A small space can seem to be an unsolvable challenge. There are ways that you can work with your home and adapt to the space to suit your needs.
If the furniture in a room isn’t arranged properly, it can really put a damper on a small space. You don’t want your furniture to be so far apart in a room, that people can’t carry on a conversation, but you also don’t want the room to appear cramped.
In the living room, for example, you’re going to want to keep some open space but also have a strategy to arranging the furniture to set it up for company and space. This means that you need to pull furniture away from the walls. This will create more depth for the room, without adding anything. Also, don’t fill any room with too much furniture. If a room feels stuffy, see what pieces of furniture aren't essential and take them out.
If a small room has large pieces of solid color on the wall open, you’ll have the freedom to add patterns if you want. This also gives the room the illusion that it’s larger and has more open space available.
It may seem strange to place a bed in front of a window, but in many small bedrooms, this is your only option to give you space for both furniture and a bed. The bed actually becomes the focal point of the room when you arrange it this way.
There are a few pieces that you may not even think belong in your living room that actually can help you to maximize the space. Instead of a sofa, for example, get a love seat. There are even pull-out versions of love seats that can accommodate overnight guests. Now, you’re saving space with a purpose.
An armoire is typically thought of as being in the bedroom for clothing storage. You can use an armoire to hide things like games, liquor and bar tools, or even books. This can help you to hide things, reducing clutter, creating the illusion of more space in the room. There are dozens of other great pieces that save space and serve a purpose in a living room. These include sofa tables and side tables.
In small rooms, the most important thing to remember is that simple is best. You don’t want much beyond the essentials. If you get creative with the space, you’ll be able to make the most of every inch that you have to work with.
Closet space is one thing that you never seem to have enough of. Especially is you live in a smaller or older home.
If your belongings are spilling out everywhere, then you most likely need a closet makeover. Some planning and a few changes will net you some prime storage real estate and help you finally get organized.
Think vertically
Stand in your closet and look up. If you see empty space, you have an opportunity to take advantage of it with hanging racks, pegs or hooks.
Use adjustable shelving
Why use a tall shelf when a shorter one will do just fine? When you have shelves that you can customize, you might be able to salvage enough wall space for a whole new shelf.
Separate the seasons
If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, you may be able to split your wardrobe and store items in another location when you're not using them.
Declutter and purge
If you don't have enough room, something may have to go. Just think of it this way, if you haven't used that bowling ball, pair of mittens or electric blanket in a while, it may be time to share the bounty by donating to Goodwill or your local shelter. Someone will benefit from your generosity, and you can console yourself with the tax write-off.
Go with baskets
Wicker baskets are an inspired storage solution that will corral your small items and organize your larger ones. They'll streamline your shelves and liberate your floor space, too. If you don't remember the color of the carpet in your closet and your shelves are prone to occasional accessory avalanches, baskets will save the day.
Organize
You knew this part was inevitable: having to pull everything out, sort it into piles and put stuff into some logical order. Organization will help you maximize a small closet by encouraging you to keep like items together.
Shoe Storage
Over the door, on the floor, on hangers or under the bed, shoe racks can be lifesavers. Properly stored shoes will look better longer and you won't be wasting time with one shoe in your hand and the other, well, who knows where.
Specialized hangers
When you use creative hanger solutions, like tiered hangers that let you stack clothes conveniently, you can sometimes double or even triple your useful space.