with negative space
- ✓Affects room's visual weight
- ✓Influences functionality and flow
- ✓Varies by design style and purpose
Types & Variations
Maximalist positive space (densely filled)
Minimalist positive space (sparse, selective)
Functional positive space (furniture and necessities)
Decorative positive space (accessories and art)
Balanced positive space (proportional to negatives)
Common Materials
Achieved through furniture and object placement
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Assess positive vs. negative space by squinting at your room—filled areas become darker masses, empty areas become light. Aim for roughly 30-40% positive space in minimalist designs, 60-70% in traditional spaces.
💡 Pro Tip
Photograph your room in black and white. This removes color distractions and reveals the positive-negative space relationship clearly. If dark masses cluster in one area, redistribute objects for better balance.