8 Ways to Make the Most Out of a Small Living Space

Some people equate a fancy car and a gigantic house to a great lifestyle. However, living large isn’t ideal for a lot of people – and it certainly isn’t realistic for the majority. From lower energy costs and fewer upkeep worries, smaller homes can be much more efficient to run. Not to mention, a smaller living space is easier to organize than an oversized property, and with a few clever interior design techniques, you can even create the illusion of more space. Here are a few pointers to help you make the most out of a compact home.

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Declutter the Home

Small living spaces are easy to keep neat and tidy, so long as you keep on top of everything that is. A compact home can feel much more cramped if it is filled to the brim with unnecessary items. From rarely-used household appliances to useless bric-a-brac, it is a good idea to go through your belongings and have a clear out every now and then. By decluttering your house, you can identify the items that you still have use for and the items that belong in the bin. Make sure you go through that kitchen cupboard filled with tinned food nearing its sell-by date and the miscellaneous drawer full of used batteries, plasters, and manuals for appliances you no longer own.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Once you have had a major clear-out, you may find that you want to keep certain items, such as the stand mixer you use for special occasions or the set of chairs that are great for when you host a party. For an aesthetically pleasing home, try to keep these items out of sight by tucking them neatly away in a storage area, such as a designated kitchen cupboard or unused attic. Out-of-season clothing and bulky sports gear can be stowed away in an attractive Ottoman or under the bed.

Efficient 2-in-1 Furniture

In addition to keeping unused items out of sight, efficient multi-purpose furniture can also help you make the most out of your space. Clever space-saving ideas include nifty console tables that can be used as a coffee table or extended to accommodate up to eight people for dinner and foldable desk stations for home offices.

Asymmetrical Interior Design

When it comes to interior design, it is a natural instinct for many people to keep things symmetrical. It is pleasing to the eye, but it can make a space feel compact and small. Try to keep your interior asymmetrical by paying attention to how you decorate each room. Create an aesthetically pleasing design by differentiating table and lamp levels, and add interest to bedrooms and living rooms with cushions that vary in size.

An Illusion of Space

Create an illusion of space by decorating your rooms with reflective surfaces. Elongated mirrors can add depth to a small room, while furniture with reflective surfaces, such as a mirrored side table, can help add another dimension. Framed mirrors not only help maximize the illusion of space in a room, they also serve a functional purpose too. A large mirror in the foyer can give the impression of a bigger space.

Make the Most of Natural Light

Natural light can help open up a compact area and make it appear more spacious. If you are blessed with a home that lets in natural light, make the most of it with the right window treatments. Light-colored curtains and linen blinds are great for letting in the light on sunny days.

Rearrange Rooms

Sometimes, all you need to revamp a room and make it look larger is to rearrange the furniture. The arrangement of a room can severely impact the size. Rearranging your furnishings can help you maximize your floor space and give you more room to move. Try to create open pathways and place large furniture along a wall. In addition, the size of your furniture can make a huge difference. Your furniture should match the size of the room, and try to keep the amount of furniture per room to a minimum.

Central Heating

It might seem odd, but using central heating instead of external heat sources can make a significant impact to a room. External appliances, such as space heaters, are often bulky and need to be plugged into an outlet to get energy. These appliances are often an eyesore, they make a room appear more cluttered, and they can become a serious trip hazard too. By getting rid of these appliances and using central heating, you can open up the floor space. When used properly, central heating can help maintain the temperature of your home and keep you comfortable. Not to mention, you can decorate your radiators with covers that can be used as extra shelf space.