Maximzing Square Footage: Your Guide to Furnishing Small Spaces
Living small doesn't mean sacrificing style or comfort. In fact, compact living forces us to be smarter and more intentional about our furniture choices. The key is to make every square foot—and every piece of furniture—do double duty.
Here is our strategy for furnishing smaller spaces to create a home that feels open, organized, and perfectly you.
1. Choose Pieces That Can Multitask
The most critical rule in small-space design is utility. Never settle for a single-function piece if a better, more versatile option exists.
- Dining Tables: Say goodbye to awkward corners. Round dining tables are champions of small spaces because their circular shape promotes flow and allows more people to squeeze in comfortably (like our popular Orion 120cm models!). Even better, look for extendable tables that can shrink for daily use and expand quickly when guests arrive.
- Storage Furniture: Opt for coffee tables with drawers or lift-tops, or sideboards that also serve as television consoles. If it doesn't provide storage, it should provide a compelling visual effect.
- Shelving: Use vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling shelving draws the eye up, making the room feel taller, and provides essential storage without taking up precious floor area.
2. Embrace Light & Illusion
The feeling of space often comes down to visual trickery. You want to keep the eye moving and prevent the room from feeling blocked off.
- Legs are Your Friends: Choose sofas, side tables, and cabinets with exposed legs. When you can see the floor underneath the furniture, the room instantly feels lighter and more open.
- Transparent Surfaces: Glass and acrylic surfaces take up zero visual space. A glass-top side table offers a practical surface without visually cluttering the corner where it sits.
- The Power of Light Tones: While a dark color palette can be chic, light-colored walls and furniture (like natural oak or light gray upholstery) reflect light, making the room feel airier and larger.
3. Think Round, Not Sharp
When navigating a tight space, geometry matters for both safety and flow.
- Round Tables: As mentioned, round tables eliminate the hazard of sharp corners and are easier to walk around. They promote a more natural, fluid movement through a room.
- Soft Edges: Look for pieces with slightly rounded or softened edges—this simple detail makes a room feel less cluttered and more welcoming.
4. Declutter the Walls
Every surface is valuable real estate, including your walls. While vertical storage is good, resist the urge to fill every wall with art.
- Mirrors: This is the ultimate small-space hack. A large, strategically placed mirror reflects the room, instantly doubling the perceived depth and bouncing light around the space.
- Single Statement: Instead of a gallery wall, choose one large piece of art. A single focal point provides visual interest without the busy-ness of many small frames.
Furnishing a small home is a fantastic opportunity to be creative and intentional. By focusing on smart, multipurpose pieces and using light and geometry to your advantage, you can transform your compact space into a perfectly tailored and comfortable haven.