Living in a compact space can often feel cramped but it doesn’t need to be. From decluttering to using mirrors, we look at 17 design ideas to maximize your living space:
Multi-Use Furniture
Instead of adding lots of pieces of furniture into a small space, look for items that have more than one use. For example, you can opt for ottomans with storage compartments, sofa beds, or dining tables with extendable leaves.
Utilize Vertical Space
When space is tight, utilize your walls for storage without impacting on your floor space. Hanging organizers, cabinets, or floating shelves are all good uses of wall space and unused corners.
The Magic of Mirrors
Well positioned mirrors can give the impression that a room is larger because they reflect light around corners and can give the illusion that short rooms are longer. Small hallways and restrooms benefit greatly from mirrors because they allow you to check your appearance before you depart for the day.
Keep Things Light
If you allow as much light as possible into your home your rooms will instantly feel much bigger. This means keeping windows clean, not using heavy curtains and choosing light-colored walls and furniture to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
Declutter
Regularly decluttering will save your storage spaces from overflowing and collecting dust. Unwanted items can be donated to local shelters and thrift stores or sell on second-hand sites such as Vinted. For the things you do keep invest in storage baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to keep everything tidy while looking stylish.
Folding Furniture
Folding furniture like chairs and tables are great space savers as they can be stored away when you’re not using them. You can even buy foldable beds, patio furniture and exercise equipment so you don’t have to miss out on the things people with large homes enjoy.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors use less space than traditional hinged doors particularly when there’s little space to open and close a regular door. These doors are not only practical but gives your home a unique look.
Furniture on Wheels
Furniture on wheels adds flexibility to your living space as you can easily move it around to rearrange a room for specific activities. This type of furniture is great if you have people around a lot as you can move it into one room to clear space while you have guests.
Open Floor Plan
An open plan living space is a great way to create a sense of space in your small home, which is why it’s common in small apartments. You can remove any unnecessary walls or use furniture to define different zones within the same space. This may not be the best option if you crave alone time away from your family but is great for those living alone.
Clever Lighting
A combination of overhead lights and lamps in specific areas creates an inviting atmosphere where you can adjust lighting depending on what you’re doing.. Ambient lighting can often give the illusion of more space, whereas having one strong light exposes the true size of a room.
Rugs
Rugs can help define different areas within an open floor plan living space, giving it a more intimate feel without eating up a lot of space. Larger rugs that cover most of the floor area can create a sense of expansiveness and continuity, making the room feel larger.
Add Plants
Bringing nature indoors can bring life into your space but be sure to choose smaller plants or hanging planters that won’t take up too much floor space. You can add herbs to your windowsill and install hanging baskets in your garden if your outside space is limited too.
Transparent Furniture
Clear or transparent furniture like acrylic chairs or a glass coffee table allows light to pass through making the space feel visually lighter. Clear shelving will provide storage without being too overpowering.
Dual Purpose Decor
As well as multifunctional furniture you can look for decorative items that serve a dual purpose. Ottomans with storage compartments, decorative baskets for magazines, or a stylish tray that can be used for serving but add style to your dining space too.
Embrace Minimalism
Living a minimalist lifestyle, as made famous by Marie Kondo, means resisting impulse purchases and only having the furniture you need. Having a clean, minimalist space and sticking to a light color palette will make your rooms look bigger than they are.
Get Creative with Storage
Every inch of every space you have in your home can be used to store things out of sight. Think of under-bed storage containers, over-the-door organizers, or even the space behind your doors for hanging shoe organizers.
Create a Nook
Creating a cozy nook in your home is a smart way to utilize space. Look for underutilized corners or neglected spaces, such as under the stairs, next to a window or a small alcove. You can turn these awkward areas into reading areas, storage spaces or play areas for children.
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