Small Space Living: 10 Essential Pieces of Furniture for Compact Spaces
When full-size furniture would just overwhelm your small room, try one of these alternatives instead
In a compact space, choosing just-right furnishings can make all the difference between your home feeling cramped or comfortable. From practically invisible acrylic chairs to shelving that is flexible with the needs of your space, these 10 furniture pieces should be on any small-space-dweller’s must-have list.
Choose flexible shelving
Instead of selecting the largest possible shelving unit to fit your space, consider having a few versatile cubbyhole shelves that will either stand upright or lie horizontally. A pair can sit side by side against a wall, be used in different rooms or flank a sofa, as shown here.
Discover how to style up your shelves
Instead of selecting the largest possible shelving unit to fit your space, consider having a few versatile cubbyhole shelves that will either stand upright or lie horizontally. A pair can sit side by side against a wall, be used in different rooms or flank a sofa, as shown here.
Discover how to style up your shelves
Stack up stools
Just because you don’t have space for bulky armchairs and a giant sofa doesn’t mean you won’t have a need for ample seating. One solution is to tuck a stack of stools in a corner – when extra guests pop by, you’ll have a spot for everyone.
Just because you don’t have space for bulky armchairs and a giant sofa doesn’t mean you won’t have a need for ample seating. One solution is to tuck a stack of stools in a corner – when extra guests pop by, you’ll have a spot for everyone.
Double-up your surfaces
Shorter stacking stools, like those seen here, are even more versatile than tall versions in compact rooms as they can be used as handy side tables as well as extra seats.
Discover more ideas for compact living
Shorter stacking stools, like those seen here, are even more versatile than tall versions in compact rooms as they can be used as handy side tables as well as extra seats.
Discover more ideas for compact living
Reflect the room
If you’re going to buy just a few items to make the most of your small space, a large mirror should definitely top your list. Hanging an oversized design instantly makes a small room feel bigger and brighter. Position it opposite a window for maximum light-boosting power.
If you’re going to buy just a few items to make the most of your small space, a large mirror should definitely top your list. Hanging an oversized design instantly makes a small room feel bigger and brighter. Position it opposite a window for maximum light-boosting power.
Line them up
To get the look of one large mirror without spending a fortune, pick up two or three simple full-length mirrors and hang them side by side. For a more eclectic look, browse junk shops for a mix of vintage designs and create your own striking feature wall.
To get the look of one large mirror without spending a fortune, pick up two or three simple full-length mirrors and hang them side by side. For a more eclectic look, browse junk shops for a mix of vintage designs and create your own striking feature wall.
Go small scale
Large armchairs may be great for curling up in, but they also take up lots of floor space. In a compact living room, choose upright chairs, like the barrel designs shown here. And if you move into a larger space in the future, a pair will create stylish extra seating around a coffee table, make great bedroom chairs or can be used to flank a console table in a hallway.
Large armchairs may be great for curling up in, but they also take up lots of floor space. In a compact living room, choose upright chairs, like the barrel designs shown here. And if you move into a larger space in the future, a pair will create stylish extra seating around a coffee table, make great bedroom chairs or can be used to flank a console table in a hallway.
Slip in a mini sofa
A snug love seat or sofa makes for cosy seating and gives you a place to stretch out when you are on your own, without the bulk of a full-size design. In a larger space, a small sofa can also sit nicely in your hallway, pulled up to a dining table or at the foot of a bed.
Find out how to maximise storage space in small bedrooms
A snug love seat or sofa makes for cosy seating and gives you a place to stretch out when you are on your own, without the bulk of a full-size design. In a larger space, a small sofa can also sit nicely in your hallway, pulled up to a dining table or at the foot of a bed.
Find out how to maximise storage space in small bedrooms
Make it work
It can be a dining table, a desk, even a bedside table - in fact, there’s not much this versatile design can’t do. The sleek shape and streamlined modern look makes it an especially good choice for studio apartments, where you need your table to multi-task.
It can be a dining table, a desk, even a bedside table - in fact, there’s not much this versatile design can’t do. The sleek shape and streamlined modern look makes it an especially good choice for studio apartments, where you need your table to multi-task.
Tuck under
A bench is a smart choice for extra seating in a compact dining area since it can be moved out of the way under the table, as it is here, when not in use. You can also use it to double up as a coffee table, and call it into service as extra seating when guests outnumber your chairs.
A bench is a smart choice for extra seating in a compact dining area since it can be moved out of the way under the table, as it is here, when not in use. You can also use it to double up as a coffee table, and call it into service as extra seating when guests outnumber your chairs.
Go for unobtrusive
Anything made of clear acrylic, from coffee tables to dining chairs, is an excellent choice for small spaces. The transparent nature of the material means your furniture will ‘disappear’ and create a light, quirky feel. And it’s a look that’s super stylish, too. An acrylic chair is especially useful, since it can slip in just about anywhere, from the living room to the bedroom and the study.
Poufs
Whether you choose Moroccan-style leather, rustic burlap or seagrass, poufs are a must for any small home. Use them as footstools, extra seats or side tables (just top with a tray).
TELL US…
Do you live in a small space – and how do you make your furniture work for you? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Anything made of clear acrylic, from coffee tables to dining chairs, is an excellent choice for small spaces. The transparent nature of the material means your furniture will ‘disappear’ and create a light, quirky feel. And it’s a look that’s super stylish, too. An acrylic chair is especially useful, since it can slip in just about anywhere, from the living room to the bedroom and the study.
Poufs
Whether you choose Moroccan-style leather, rustic burlap or seagrass, poufs are a must for any small home. Use them as footstools, extra seats or side tables (just top with a tray).
TELL US…
Do you live in a small space – and how do you make your furniture work for you? Share your tips in the Comments below.
A round dining table with a slender pedestal base tucks into smaller spaces with ease. The round edge means there’ll be no more bumping into sharp corners, and the (nearly) leg-free base makes it easier to squeeze one more friend around the table.