Whether you're a condo owner, empty-nester looking to downsize, or simply have a smaller room to furnish, it doesn’t mean you can’t fulfill your big design dreams. In fact, small spaces can be exciting and rewarding to decorate, allowing you to rethink the possibilities and opt for smaller scale unique pieces of furniture!
Before we dive into some specific design ideas and tips, there are some key space saving rules that apply to any room:
We’ve got more small room furniture ideas and tips to show you that just because a space is small, it doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish.
Keep in mind that the main function of a bedroom is to sleep, therefore your bed is the primary piece of furniture, with everything else fitting in around it, and only if there’s room.
Bulky bed frames are a definite no-no for small bedrooms. If you’re in the market for a new bed, consider one with drawers underneath for extra storage, or empty space for decorative bins or woven baskets that add an element of style to the room.
The Dream Bed comes in a double, queen and king and has plenty of room for storage underneath.
Most bedrooms feature the bed in the centre of the room against the wall. However, in a compact bedroom you can maximize the floor space by tucking your bed up against a wall or corner. There's no rule that says you can’t push small bedroom furniture up to a window. Blinds or curtains will block daylight, and a window offers great reading light in the mornings.
Don’t waste space with a nightstand that offers no storage. Instead, invest in a piece that has room on top, and drawers or shelves below. The Matera Nightstand can even double as a small dresser with its generous storage space.
An ottoman is naturally a multi-purpose furniture piece, acting as a comfortable spot to put your feet up, extra seating space when entertaining, and a spot for drinks or food. Go one step further in achieving multi-functional furniture and choose an ottoman with built in storage where you can stash extra sheets, blankets, books, toys - basically anything you don’t want on display.
Nesting tables are an ideal solution for small living room furniture. Neatly tucking away into a small space on a day-to-day basis, they can be expanded to provide more surface area or act as side tables when needed.
In a cramped living room, tables with large legs and bases can make the room feel cluttered. Choose compact furniture for small spaces with thin legs and skinny bases that you can tuck close to a chair or small sofa without taking up a lot of floor space. The Jenner spot table offers just enough surface area to hold a drink, a book, or a small vase of flowers.
As with many furniture items in a small living space, the coffee table should be chosen with storage in mind. Shelves and drawers under the table provide a place for books, games, remotes and more. The Vega coffee table is a perfect example of a dual purpose coffee table.
When choosing a sofa for a small living or family room, pick one with skinny arms and a tight, upholstered back, clean lines and exposed legs for the airest look. Also consider doubling-up with a cozy couch that turns into a pullout bed if you have overnight guests on a regular basis.
The Jenna sofa is compact and won’t overtake a living room with its size. It comes in a wide range of colours and fabrics to complement your decor.
If your apartment living room is simply too small for a full-sized sofa, opt for a love-seat and chair combination that you can move around to make optimal use of the room.
Small dining rooms run the risk of being overwhelmed by the dining table and chairs which will undoubtedly take up the majority of the space.
When thinking about dining tables for small spaces, consider the size and shape of the table carefully. If you entertain regularly, a small dining table can sit in the centre of the room permanently. If, however, entertaining is a rarity, consider how a square or rectangular table can be pushed against a wall or into a corner for daily use, and brought out on occasions. The Soul dining table is available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and looks equally as beautiful pushed against a wall as it does in the centre of a room.
When buying a table for a small dining room you have to take seating into consideration. Seating options like the Tubo bench below, make a great space saving alternative to chairs that can be entirely hidden away under the table, or kept in the living room or bedroom for seating.
A small dining room sideboard is functional and can look nice in other rooms or in a hallway if you need the storage provided by a sideboard.There’s no rule that it must be in the dining room. The Eclipse buffet, for example, certainly wouldn’t look out of place in a modern living room.
A bar cabinet is a non-essential when you’re tight on space, however there is an alternative that serves not only drinks, but also many purposes - the rolling cart! The beauty of rolling carts is they can go wherever they are needed, and can hold just about anything from bar supplies to an appy station in the dining room, to books or flowers in the living room, to fruit and veggies in the kitchen. Invest in a small, light-weight piece that moves easily and in a classic style that you won’t tire of.
Planning your furniture for a small room can be extremely fun and rewarding. With the right design tips and techniques, you can turn your small space into a designer’s dream. From clever storage solutions to multi-functional furniture pieces, your compact room will be completed in no time. Visit us at Home Evolution, where our design experts will show you how to live large and beautifully in your small spaces.