Maximizing Small Spaces in Your Home

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Living in a small space is a valuable skill for anyone looking to find unique solutions to space limitations.

When maximizing the micro, just a few tactics can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and more beautiful. In this guide, we’re breaking down five strategies to optimize small spaces: using natural light to your advantage, exploring outdoor options, cutting clutter, choosing space-saving furniture pieces, and efficiently using wall space.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Even a little bit of natural light can go a long way. Some of the most common natural light sources in residential spaces are:

• Windows – Using sheer window treatments, hanging blinds, or even going curtain-free can help you customize and direct the natural light streaming through your windows.
• Skylights – Skylights are excellent natural light sources for small rooms. They can fill an entire room with soft, bright light during daylight hours when well-placed.
• Doors with glass – Front doors with sidelights, sliding glass doors, and French doors can all help homeowners harness natural light.

Letting more natural light into your space will make it feel airier, larger, and (of course) brighter. To maximize your natural light during the day, try to leave spaces around light sources clear; instead of putting a chandelier right next to a skylight, for instance, leave the ceiling area around it bare to let as much light as possible into the room.

Expand to the Outdoors

Feeling like you’re out of storage space indoors? Trying to curate a conversation-friendly, cozy space without eating up square footage? Consider expanding to the yard, balcony, or patio.

With just a few simple tactics, you can make an outdoor space furniture-, storage-, and fun-friendly:

• Overhead coverage – Umbrellas, awnings, or even horizontal trellises can all create shade and offer some protection from the elements.
• Outdoor flooring – Pavers and outdoor tiles are multifunctional: they enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a space, creating a level surface.
• Lighting – Whether you install simple string lights or more sophisticated lighting in your outdoor haven, proper lighting will help you maximize your alfresco space.

Cut Clutter

Clutter can imbue even the most sprawling living spaces with stuffy, stifling energy. While there’s something to be said for well-placed knicknacks, keeping your space as organized and clutter-free as possible will help make your small space feel more roomy.

There are a few tactics you can use to keep your small space organized and clean:

• Use displays – Instead of lining up tchotchkes on the mantel, windowsill, or side table, display them in dedicated spaces to free up surfaces: in curio cabinets or wall shelves.
• Create a schedule – If you struggle to stay on top of household chores and tend to let clutter pile up, consider making a manageable schedule — consider clearing one surface a day, for instance.
• Purge as needed – Sometimes, you may not have enough room for your belongings in a small living space. Consider donating items you can’t find a place for.

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Choose Space-Efficient Furniture Pieces

Whether you’ve just bought your first home or you’re on your third move this year, furniture can make or break your living space layout and functionality. For people living in smaller spaces, choosing space-saving furniture is critical.

If you’re looking for versatile, space-efficient furniture for your home, consider freeing up space with:

• Murphy beds
• Fold-up chairs, tables, and desks
• Collapsible or modular bookshelves
• Pieces with built-in storage (e.g., ottomans with blanket storage)

Leverage Wall Space

Last, consider moving up instead of out while curating your small space layout — take as much advantage of wall space as possible.

For instance, wall shelves aren’t just places to display curios or store books. Get creative with your wall storage, using shelving to stow:

• Clothes
• Gaming consoles and A/V equipment
• Barware
• Snacks and pantry items
• Cleaning and laundry supplies

For people living in small spaces, the ceiling is the limit — when you run out of floor space, don’t forget about the ample storage room available on your walls.

Small Spaces Demand Big Creativity

Throughout the last ten years, small-space living has become more popular and more common — but if this is your first time curating a smaller home, the tactics above can help you overcome floor space challenges.

Think of living in a small space as an opportunity to flex your creativity: finding new storage solutions, furniture pieces, and lighting tricks to help you thrive in your home.