| Decorating an Interior Dormer Area |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-405 |
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Q: I have a long, narrow space where my dormer window is located. What can I do to utilize this small space? A: (From Sharon Hanby-Robie, Ask DIY Remodeling expert) The smallest spaces in our homes can sometimes turn out to be the real treasures. In one space I worked on, which was only about 4' wide by 9' long, the homeowner wanted to create an area where she could relax and read. Here's how we turned the space into a cozy nook. Maybe some of these ideas will help.
- Since the client wanted a reading area, the first detail to address was lighting. In a space this small, the best solution seemed to be a swing-arm lamp, which could be used as a reading lamp and then swung out of the way. A swing-arm lamp should be located at eye level, from 40" to 60" up from the floor, depending on your height and that of the chair you'll be using. This one was placed at 48". A good rule of thumb to follow is this: Sit in the chair that you'll be using, then determine your eye level. That's the point where you should place the lamp.
This particular lamp fits on a mounting bracket and attaches to the mounting screws with cover nuts, which match the antique finish of the fixture (figure A).
The lamp features a cord guard, which hides the cord from view. It simply screws to the wall (figure B); then the cord is guided into it and the cover snapped on.
- On the wall opposite the lamp, we hung an antique walnut-finish shelf (figure C). Locating it opposite the lamp provides visual balance, and the fact that the shelf is only about 10" deep makes it a good fit (for a space this size -- 46" -- 10" is the maximum depth). Hanging it above eye level also helps keep it from creating a visual block.
- The window is the focal point in the space, so we added interest by using a drapery scarf, swagging it to the right to match up to the lamp (figure D).
- Don't be afraid to use a normal-size chair in a small space, as we did here. It will create an optical illusion and make the space seem bigger. We placed this chair at an angle in the corner to make the room feel wider (figure E).
- Next we added a small plant stand to serve as a table (figure F).
- A warm-toned throw rug adds a touch of color to balance the weight of the chair color.
- Finally, we added an ottoman, a pillow, a throw, a tray and accessories such as artwork. Voila! The coziest reading nook you could imagine -- and for very little money! All we had to buy were the lamp and the shelf: everything else came from the rest of the house.
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