Small spaces don’t mean few possessions, and there are many ways to prove this.
Although it can be considerably more challenging to make the most of the limited square footage in tiny apartments or compact homes, it’s nowhere near impossible.
In fact, with the right plan and well-thought-out techniques, you’ll undoubtedly create a functional and stylish space that doesn’t seem cramped or cluttered. To help you, we’ll explore ways to maximize your space and discuss less-known design tips that will make any room feel larger.
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6 Ways to Maximize Small Spaces
Whether you’re looking to decorate a small apartment or create a functional workspace in a tiny room, these tips and tricks will completely transform your living quarters.
Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
If you have less room and storage space to work with, it’s likely time to part with some belongings.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should throw out your family heirlooms. On the contrary, focus on letting go of items you don’t use anymore, such as duplicate possessions, old household nuts and bolts, clothes you never wear, or anything that doesn’t spark joy, as Marie Kondo would suggest.
Ultimately, the goal is to create space for items that are important to you and serve a daily purpose.
Make Use of Vertical Space
When you’re struggling with decorating a small room, look up!
Sometimes, the best way to make a room seem larger is by maximizing vertical space and tapping into those empty walls. There is a myriad of ways to do so, including hanging up:
- Paintings
- Shelves
- Photo galleries
- Lights
- Book racks
- Wall organizers
- Chalkboards
And if you’re feeling courageous, embrace the green and adorn your living space with a luscious artificial green wall or vertical garden. Not only will you invite nature inside your small (but mighty) apartment, but you’ll also bypass time-consuming upkeep.
Organize Storage Spaces
Small apartments usually come with little storage space, which means you’ll have to think of clever ideas to get the best out of every nook and cranny. To do so, opt for storage containers like bins and baskets to keep everything in one place.
After grouping your belongings into separate (preferably labeled) baskets, you can better utilize the space you have. For example, keep your office supplies in one bin, all cleaning supplies in another, and all kitchen gadgets in another. As a result, it’ll be easier for you to find what you need when you need it.
Do Double Duty
Here’s where you can get creative – invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes. By doing so, your cube table can also be a seat, while your sofa can also function as a guest bed.
Since tiny living has graduated to the mainstream, interior designers have come up with a million and one ways to include multifunctional pieces that can be tucked away when not in use. For example, install a hideaway desk into your bookcase or use the headboards on your bed as additional storage.
If not, you can add cabinets under your stairs! Simple, yet effective.
Create the Illusion of More Space
Sometimes, you might be completely strapped for an idea and unable to create the space you need. In such cases, settle for creating the illusion of more space. With this in mind, incorporate clear or reflective materials into your design, like lacquered walls or glossy tiles that will cause the light to bounce and trick the eye into thinking the room is more spacious than it is.
Another classic trick is to prop mirrors in your rooms. This has been shown to add depth to the space since it doubles as a reflective surface. Otherwise, you can influence spatial perception by:
- Using bright lighting
- Marking separate areas with rugs
- Incorporating vertical lines
Get Creative with Kitchen Storage
It’s no secret that the kitchen often carries the most clutter. As a result, it’s not unusual for it to look disheveled and cramped after a family dinner. But if you brainstorm ways to effectively organize your kitchen storage, you won’t have to worry about making an unnecessary mess with every meal.
Some clever tips to help you declutter and arrange your kitchen include:
- Investing in pullout cabinets
- Adding islands on wheels
- Installing racks and hooks to store pots, pans, and utensils
- Storing plates or cutting boards on the backs of cabinet doors
- Hanging up magnetic knife holders
- Choosing compact appliances
Takeaway
As you can see, it’s possible to effectively utilize small spaces and find storage for all of your precious belongings.
We hope to empower you to take control of your storage space and make the most of what you have. Let your creativity shine and revel in the fruits of your imagination!