Furniture Buying Guide

Volumetric Balance & The Negative Space Ratio

A room doesn’t feel big or small because of square footage—it feels big or small because of negative space. In this ninth installment of our Furniture Layout & Room Flow series, you’ll learn how the 60/40 Rule, visual mass, and “floating” furniture tactics change perceived space in Chicago apartments and suburban family rooms. If your walkways are correct but the room still feels tight, volumetric balance is the missing layer.