How to Maximize Small Spaces in Your Home

We all know the struggle of having too much stuff, but not enough space. Most homes have a degree of clutter, and while this is completely normal, having a messy place can infringe on the peace of mind your living space is supposed to provide. If only we had unlimited storage space, many of our problems would be solved; but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Navigating small spaces in your home can be challenging, but these spots are extremely useful if you know what to do with them. 

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Fortunately, we’ve assembled 10 essential tips for organizing and decorating the small spaces around your home to maximize their functionality and style. If you want to make the most of every nook and cranny in your living area, here are a few ways to free up precious space!

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1. Utilize Fold-Down Furniture 

Installing fold-down furniture is a great way to save space in your home. By investing in one of these convertible pieces—such as a daybed—you can free up floor space when they aren’t being used. Don’t have enough space in your home for a guest room? Try a fold-out couch instead! Don’t have the room for a home office? Try a fold-down desk! These options can be tucked away or folded up when they aren’t needed, providing a more spacious living area without compromising on function or convenience.

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2. Take Advantage of Wall Space 

While many people use wall space purely for decorative purposes like hanging paintings and family photos, you can also turn this into practical storage space. Mount your TV instead of using a TV stand, swap your bulky nightstand for a floating shelf, and install racks or hooks in your kitchen to hold pots and pans. Not only does this help free up some floor space, but it can also serve as a unique decoration method! For example, if you like to collect colorful coffee mugs, you can hang them on a pegboard in your kitchen for a fun, yet functional design element.

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3. Buy Strategic Storage 

Many companies make furniture with built-in storage, perfect for tidying up small spaces! From benches to window seats to bed frames, there are various ways to tuck away clutter in any room. In addition to your living spaces, try organizing your storage spaces as well! Closets, cabinets, and drawers all tend to get cluttered, making it hard to utilize these spaces to their full potential. Use organizational tools like baskets, dividers, and labeled bins to maximize your storage space and keep things neat.

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4. Choose Multifunctional Furniture 

There’s no better way to cut down on excess furniture than to buy items that serve more than one function. A headboard can double as a bookshelf, a bed frame with built-in drawers can also be a dresser, or an ottoman can be a coffee table, a footrest, and extra seating all rolled into one. Owning less bulky furniture makes your space look more open, not to mention these dual-purpose furnishings can add style and personal flair to your home. 

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5. Create Dual-Purpose Rooms 

Take things a step further past multifunctional furniture and make your rooms dual-purpose. Many people do this already by blending their laundry room and mudroom, but there are plenty of other options, such as a dual kitchen/dining room or a combined home office/guest bedroom. Most people don’t use a formal dining room or a guest bedroom every day, so having a secondary purpose for these rooms ensures that this space doesn’t go to waste.

6. Select Smaller Furniture

Oversized furniture will quickly swallow up a small space, which is why you want to choose furnishings that are compatible with the size of your room. Space-saving items like nesting side tables or drop-leaf dining tables give you the best of both worlds for style and function. Small circular kitchen tables can also replace long rectangular tables that take up too much space.

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Reminder: always measure your space before purchasing furniture! There’s no worse feeling than buying furniture just to realize it won’t fit in your space. Do your due diligence beforehand to avoid frustration down the road. 

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7. Use Shelving

Shelving is a fantastic way to save space stylishly in any room in your home. Install a shelf in your bedroom to organize knick-knacks and houseplants, or set up a wall of shelves in your dining room to create a mini library. Not only does shelving help reduce clutter, but it also functions as decoration, adding a touch of personalization to any space. 

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8. Install a Mirror 

Create the illusion of spaciousness by adding mirrors to a space. Mirrors can make your space feel bigger and brighter by reflecting natural light. An oversized mirror would have the most significant effect, but even small mirrors can add dimension to a space and make it feel roomier. There are so many different styles, sizes, and shapes of mirrors to play with that will add a unique character to your home. Experiment with reflective objects that fit your interior design style to add depth to any room. 

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9. Declutter! 

At the end of the day, owning too much stuff will make your space feel small and cramped. Thus, the number one way to increase the spaciousness of your home is to declutter. Getting rid of items you don’t need will help your space look and feel bigger by creating a sense of openness. So say goodbye to the excess—including old or duplicate household items, unused or broken furniture, and excess decorations. Yes, there is such a thing as too much decoration, especially in a small space. Minimalism is key to making your home seem larger than it is.

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These are just a few methods to make the most of the limited space in small areas of your home. With these simple adjustments, you can eliminate clutter, identify opportunities to use dual-purpose items and spaces, and find the ideal balance between style and functionality.

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For more home maintenance, design, or sustainability information, check out our blog! 

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Resources:

17 Tips & Tricks for Small Space Living 

19 Tips to Maximize Space in a Small House 

31 Small-Space Solutions for Every Room in Your Home 

32 Small House Interior Design Ideas - How to Decorate a Small Space

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics from Pexels

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