How To Make The Most Of Smaller Living Spaces
Smaller homes are cozy, warm and often easier to manage than larger properties. However, it can sometimes take creativity to make them a functional space for the whole family. From arranging furniture to finding the right storage solutions, this article will share tips on making the most of smaller living spaces.
Rent A Small Storage Unit
If you live in a smaller space and need to store items, renting a small storage unit can help create more space in your home. Consider storing furniture or non-sentimental belongings that are cluttering up your home. Many storage units offer flexible monthly rates to keep your items there for as long or as short a time as you need them.
Get Creative with Your Storage
Avoid bulky storage solutions that take up space on your floor, and consider multipurpose furniture as a storage solution. Invest in coffee tables and ottomans with inner storage. Consider built-in bookshelves and floating units to maximize your floor space. Specific floating shelving units can also look artistic, allowing you to use your home's storage solutions as a design piece.
Buy A Big Rug
Using a big rug in a small space might sound counterintuitive, but a larger rug will draw the eye and make the room feel bigger. Invest in one that sits under the furniture and coffee table. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your rug and choose bold tones that make the room pop and add a splash of color.
Wall Mount Furniture Where Possible
Where possible, consider wall mounting furniture like your TV and using hanging fixtures for your pots and pans in the kitchen. Use a fold-out bed to maximize multipurpose rooms throughout the day. Floating vanity sinks can maximize space in the bathroom, and a concertina door can help expand spaces in hallways where a door would typically swing out and take up space.
Declutter Where You Can
Declutter each room in your living space, and ensure that surfaces and floor space are clear. A good way to start with decluttering is by setting up piles of items you wish to keep, throw away and recycle or donate. Work through each room in the house following this pattern until you only have the items you want to keep left. Then, review the kept items and see if you can place them in different areas of the home to maximize the floor space.
Create Open Spaces
Consider creating open spaces by using open shelves, cabinets, and exposed legs on furniture to give the room an open, cozy feel. Use light wood where possible to help the room feel lighter and brighter. Exposed furniture legs and doorless cabinets can create more of a visual element to the room, making it seem larger.
Final Thoughts
Smaller living spaces can be made into functional and cozy homes with a few simple steps. Consider hiring a small storage unit and decluttering to maximize your available floor space. Purchase a big rug to draw the eye across the room, and create open spaces by using doorless cabinets and exposed furniture legs. Wall mount your TV, sink and other furniture as much as possible, including your storage units, to create the effect of having ample floor space in your property.