Decorating Principles
Zoning
Zoning is the strategic division of a space into distinct functional areas, each with its own purpose and furniture arrangement. This principle is essential in open-plan homes where living, dining, and kitchen areas share one continuous space, but it applies to any room serving multiple functions—a bedroom with a reading nook, a living room with a work area, or a basement with play and media zones.
Effective zoning creates psychological boundaries without physical walls, using furniture placement, area rugs, lighting, and sometimes partial dividers to define separate activity areas. Each zone should feel cohesive with the overall space while maintaining its distinct purpose and character. Good zoning makes large open spaces feel organized rather than cavernous, and small multi-purpose rooms feel functional rather than cramped.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Divides space into functional areas
- ✓Creates psychological boundaries
- ✓Uses furniture placement for definition
- ✓Each zone has distinct purpose
- ✓Maintains overall cohesion
- ✓Essential for open-plan living
Types & Variations
Furniture placement zoning
Area rug zoning
Lighting zoning
Ceiling treatment zoning
Level change zoning (platforms)
Partial divider zoning (screens, bookcases)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use area rugs to anchor each zone—this is the most effective visual separator. Position furniture to create clear circulation paths between zones. Vary lighting by zone to reinforce separation. In studio apartments, use open shelving or screens as soft dividers. Maintain sight lines between zones to preserve the open feel.
💡 Pro Tip
The biggest zoning mistake is furniture floating in no-man's land between zones. Commit each piece to a specific zone. Also, scale your furniture appropriately—oversized pieces in small zones or undersized pieces in large zones destroy the zoning effect. Each zone should feel like its own curated space.