Living in a small home can be cozy and inviting. But it can also be difficult to store all your belongings when space is limited. Most people don’t think twice about how to make the most out of a small home, but knowing some strategies can help you maximize its potential. If you’re living in a small home, here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your available space.
1. Go Upward
When dealing with limited square footage, think vertically. You can use wall-mounted shelves or cubbies to take advantage of vertical storage. Not only will this help you save space, but it can also open up more floor area so that your home feels less cramped. Additionally, wall-mounted shelves make it easy to access items without digging through drawers or cabinets.
You can also use tall furniture to provide storage and make the most of your vertical space. Look for pieces that come with shelves or extra drawers to maximize your storage potential. These pieces of furniture also provide an excellent opportunity to add a decorative touch to your home. If you can’t find furniture with built-in storage, you can always add it yourself.
2. Invest In Smart Solutions
Increasingly, companies are creating innovative products specifically designed for smaller homes. For example, collapsible furniture pieces that can be used when needed and tucked away when not in use are perfect for saving space while still providing function and comfort in the home. There are also now stackable washers and dryers on the market that take up only half the room of traditional models – perfect if laundry is done in a closet or small alcove!
But there are also more traditional solutions that can help you make the most of a small space. For one, replacing your doors with interior barn doors is a great way to maximize your interior space and make openings look larger. They give any room a rustic charm and save a ton of space since they don’t swing out into the room like traditional doors. You can also opt for sliding wardrobe doors instead of hinged ones to save room.
3. Get Creative With Multifunctional Furniture
Your furniture doesn’t have to just serve one purpose – look for pieces that do double or triple duty. An ottoman with hidden storage inside or a coffee table with extra shelving underneath is a great example. This way, you can store things like books and magazines without too much room. You could even find an entertainment center that doubles as an armoire for clothes or linens!
Many furniture stores also have pieces you can convert from one purpose to another. For instance, a dining room table could be used as a desk when not in use. Or, a futon could fold out for guests and then be tucked away when not needed. Murphy beds are another great option for saving space – when folded up, they look like a cabinet and can be used to store clothing or books.
4. Remove Any Clutter
Clutter can make any room feel smaller, so keeping your home tidy and organized is important. Set aside a few hours each week to go through your belongings and donate or discard any items you don’t need. If necessary, invest in organizing systems like shelves, drawers, and baskets to help keep everything in its place. This will not only make your home look more spacious, but it will also make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Try to declutter regularly and avoid bringing in new items unless necessary. You should also consider taking advantage of any available outdoor storage space, like sheds and garages. This can help you keep your home feeling more open and organized. Move things out of your home that you don’t use regularly.
5. Add Strategic Lighting
Proper lighting not only makes a room feel larger, but it can also add warmth and create visual interest. Hang pendant lights in the corners of each room to draw attention to the vertical space and make it feel larger. You can also use wall-mounted sconces or track lighting to create a cozy atmosphere without taking up any valuable floor space.
Mirrors are another great way to make your small home appear larger. Place them strategically around the room to create an illusion of space. You can also hang shelves with mirrors in them to draw the eye up and make a room feel bigger. But avoid cluttering the walls, as this can make the space feel cramped.
Living in a small home doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. It just means getting creative with how you utilize the available space! With advice like going upward and investing in multipurpose furnishings and smart solutions, you’ll soon find that your small home is no longer cramped but rather cozy and efficient!
