12 Ways to Stretch Your Space
Borrow tips and tricks from these space-savvy homes
If you’re struggling with a lack of space, you’re certainly not the only one: Many people have to find ways to maximize their compact homes. Check out the creative ideas in these spaces, including a multitasking studio apartment, a converted train car and a treetop hideaway, and be inspired to make the most of your small space.
2. Employ a coherent palette. It can be tricky to create harmony in a space when you’re trying to squeeze in so much, particularly if different areas have different functions, as shown here. One way to zone a space while keeping it fuss-free is to choose a color palette and simply vary the tones for each zone so that they’re distinct but harmonious.
3. Go big on artwork. Never assume that your space is too small for artwork. In fact, it can visually open up a room, as this artist’s home in England proves. Imagine this space without the paintings; far from crowding it, they add depth and seem to widen the room.
The built-in lidded benches are another little trick to steal from this home — the perfect combination of seating and storage for a small space. To increase comfort, top them with thick seat cushions and plenty of pillows.
The built-in lidded benches are another little trick to steal from this home — the perfect combination of seating and storage for a small space. To increase comfort, top them with thick seat cushions and plenty of pillows.
4. Fold it away. Folding furniture can transform a teeny overcrowded space into an efficient multifunctional room. This living room converts to a comfortable bedroom thanks to a wall bed that folds down over the low-level sofa. A good-quality sofa bed would also do the trick if you’re after a more affordable and less custom solution.
The built-in mirrored closets are another space-smart takeaway from this clever studio apartment. As well as visually doubling the room, they hide loads of storage, including a compact home office.
Take a tour of this ingeniously designed studio
The built-in mirrored closets are another space-smart takeaway from this clever studio apartment. As well as visually doubling the room, they hide loads of storage, including a compact home office.
Take a tour of this ingeniously designed studio
5. Exploit your levels. A great way to gain space is to make use of all the levels in your home. Raising a bed can give you room for all sorts of things underneath.
The designers of this scheme have also made use of the sofa, with a black coffee table that can be pulled out slotted underneath, along with two white blocks for additional seating. The bed can also be folded up if extra headroom is needed.
The designers of this scheme have also made use of the sofa, with a black coffee table that can be pulled out slotted underneath, along with two white blocks for additional seating. The bed can also be folded up if extra headroom is needed.
6. Divide and store. Another idea to make a small space work for all your needs is to zone it with wall dividers. But rather than lose the space, why not do something creative and turn the divider into a piece of storage itself? Sneak in cabinets and shelves, and you’ll find you’ve added valuable surface area and managed to separate your spaces effectively.
For a smart twist — literally — the inside section of this divider pivots, and there’s a TV on one side that can be watched from the sofa or the bed!
For a smart twist — literally — the inside section of this divider pivots, and there’s a TV on one side that can be watched from the sofa or the bed!
7. Let your furniture do the talking. If you live in a small home, own many a treasured piece of furniture and are trying not to overwhelm the space, a good solution is to paint your walls white and let your belongings take center stage.
Although not many people can claim to live in a restored train car like this one, creating a white backdrop is a useful design trick that can enhance all kinds of small spaces.
Take a tour of this restored train car
Although not many people can claim to live in a restored train car like this one, creating a white backdrop is a useful design trick that can enhance all kinds of small spaces.
Take a tour of this restored train car
8. Use odd features to your advantage. You may not have a bedroom in the treetops, like this one, but there’s an important lesson to be learned from this tiny treehouse: Don’t let awkward features inhibit your ambitions.
Whether you have chunky branches, an unused fireplace or another bulky detail, give serious thought to how to position your furniture, and you’ll be sure to find a small-space solution that makes the best of the awkward feature.
Whether you have chunky branches, an unused fireplace or another bulky detail, give serious thought to how to position your furniture, and you’ll be sure to find a small-space solution that makes the best of the awkward feature.
9. Seek out salvaged materials. Tiny homes have one big benefit: They don’t need endless quantities of materials to equip them. And that’s a serious advantage if you love using remnants and recycled bits and pieces that are unlikely to come in abundant lengths.
Be inspired by this wee 18th-century building in England’s Cotswolds. Almost everything in this home is upcycled, recycled, reclaimed or handmade. The kitchen cabinet doors were salvaged from a neighbor’s barn, the counter is scaffolding planks, and the backsplash is old corrugated steel.
Tour the rest of this tiny home
Be inspired by this wee 18th-century building in England’s Cotswolds. Almost everything in this home is upcycled, recycled, reclaimed or handmade. The kitchen cabinet doors were salvaged from a neighbor’s barn, the counter is scaffolding planks, and the backsplash is old corrugated steel.
Tour the rest of this tiny home
10. Stick to the essentials. If there’s one thing a tiny space will force you to do, it’s figure out what’s really important. Think hard about what you really need and use in your home, and be strict about sticking to just those items.
Whether that means cutting out some appliances, slimming down your wardrobe or limiting your library of books, being careful about what you allow into your home will make it a much nicer space in the long run.
Whether that means cutting out some appliances, slimming down your wardrobe or limiting your library of books, being careful about what you allow into your home will make it a much nicer space in the long run.
11. Explore every angle. Unusual-shaped walls and a small footprint shouldn’t deter you from creating an interior you love. This quirky octagonal house manages to fit in the essentials and look cozy and calm at the same time.
If you have a small and awkward space and can’t work out how to configure it, it’s worth calling in a professional who can help you come up with clever ideas and bring them to life. Customizing may cost a little more, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you want to maximize your space.
Be inspired by this eco-friendly octagonal home in Wales
If you have a small and awkward space and can’t work out how to configure it, it’s worth calling in a professional who can help you come up with clever ideas and bring them to life. Customizing may cost a little more, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you want to maximize your space.
Be inspired by this eco-friendly octagonal home in Wales
12. Design a hardworking headboard. If your bedroom is tight for space, but you’re desperate to squeeze in a little desk or perhaps extra shelving, don’t overlook your headboard as a potential solution.
For just a couple of extra inches added on to the length of your bed, you’ll gain valuable space to meet some of your needs. This multitasking bed even has a trundle bed for a guest!
Tell us: How have you made your small space work for you? Share your advice and photos in the Comments below.
Browse more stories about design in small spaces
For just a couple of extra inches added on to the length of your bed, you’ll gain valuable space to meet some of your needs. This multitasking bed even has a trundle bed for a guest!
Tell us: How have you made your small space work for you? Share your advice and photos in the Comments below.
Browse more stories about design in small spaces
This peninsula unit has room for appliances on the kitchen side, as well as shelves on the back and end that hold everything from dishes and glassware to cookbooks.