5 Ways to Maximize a Small Space

Either by choice or because of financial constraints, it’s common for many people to settle into smaller floorplans, whether it’s a house out in the open country or a downtown studio apartment. Trying to furnish a small space, however, can bring its own set of challenges. It’s all too easy to go overboard and overwhelm your living quarters with clutter. But cozy doesn’t have to mean cramped. With a little ingenuity, you can transform your space into a comfortable area that doesn’t look or feel too tight. What are some things you can do to maximize your available space?

1. Opt for versatile, multi-functional pieces

When space is at a premium, it helps to think outside of the box in terms of how functional your furnishings are. Why buy two items that only serve one purpose each when you can buy one item that can serve multiple purposes and save space? Research online to gather some ideas for pieces that fit more function into less space.

Some popular multipurpose item ideas include:

• Sofas that fold out to reveal a bed, or Murphy beds (bonus points if you can also pull out something like a desk).
• Creatively-used bookshelves that can showcase and store other items like trophies or family pictures.
• Ottomans that also provide hidden storage space.

2. Use proportionally-sized furniture

The same large sofa sectional that might look good in a spacious living room might eat up the space in your studio apartment. It’s better to go for smaller pieces that fit the scale of your space. Seeking out “apartment-style” furniture pieces that feature slimmer design profiles is a good choice. If you still want to show off a few larger items, make sure that whatever you incorporate makes efficient use of space.

3. Use mirrors, light, and color to your advantage

It’s an old trick, but one that’s still widely used simply because it works. Mirrors do a great job of giving the illusion that a room is larger than it actually is. Pro tip: place a large mirror opposite a window to diffuse natural light and open up your space even more. If you have control over a room’s color scheme, choose lighter tones for walls, which make a space appear larger – white and soft neutral colors would be the safest option. However, darker floors and well-thought-out accent colors can really make a space pop.

4. Go vertical

It’s easy to forget that the square footage of a place isn’t just what your feet touch – your workable space stretches all the way to the ceiling. Incorporate the third dimension into your design plans and take advantage of your room’s vertical space. Extend things like cabinets and bookshelves all the way to the ceiling to maximize available storage space and give the illusion of a larger room. See if it’s also possible to mount larger items (like a TV or sports equipment like a bicycle) on the wall to free up floor space.

5. Use creative storage options

Perhaps one of the best ways to maximize the space you have is to be smart about how you set up storage areas. Make use of any easily accessible space under beds, sofas, or other furniture pieces. Or, as mentioned earlier, pick up functional pieces like ottomans that can also provide additional storage. This helps reduce visible clutter (a messy room looks more cramped) and utilizes space that might otherwise be unusable.

Living in a small space doesn’t have to be restrictive; it simply requires more thoughtful planning and a creative approach. When done right, you can turn your small room/apartment into a comfortable, functional dwelling that’s big on style and create a space that you and your guests can enjoy for a long time to come.

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