Making the Most of Small Living Spaces

When you live in a small house or apartment, fitting in everything you need is difficult. Trying to fit everything and make it look good is an even bigger challenge, but that’s what makes small space design so fun: Coming up with clever solutions to those obstacles makes it all the more rewarding in the end. Luckily for you, we’ve got quite a few small space tricks up our sleeves, with hacks ranging from hanging beds to hidden storage, tricks of the eye, and more. Whether you live in a studio apartment or want to get more out of a tiny room in a small house, these small space design ideas will make it feel so much larger while maintaining style.

Add a Gallery Wall

Though it may sound counterintuitive, covering a wall floor-to-ceiling can make a small space feel larger. anassortment of framed works, a large statement piece like a clock or wall planter to draw the eye up, make a space feel more expansive.

Be Resourceful

When space is limited and you don’t want to shop for new, bulky furniture, use a chair as a side table and install wall sconces to save surface space. A cheerful color is also a good idea to set a happy mood in a tiny room.

Think Vertically

By hanging subway tile vertically—rather than the more common horizontal hang can make a modestly-sized space feel both taller and more streamlined.

Shrink Your Dining Table

Small round tables aren’t just for breakfast nooks. Ditch the giant dining table and give yourself some extra space by opting for a small, round dining table instead.

Use a Day Bed

Add a day bed and watch your bedroom double in size. If you don’t have a designated guest room, this could also come in handy in your living room.

Mount Your TV

A media console is the biggest space waster in a small living room. Mount your TV on the wall or above a fireplace and you’ll regain necessary floor space.

Hide Your TV

Or, even better, hide it! Whether inside of a credenza or disguised as artwork, this design trick is perfect for anyone whose living room is always their family room, dining room, and/or more.

Do Double Duty

Pieces that can serve multiple purposes are key: Find a table that can function as a desk and dining table, get a deep sofa that can double as a guest bed, or buy cubes that serve as a coffee table and bonus seats when guests are over.

Use Mirrors

It’s the oldest design trick in the book: Mirrors will make your space feel larger, lighter, and airier. And a fun convex one like this adds a lot of personality without taking up a ton of space.

Keep It Neutral

Calm, even-toned rooms fool the eye into thinking they’re more spacious than they are. Make sure to add a variety of textures to keep the space from falling flat.

Edit Yourself

You don’t have to display everything. After all, nothing makes a room feel smaller than clutter.