Clever Furniture Solutions To Maximize Smaller Spaces
Don’t let smaller square footage limit your ability to create a comfortable and functional living space.
Home prices and rent are going up – and many are looking to downsize or move into smaller spaces to help cut down on living expenses. But with less square footage comes a limit on your ability to decorate and create a comfortable living space.
Or does it? What if there was a way to maximize your space – almost expand the feel of a room – just by being strategic with the furniture you choose?
Well, there is! With these clever furniture solutions, you can make the most out of your smaller space without sacrificing style or comfort.
Before You Buy
Before you hop online and start buying furniture to outfit your smaller pad, let’s get back to design basics.
Know Thy Space
Regardless of the size of a room, you need to make sure the furniture you choose fits the space. That means measuring everything – from the room itself to doorways, windows, and any other obstacles that might affect furniture placement. Once you know the available space, you can better plan for what unique pieces to add that best suit your style.
Where’s The Traffic?
You’ll also want to analyze the traffic flow. No piece is worth stumbling over again and again. In small spaces, the flow of movement is paramount. Consider how you move through your space daily and ensure your furniture arrangement allows for easy navigation.
Embrace Multifunctionality
When space is at a premium, each piece of furniture should earn its place. Look for items that can serve multiple purposes, a principle we at The Spalty Dog often incorporate into our designs.
Don't forget to think upwards. Utilizing vertical space can dramatically increase your storage and display options without eating into that valuable floor space.
Tip 1: Choose Multi-functional Furniture
In small spaces, furniture that serves multiple purposes is not just valuable—it's essential. After all, if you are going to use up space in your home, it should help serve a purpose beyond simply aesthetics. Here are some multi-functional furniture ideas that can transform your small space:
Sofa beds
These versatile pieces are perfect for studio apartments or guest rooms. During the day, they provide comfortable seating for relaxation or entertaining. At night, they easily transform into a bed, eliminating the need for a separate guest bed or bedroom. Look for models with built-in storage underneath for even more utility.
Extendable dining tables
Extendable dining tables embody the idea of multi-functionality. Compact for daily use yet fancy for any gathering, these tables can extend to accommodate extra spots as needed.
Nesting coffee tables
A set of nesting tables can be spread out when you need more surface area for entertaining – and can be tucked neatly together when you need more floor space.
For those who work from home, consider a wall-mounted desk that folds up into a shelf when not in use. This provides a dedicated workspace without permanently sacrificing the living area.
By incorporating multi-functional furniture, you can effectively double or even triple the utility of your space without increasing its physical size. This approach maximizes functionality and reduces clutter, as each piece serves multiple purposes.
Tip 2: Opt for Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is at a premium, the key is to think vertically. Utilizing your walls and vertical space can dramatically increase your storage capacity without cluttering your living area. At The Spalty Dog, we believe in making the most of every inch, including those often-overlooked vertical spaces. Here are some strategies to consider:
Wall-mounted shelves
These are incredibly versatile and can be used in any room:
In the living room, they provide ample storage for books, decor, and everyday items while adding visual interest to your walls.
In the kitchen, they can hold spices, cookbooks, or display favorite dishes.
In the bedroom, they can replace bedside tables, saving valuable floor space.
Tall bookcases
Bookcases offer a great way to showcase a look and feel while offering some strategic storage for smaller rooms. Plus, they offer plenty of ways to decorate! When choosing bookcases for small spaces, look for:
Narrow profiles that don't protrude too far into the room
Adjustable shelves for flexibility
Closed storage options at the bottom for hiding clutter
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets
Custom-built floor-to-ceiling storage can make use of every available inch, including those awkward spaces near the ceiling that often go unused.
Vertical gardening
For those who love plants but lack floor space, consider a vertical garden. Wall-mounted planters or hanging baskets can bring nature into your home without sacrificing precious square footage.
Utilizing vertical space maximizes storage and draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of a larger room. This visual trick can make your space feel more open and airy.
Tip 3: Select Lightweight and Flexible Furniture
In small spaces, easily rearranging your furniture is crucial for adapting to different needs and activities. Here's how to incorporate lightweight and flexible furniture into your space:
Lightweight materials: Consider furniture made from lighter wood or materials that maintain durability without excessive weight. Our Florence coffee table is a perfect example of balancing strength with maneuverability.
Furniture with wheels: Pieces like rolling kitchen islands or mobile bar carts can be moved easily to create space when needed.
Stackable chairs: These can be used for dining or extra seating when guests visit, then stacked and stored in a closet or corner when not in use.
Folding or collapsible furniture: Items like folding chairs, tables, or even Murphy-style desks can be stored flat against a wall or in a closet when not needed.
Remember, the goal is to create a space that can transform based on your needs. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, working from home, or just relaxing, your furniture should be able to adapt with minimal effort.
Tip 4: Use Mirrors and Light Colors to Create the Illusion of Space
The strategic use of mirrors and color can dramatically affect the perceived size of your space. Here's how to implement these visual tricks effectively:
Mirrors
Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and create the illusion of another window.
Use mirrored furniture, like a coffee table or cabinet doors, to reflect light and make the room feel more open.
Consider a gallery wall of smaller mirrors for a decorative touch that also expands the space visually.
Light colors
Our Florence Collection often features lighter wood tones and finishes, which can help brighten a space.
Paint walls in light, neutral tones to create a sense of openness. Consider a monochromatic color scheme for a seamless look.
Use light-colored upholstery and curtains to maintain the bright, airy feel.
Lighting
Incorporate multiple light sources at different heights to eliminate shadows and create a sense of depth.
Use sheer curtains or blinds to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy.
Glass and lucite
Consider glass-topped tables or lucite chairs to maintain visual openness.
These techniques can significantly impact the perceived size of your space without altering its physical dimensions, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere.
Tip 5: Invest in Custom-built or Modular Furniture
Sometimes, the most efficient solution for a small space is furniture tailored to fit perfectly. At The Spalty Dog, we specialize in creating custom pieces that maximize functionality while adhering to our mid-century design aesthetic. But whether you opt for a custom piece or a modular option, you can make the best use of your smaller spaces.
Custom-built pieces
Built-in shelving units that utilize odd corners or awkward spaces
Custom-sized dining tables that fit perfectly in your eating area
Bespoke storage solutions that make use of every available inch
Modular systems
Shelving units that can be reconfigured as your needs change
Sectional sofas that can be arranged in multiple configurations
Modular closet systems that adapt to your changing storage needs
While custom solutions might require a higher initial investment, they often provide the most efficient use of space and can be designed to grow with you as your needs change.
At The Spalty Dog, we work closely with our clients to understand their space, lifestyle, and design preferences, ensuring that each custom piece fits perfectly and enhances their daily living experience.
Your Smaller Space Can Make A Big Statement
At The Spalty Dog, we understand the unique challenges of furnishing small spaces. Our Florence Collection and custom furniture options are designed with these principles, offering mid-century-inspired pieces that blend form and function.
Remember, furnishing a small space isn't about sacrificing style or comfort. It's about making intentional choices that reflect your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences while maximizing every square inch.
Whether you're furnishing a compact urban apartment or making the most of a small room, these strategies can help you achieve a harmonious balance between functionality and style.
At The Spalty Dog, we're not just selling furniture; we're offering an experience that resonates with our dedication to excellence. Let us help you turn your small space into a big statement.