Tips for Living Large in Small Spaces
3 pros!
Your home may not be large or have the ideal square footage, but that doesn't mean you can’t enjoy living in it.
Small spaces don’t have to feel cramped or closed in.
Whether you live in a studio, loft, condo or single-family home, here’s how to make the most of your living space by either optimizing your square footage or creating the illusion of more space.
Keep size in mind
Resist the urge to buy oversized and overstuffed sectionals, sofas or armchairs. Bigger is not necessarily better in this case. Furniture that is too large and bulky will eat up precious square footage, making moving around your space uncomfortable and leaving you feeling boxed in.
Use multi-functional pieces
In small spaces, rooms may need to be able to accommodate multiple activities, such as sleeping, working and entertaining. Custom built-ins are a great way to maximize space and accommodate these multiple functions. Beds can appear and disappear at the push of a button. Doors can cover workstations when they aren’t in use. Drawers can provide hidden storage, minimizing clutter and keeping personal items private. If the unit is built large enough, other areas can be used to display books, art or a television. When done correctly, all this functionality can be accommodated on one wall.
Another option may be a retail wall unit that can store clothing, display books and artwork, and even provide bars or desks. Storage ottomans with casters can be wheeled in when extra seating is needed and have the ability to store items, getting rid of visual clutter. They also can double as coffee tables or nightstands.
At a glance, this room appears to be only a home office and library. (Photo courtesy of Kathryn Interiors)
With the use of built-ins, the room is transformed into a guest bedroom. (Photo courtesy of Kathryn Interiors)
Choose colors wisely
Use your wall color to visually manipulate the space, making it seem bigger than it is. Pick light colors for your walls, and reduce the contrast between the walls, furniture and objects that occupy the space.
Place mirrors
Mirrors are more than just a decorative accessory. Placing mirrors strategically in a small space will increase the perceived size of a room. Bouncing the light and reflecting images, mirrors will add dimension to any space, making them seem larger and more open. Consider floor to ceiling mirrors for narrow rooms, mirrored closet doors for bedrooms or hanging a wall mirror to enlarge a tiny entrance.
Illuminate your space
Carefully planned lighting can be used to increase the perceived dimensions of a room. People are attracted to bright lights, so spotlighting a surface or object can help to direct their attention to an area of the room. For example, lighting that illuminates the ceiling gives the appearance of it floating upward.
Dress your Windows
Hanging your draperies as close to the ceiling as possible will make rooms seem taller. By keeping your window coverings the same color as your walls, you will fool your eyes into believing that the wall is wider than it is. Stick to solid colors, but if you must have patterns, opt for fabric where the pattern is the same color as the background.
CHECK OUT: Angie's List Guide to Home Organization
Living in a small space does not have to be restrictive or feel cramped. Enjoying your home is not determined by its size. Combining some or all of the above will help you get the most out of your small space. Taking the time to carefully plan is an important part to making the most of your square footage. Square-foot-challenged spaces have resulted in some of the most interesting, creative and innovatively designed interiors.
As of April 28, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.
