When you have a small home, you need to make the most of every square inch. This means looking for furniture that combines form and function, style and practicality. That way, you can have a home that really works—you have what you need, but you are also instantly relaxed by the cozy and appealing surroundings. Here are some tips for buying furniture that will do just that.
Buy ‘tall’ pieces
Tall cabinets or shelves take very minimal floor space but give you plenty of space for books, frames and other décor. Consider custom-made cabinets so you can fit your pieces (like an antique vase for your living room, or speakers in your home entertainment center). A gorgeous finish or details make the cabinets a design item in itself.
Make the most of walls
Shelves and wall-mounted cabinets can hold items without taking any extra floor space. These are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. But for convenience, keep frequently used items within easy reach, saving the higher shelves for things that you only use once in a while.
Look for double-duty items
Get coffee tables that have built in drawers or shelves, or room dividers that can also hold pictures. Other great options are bed frames that can hold books in the headboard, or hide extra comforters or blankets underneath.
Get stackable chairs
If you need extra chairs for guests, consider stackable chairs so they don’t take up unnecessary space. Other options are folding chairs, which can be neatly hidden in a cabinet until the need arises.
Look for retractable items
Retractable doors fold inwards instead of opening outwards. This means more space for furniture! Other great finds are tables with retractable wings (so you can expand them when you have people over for dinner) or collapsible tables built into specialty cabinets or bookshelves that can be pulled out when you want a work space.
Shop in the kids’ section
Many kids’ furniture are made for smaller rooms. This is a great section to find a dresser or desk. Many kids’ furniture come in classic designs. Don’t forget the flea market or rummage sales—you may not like the Crayola color scheme, but with a fresh coat of paint it’ll fit right into your design aesthetic.
Attach wheels to furniture
For really small spaces, it may be necessary to move furniture out of the way. For example, you want to push back the sofa so you can use your Wii Fit or to accommodate throw pillows when guests arrive. That’s when wheeled furniture come in handy. You can buy one with wheels, or try attaching one to existing furniture.
For more ideas, read our article on how to make a small room look bigger.
Photo from besthomegallery.com