Tips for Choosing Furniture For Small Spaces

Tips for Choosing Furniture For Small Spaces

TABLE OF CONTENT

  1. Tips for Choosing Furniture For Small Spaces
  2. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
  3. Go Vertical to Maximize Space
  4. Furniture with Clean Lines
  5. Use foldable and Nesting Furniture
  6. Consider Light and Neutral Colors
  7. Utilize Mirrors
  8. Maximize Storage in Unlikely Places
  9. Pro Tips
  10. Summary

Living in small spaces does not necessarily equate to sacrificing style, comfort, or functionality. It invites one to be very creative and thoughtful in every design decision. Be it furnishing a small apartment, a studio, or a compact home, the right furniture can transform what would otherwise be a cramped area into a lovely, efficient, and functional space.

Whether through multi-functional pieces or under-the-radar storage, there are a million ways to make a small space feel spacious. Here's how to approach selecting furniture for small spaces with both aesthetics and practicality in mind.

Tips for Choosing Furniture For Small Spaces

1. Use Multi-Functional Furniture

When the space is limited, every piece of furniture has to earn its place. Multi-functional furniture is one's best friend for small-space dwellers since it can achieve double or triple duty in the same room without requiring more space than it occupies.

sofa beds

The sofa bed saves small spaces, particularly for those who frequently have people around them. It houses seating, and a comfortable bed together in one piece. Most modern sofa beds are manufactured with sleek designs that can easily be integrated into living areas.

    storage Ottomans

    Ottomans are the most versatile adornments in any room. They can be footrests, extra seats, or camouflaged storage spaces. Choose the ones with lift tops that store blankets, books, or other things you want to keep out of sight.

      extendable dining tables

      Compact-sized dining tables that can be extended when needed are ideal for small kitchens or dining areas. They provide flexibility for daily use and those special occasions when extra guests arrive.

        2. Go Vertical to Maximize Space

        Because small spaces have most of the floor area covered, height should be given more importance. Consider using your space fully by planning vertically.

        • Tall bookshelves
        Tall bookshelves

        Instead of occupying valuable floor space with furniture, look for tall, slender bookshelves that make the most of vertical space. You can fill them with books, elegant decors, or baskets for smaller items.

          • Wall-Mounted Shelving
          Wall-Mounted Shelving

          Floating shelves and wall storage save floor space and provide you with more space for decoration, display, or even storage of everyday items. A floating desk can give you a work area without occupying the space that a typical desk would take.

            • Loft Beds
            Loft Beds

            They have so much free space underneath, especially in a small bedroom, where you can fit a desk, dresser, and even a small living area. If you are looking for one try this Ashley Trinell panel bed - a perfect edition for small bedrooms. 

              3. Furniture with Clean Lines

              Choose furniture with a simple design and clean lines that won't clutter visual space. Big and bulky furniture can make a small room appear even smaller. Go for those with clean lines, light colors, and plain designs that give a feeling of openness. Avoid highly ornamented, heavyweight furniture that overcrowd the space.

              • Low-profile Furniture
              Low-profile Furniture

              Sofas and chairs that are lower to the ground create visual space and can capture extra room in a small space. Since these will sit low to the ground, this visually elongates the room.

                • Slim-legged furniture
                Slim-legged furniture

                Refers to when the legs are slim or tapered; mid-century modern is a big offender. It makes a space more open because a more visible floor creates a sense of openness.

                  • Transparent Furniture
                  Transparent Furniture

                  Glass and acrylic pieces are transparent furniture pieces that can be used as tables and chairs, making the room feel more airy. This is because they can allow light to pass through themselves, creating an illusion of more space without adding weight to the sight.

                    4. Use foldable and Nesting Furniture

                    Foldaway and nesting furniture are ideal solutions for cramped rooms whenever one needs to be more adaptive in using their rooms.

                    • Folding Chairs and Tables
                    Folding Chairs and Tables

                    Foldaway pieces can, when not in use, be kept away, making them ideal for homes in which each inch counts. As a good case, consider a folding dining table convenient during meal times; it would easily fold away after meals to avail more floor space.

                      • Nesting tables
                      Nesting tables

                      These are small tables that nest underneath each other. You can pull them out and push them back to save space. They work amazingly well in living rooms since they are a suitable replacement for the coffee table or side tables.

                        5. Consider Light and Neutral Colors

                        Color plays a major role in the room's feel of a room. Dark colors make a room appear smaller, while lighter, more neutral tones open up the space and make a room feel larger.

                        Consider Light and Neutral Colors
                        • Light Color Furniture: Most furniture should be in shades of light color, such as white, beige, or pastel. Such colors reflect rather than absorb light, giving the room a more airy and spacious feel.
                        • Neutral Base with Pops of Color: The primary pieces can be neutral, and adding color with accents such as cushions, throw pillows, rugs, or wall art creates an appeal. This keeps the area refreshed and doesn't overwhelm the space with too many bold elements.

                        6. Utilize Mirrors

                        One time-tested trick for making small rooms larger is to use mirrors. They reflect light and create an illusion of depth that makes the room feel more open than it actually is.

                        Utilize Mirrors
                        • Large Mirrors: Keep a large mirror opposite a window to reflect the natural light and give a feeling of a roomier space. You can lean them against a wall for added height in your room.
                        • Mirrored Furniture: Elegant in nature, mirrored furniture-such as coffee tables or even dressers-can help to create an air of depth without usurping too much visual space.

                        7. Maximize Storage in Unlikely Places

                        In tiny houses, storage is always at a premium. You'll have to be creative regarding where you can store things without adding clutter or removing your living space.

                        • Under-Bed Storage
                        Under-Bed Storage

                        Drawer beds or those having a lift-up mechanism are further storage hosts for extra linens, clothes, or shoes. Even when the bed doesn't have built-in storage, low-profile storage bins could be used to tuck items under it.

                          • Storage Benches
                          Storage Benches

                          A storage bench with hidden storage is ideal for the entryway, providing both a seating area and a place where shoes or handbags can be stored.

                            • Floating Nightstand
                            Floating Nightstand

                            A conventional nightstand may sound too bulky in a tiny bedroom. A floating nightstand mounted directly to the wall can create a small nook for a lamp and a book without using up all the available floor space.

                              Pro Tips

                              Create Zones in Open-Plan Spaces

                              In small apartments and studios, open-plan living is quite typical; that is to say, one room may serve several purposes. To avoid clutter and chaos, you should establish different zones within such spaces.

                              • Area Rugs: Rugs can divide the living area from the dining area, even when both are within the same room. The space seems fragmented and disrupts the lines of vision that create an open space.
                              • Screen or Room Divider: Smart room dividers come in handy when more privacy or separation between areas is desired. They solve the problem of using walls, which may not be needed.

                              Avoid Overcrowding the Room

                              One factor is trying to fit too much into a room. In dealing with small rooms, less really is more. It's better to identify just a few furniture pieces that are functional, appropriate for the space, and stylish.

                              • Leave Breathing Room: Leave your furniture some room to breathe. Do not push everything against the wall; sometimes, pulling furniture away will make the room feel more open.
                              • Minimalist approach: Keep decor and accessories at a minimum, as less is more in a clutter-free space. More spaces come off invitingly if you limit yourself to a few impactful pieces without overloading the room with extra decorative items.

                              Summary

                              Choosing furniture for small spaces should be focused on finding a harmony between functionality and space efficiency.

                              You can make your place stylishly comfortable with multi-functional pieces, thinking vertically, and keeping the design clean and pure. As less is more, with some thoughtful planning, even the tiniest space can easily feel like home.