When it comes to living in a small space, making the most of what you have is key. Although limited in square footage or floor space, having a small space does not mean having to sacrifice style and comfort. With the right tools and strategies, your home can be transformed into a cozy retreat with enough room and even extra space.
Every decision, from what furniture to buy, how to arrange it and even what colours to use, will be filtered through the lens of small-space living.
Fortunately, the beauty of creative freedom and the power of the Internet means that no matter how small your living room is, there are plenty of small living room ideas and layouts out there that will be the perfect solution on how to save space.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your tiny abode:
Don’t be afraid to invest in smaller furniture pieces. Opting for one large couch or a two seater sofa instead of large sectional sofas might seem counterintuitive, but it can open up your valuable floor space and provide more room to move around.
Going to a flea market or thrift store and finding pieces that can serve multiple purposes is an excellent way to maximise your space, create extra seating and achieve a charming living room.
A trunk, for example, can be used as a coffee table and storage area for blankets and pillows. Look for furniture that can fold up, be stored in a closet or moved around easily.
This will allow you to transform your living space quickly as needed and make the most of that precious floor space.
Make use of all the vertical space in your home by adding shelves, pegboard and other wall-mounted storage solutions.
This is a great way to declutter while also keeping items off the floor, giving you a compact living room and you more room to walk around.
Corners are often overlooked, but they can be a great opportunity to add extra storage space or seating without taking up too much floor space. Look for corner shelves, tables, and chairs that fit perfectly into the area.
Light colours or natural tones make rooms appear larger, so opt for pale shades of white, beige and blue for your wall colour and skirting boards.
This also applies to furniture – light coloured sofas, chairs and tables make a room appear brighter and more open.
Neutral tones are great for making a statement in any small room.
Choose colors that you love and use them to highlight features or draw attention away from less desirable elements of the space.
Houseplants are an excellent way to make your small space appear more vibrant and inviting.
Not only will they help purify the air, but they’ll also bring a touch of nature into your home – plus, they require minimal care!
Mirrors are an excellent tool for bounce light and creating the illusion of spaciousness in any room.
Try hanging one on an empty wall or door to create the impression of a larger living space.
Natural light can make any room seem larger and airier, so keep window treatments open during the day to let in as much natural light as possible. Large windows and natural light can make a small room look bigger and more open.
To truly make the most of your small living space, get creative with what you have in that one room.
Consider installing cubby shelves or curtains to divide up sections of a room and provide privacy.
Installing curtain rods higher than the window frame creates the illusion of a larger space by drawing the eye upward and increased ceiling height.
This also helps to reflect more natural light into your home, brightening up any room.
Area rugs are great for breaking up an open floor plan and creating separate living spaces without taking up too much real estate.
Wall art adds colour and personality to any living space, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Try using a gallery wall or floating shelves to create a unique and eye-catching, focal point display - Where possible utilise the whole wall.
Decorating a tiny space is all about arranging things artfully in order to create the illusion of more space or to avoid cramped spaces.
Make use of furniture placement and accessories to draw the eye away from the walls and toward a larger area of the room.
Let go of anything that does not serve a purpose or add to your living space in a meaningful way. A minimalist approach to decorating will make any small room appear more spacious and inviting.
Quality furniture is key when it comes to making the most of a small space. Choose furniture pieces that are durable yet stylish from smaller sofas, side tables, Tv stand, floor lamps, to coffee tables, and try to avoid bulky furniture that will take up too much room.
Dual-purpose items such as ottomans with hidden storage or a sofa bed can help you make the most of your living space and remove visual clutter.
Look for pieces that can multitask and serve multiple functions.
Making the most of a small space is all about experimentation. Try moving furniture around to fit neatly, adding different accents, and experimenting with colors until you find something that works for your living space and doesn't make the room feel smaller.
To make the most of a small space and to create space, it’s important to keep your storage solutions organised and accessible in any tight spots or tiny room.
Try using baskets and bins to store items out in the open, or consider investing in an over-the-door shoe organiser for extra closet storage.
Making the most of a small space is all about thinking outside of the box and using what you have in new and unexpected ways.
Don’t be afraid to get creative in arranging furniture and look for unique solutions to make the most of your living space.
Hope this helps! :)
We hope that these tips have given you ideas on how to maximise your small space and create a functional, comfortable home.
Remember, making the most of a small space is all about being creative and exploring different options that make use of what you already have. Have fun with it! Good luck!
