How to Avoid Gaps on Strung Bracelets

I have a love/hate relationship with strung bead bracelets. They are undeniably pretty, but I don't like the "gap-osis" or plain look that comes at the clasp. If I string the larger beads too close to the clasp, it is difficult to grasp it and fasten the bracelet. If I use tiny beads at each end, the bracelet often looks blank near the clasp as opposed to the rest of it.