Choose Multipurpose Furniture
Ottomans that open for storage, coffee tables with hidden compartments, beds with storage drawers underneath – multipurpose furniture is key for small spaces. Look for pieces that serve multiple needs to cut down on clutter.
Incorporate Floating Shelves
Installing floating shelves on walls and half-walls is a great way to display photos, art, books, and accessories without taking up valuable floor space. Floating shelves can also help zone spaces in an open concept home.
Use Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Wall mount as many fixtures as possible – lighting, TVs, overhead cabinets. This keeps visually “heavy” objects from weighing down a room. Wall-mounted fixtures also open up floor and counter space.
Choose Glass/Acrylic Furniture
Glass or acrylic chairs, coffee and side tables take up less visual space than wood or metal options. Lucite shelves also give a sense of openness along walls. Just be sure glass furniture has some metallic accents so it doesn’t disappear.
Install Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors visually double spaces, letting more light bounce around. Hang a statement mirror opposite windows or place a leaner along hallways. Just avoid mirror overload, which can seem chaotic.
Keep Sightlines Clear
Arrange furniture to keep sightlines open from the entryway through the main living spaces. This makes a small home feel more expansive. Avoid cluttering up zones or blocking sightlines with furniture.
Zone with Area Rugs
Use area rugs to designate spaces in open concept homes. Pay attention to rug size – a rug too small for a space can make the room seem chopped up. Anchor sitting areas with a rug sized to fit all legs of furniture atop it.
Use Sliding & Pocket Doors
Doors that slide or tuck into the walls are space-savers, especially in a small hallway or room entrances. Make sure they slide smoothly and have high quality hardware for the doors to operate properly long-term.
Install Vertical Storage
Vertical storage along staircases, hallways, and other “awkward” nooks maximizes square footage. Try slide-out drawers in lower cabinets, tall shelving units, or even wall rails with S-hooks for hanging.
Go Minimalist
Stick to only essential furniture in small spaces. Multipurpose and small-scale options do double duty. Edit down to key, loved decorative accessories for a clutter-free look.
Paint Ceilings Light Colors
Painting ceilings white or very light colors makes rooms feel airier and taller. This helps balance low ceilings in a small room. Use color on accent walls instead of ceilings to avoid closing in a space.
Let In Natural Light
Maximize every source of natural light with large windows, skylights, and glass doors (safety permitting). Keep window treatments light and airy. Mirrors and reflective metallics also bounce light around. Proper lighting helps a small home feel bright and expansive.
By incorporating these design details throughout your home, you can maximize functionality and maintain an open, uncluttered look in your compact space. Small spaces don’t have to feel cramped – a few strategic choices give the illusion of a larger area. Focus on multipurpose and wall-mounted furniture, glass materials, properly sized rugs, and plenty of natural light. With smart design, you can live large in a small home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maximizing Small Spaces
Q: What paint colors make small rooms look bigger?
A: Light, neutral paint colors like off-whites, soft grays, and pale blues or greens help make small rooms feel more spacious and airy. Avoid dark, saturated colors, which can make a compact room feel closed in.
Q: Should I get big furniture or small furniture for a small space?
A: The best furniture for small spaces is multifunctional and the proper scale. Look for streamlined silhouettes and furniture that serves more than one purpose, like ottomans with storage inside. Make sure pieces aren’t too large or bulky for the room.
Q: How can I decorate a small apartment stylishly?
A: Use furnishings sparingly in a small apartment, opting for quality over quantity. Floating shelves, slim console tables, acrylic chairs, and multifunctional furniture keep the space streamlined. Add style with art, pillows, throws, and greenery rather than clutter.
Q: What are some small space storage solutions?
A: Creative storage solutions like wall-mounted bins and rails in dead space, multi-functional ottomans, under-bed drawers, over-the-door organizers, and slim shelves all maximize every inch. Edit frequently used items down to essentials.
Q: Should I get a sectional or individual seats for a small living room?
A: Sectionals can work well and maximize seating in a compact living room. Opt for a tighter sectional with chaise rather than a giant “L” shape. Or do two slim armchairs and a narrow sofa facing each other instead of a sectional to keep the space feeling open.
Q: How do I make a small bathroom look bigger?
A: Use floor-to-ceiling glass doors on the shower, floating vanities, wall-mounted fixtures, and light colors on the walls. A rectangular under-mount sink provides more counter space than a round vessel sink. Large tile also makes a small bathroom look bigger.
Conclusion
There are many ingenious ways to maximize a small home without sacrificing comfort or style. The key is choosing the right scale furniture, taking advantage of vertical storage space, letting in ample natural light, using mirrors strategically, and keeping the space multifunctional yet clutter-free. With smart planning and design, small spaces can feel open, airy, and relaxed. The compact square footage of a home does not have to limit its livability.
