While there’s no escaping the reality that small spaces tend to be small, make your small space feel as big as possible. Here are some tips to visually elongate your home to make it brighter and more open, as well as some furniture suggestions to increase your storage capacity so you don’t feel claustrophobic in your small spaces.
Furniture with multiple functions helps make the home feel less cluttered while not giving up the ability to accommodate guests.
Tables like the one shown here can provide space for one or two people to eat and can be expanded to accommodate small groups. When not in use, some models can be folded completely and tucked behind a door or leaning against a wall. Paired with a folding chair, you will save even more space.
Find a version on wheels, or add your own to easily pull the table, create a console or temporary bar cart near the entrance.
If you’re looking for something similar for your own small space, search for terms like “bifold,” “narrow dining table,” or “expandable table” to find a product that’s versatile and can be used in small spaces. Some big-box stores have new versions of this style, but if you’re looking for a retro style, the versatile pieces from the medieval period are especially suitable for compact living.
A sofa with storage is a double whammy in a small space. I’ve found that spending money on custom built-in devices provides the best results if they can, and homeowners will never regret spending money on smart storage. But if you’re looking for a DIY option, look for a sturdy shelf with a small compartment and a sturdy frame. Ideally, the shelves you choose can be upright or sideways, such as IKEA’s Expedit.
A Murphy bed or rollaway bed is one of the best ways to have your cake in a small space. For example, if you’re not willing to give up your king-size bed in a 200-square-foot space, then this will allow you to enjoy that luxury.
Another benefit of a Murphy bed is that you don’t have to lose light or ceiling height as you would with a loft bed. You can buy hardware and make your own Murphy bed, buy a ready-made bed, or even customize one. Adding embellishments to the exterior makes it feel more refined and intentional.
The “ghost” table is another great multi-purpose item. It is a desk, entryway table, bedside table, or dining table that visually disappears into the room.
Choosing repetitive horizontal lines on floors, siding, or even ceilings can make a room feel longer. Ditching rugs is another useful way to make a space feel bigger. The absence of any visual distractions on the floor creates an optical illusion that will make your space longer than it actually is.
Opting for glass French doors allows more light to enter your space, making it feel more open. They also allow as much light in as possible without having to cut into the wall to add additional windows, which is especially useful if you’re retrofitting an existing small space. There are plenty of good low-end French doors out there, or try to find some second-hand ones to keep costs down.
Lighter wall colors can keep your space open and bright, while decorating with pops of color and enriching the room with a variety of textures. One of my favorite white wall colors is Benjamin Moore’s White Diamond. It reflects light and ensures that your little abode doesn’t feel like a cave.
Painting furniture and appliances the same color as the walls (or choosing an appliance finish that is the same color as the walls) can also help the space feel bigger. Add accent colors with plants, textiles, and accessories.
Placing a cutting board (or a sample of marble tiles like the one I did here) on the sink when you’re not using it creates an extra cutting and prep surface – another great space-saving tip.
Keep extending your storage space to the wall to create more space without taking up valuable square footage. Choosing an attractive version of a staple, such as a container or teapot, allows you to keep these items in the open air, saving you extra storage space.
Extend your indoor space to the outdoors and make your small spaces feel more spacious and less restrictive. Add extra seats, accessories, artwork, plants, and anything else to entice you and your guests out. Having a space, even a small balcony for one person, and having a cup of tea in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening is something you will never take for granted.
