If you’re living in a small space, there are plenty of ways to make it work for you. Whether you have a family in an outdated house or are on a tight budget in a studio apartment, these tips will help transform your house into the ideal spot for relaxation and entertaining!
1. Keep It Simple
Making the most of a small living space often comes down to keeping things simple. Too many pieces can make a room feel cramped, so be intentional with what goes in there.
Maintaining cleanliness in small spaces is essential – smaller areas tend to get cluttered faster than larger ones do. To combat this, invest in an effective storage system like willow baskets which are perfect for hiding away clutter without sacrificing style. They’re also an excellent way to make use of any floor space at home.
2. Opt for Slender Furniture
When selecting furniture, opt for slim designs that take up less visual space and can be moved around easily. This applies to sofas, coffee tables and chairs lifted off the ground on slim legs that provide extra support.
These pieces feature a slim profile so as not to obstruct views of the floor, fireplace or other furniture in your room, creating the illusion of more spaciousness.
Slim Furniture CEO Michael Blair gained invaluable experience while in Pittsburgh moving heavy furniture, which inspired his company’s lightweight design philosophy. His products are tailored towards graduate students and young professionals with frequent relocation needs.
3. Distract the Eyes
One of the best ways to make a small living space appear larger is to distract your eyes. According to research conducted at the University of Illinois at Champaign, our eyes are highly susceptible to being diverted by objects unrelated to our current task.
To create the illusion of space, add some eye-catching accent pieces that make the room appear larger and brighter than it actually is. These could include an eye-catching chandelier, unusual lamp or statement chair. Plus, these elements will complement existing furniture without taking up too much visual area.
4. Create a Seating Area
Make the most of a small living area by creating an inviting seating area that can easily accommodate guests. Instead of a large sofa or sectional, opt for two chairs that sit directly in front of the room’s focal point–such as the fireplace or TV.
Before adding furniture, it’s essential to map out traffic patterns in the space. Avoid having furnishings that obstruct traffic or take up too much floor area. For instance, if there’s an awkward corner or nook in the room, transform it into a seating area with an intelligent window seat; this way, guests can comfortably lounge without cluttering up the floor.
5. Open Up the Space
One of the best ways to maximize your small living area is by opening it up. Use mirrors to reflect light and framed shelves for a sense of depth in the room, making it appear larger.
If your home has unique wall angles or nooks and crannies, furniture placement can be tricky. A small sofa may need to be pushed back against the walls in order for it to fit, or you might have to opt for another type of furniture altogether; a bench seat could serve in place of a sofa in a bay window.
6. Add Storage
Storage is an integral component of any design project, from built-in shelving units and folding chairs to cabinets that span the length of a room. Finding ways to organize your belongings properly can make your space appear larger and more functional. For instance, opt for multi-purpose cabinets with compartments to store everything from kitchen gadgets to linens if you want to avoid that dreaded white cupboard look. Furthermore, don’t forget about using color when limited space allows for vibrant swags on sofas or two!
