Solutions for Small Spaces

In today’s modern world, many of us are living in smaller homes, apartments, and condos.  Here are a few suggestions to maximize the use of your space.  Let’s start at the front door and go from room to room.  At the entryway, if you have an open doorway leading into the living room or dining room, you can section it off with a divider, bookcase, or entry table.   For entryways with walls or partial walls, use this space to organize coats, hats, and shoes.  Add a wall-mounted coat rack with hooks and a shoe rack.   Use your vertical space to its max.

If you have a narrow hallway, lay down a runner for texture and color to create a focal point and make the space appear longer.   Add a decorative mirror or artwork or hang a large painting to make a statement. Create a welcoming scenario by pairing art with a bench, making the space inviting and functional.  Incorporate a wall hook for everyday essentials, placing it under wall art for a practical yet stylish catchall area.
Moving on to the living room.  Small living rooms require creative design to maximize both comfort and functionality.  When choosing small living room ideas, consider how decor, color, furniture, and storage can transform how the space feels for relaxing or entertaining.
A small space requires careful planning for seating, lighting, and traffic flow.   Without this attention, the room may feel cramped and uncomfortable.   No matter your budget or timeline, you can use these style tips to add storage and visual space to your living room. A common mistake is choosing an area rug that’s too small; instead, a larger rug can make the space feel less cramped.
Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as a trunk or storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table and extra seating. For seating, a sectional maximizes space in a small living room, offering ample lounging without dividing the room.  To enhance movement and style, a round coffee table makes moving easier and softens the look.   In small living rooms, even subtle changes like these can make a big difference. If you lack space for table or floor lamps, consider installing wall sconces for mood lighting. When hardwired sconces aren’t an option, try plug-in versions, and find ways to hide the cord for a cleaner look. For window treatments, hang curtains just under the ceiling instead of directly above the window frames.   Extending curtain rods slightly beyond the frames can make windows appear larger. Substantial fabric gives a more formal look, while airier sheers feel more casual.

To maximize functionality in a small bedroom, choose a daybed or Murphy bed. Add colorful throw pillows so the bed becomes a lounge during the day. A bed with drawers underneath saves space. If space is tight, mount adjustable sconces on the side walls for more lighting options. To make the room feel larger, hang a large mirror opposite a window to reflect light and views. Decorate the wall above the bed instead of a headboard and hang ceiling-height curtains to draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear taller. For energy in a narrow bedroom, use a warm accent wall. Use vertical space for greenery by placing planters at different heights in a corner or near a window. Adding wall shelves continues the room’s theme and provides display space.
In the bathroom, use over-the-toilet shelves or a cabinet. A bright, neutral color scheme helps a small bathroom sparkle. Add glass shelves for extra storage and décor. Use behind-the-door space for storage with a rack or cabinet. Select a free-standing toilet paper holder with space for extra rolls. In the shower, use a caddy or over-the-door storage for shampoo and soaps. If you’re short on towel space, use hooks instead of a bar. In unused spaces, add a ladder shelf for towels and baskets to store small items. Under-sink cabinets often have unused space; if there’s no shelf, use tiered storage to maximize it.

Lastly, in the kitchen, just remember the basics, always use behind-the-door storage.    Clear storage, along with rolling bins for your pantry, drawer organizers for utensils, and under-the-sink organizers, is a must-have.     In addition, wrap box organizers, can racks, and grocery bag holders will all help your kitchen stay organized.