NEW Ideas for (Tired) Small Spaces: A Quick Guide

Small space furniture can be tricky – learn how to style it with these easy design tips for small apartments, small living room layouts and more.

1. The Small Bedroom Design

Small bedroom furniture, done simply.

Instead of feeling frazzled by a small bedroom, consider it a challenge – and the storage bed and chest your winning tools. As for bedding, keep it simple (a solid monochrome bedspread, with a patterned pillow or two for style, is all you need). And if you can do without nightstands, swapping them out for sleeker accent tables, by all means, do it! Many decorators tend to forget that nightstands aren’t the only option when it comes to bedside furniture – and are often used less out of necessity and more out of obligation.

2. The Small Dining Room Design

Small rooms – with a twist.

The smaller the dining room you have to work with, the more impactful your dining set will be – so look for airy designs that will open up your space rather than stifle it. Add to a fresh feel by painting your walls in a clean shade, like pale blue. For an unexpected twist, keep the entire wall, including every mantel, shelf and window sill built into it, in the same shade – and make it all pop with white ceramic decor.

3. The Small Living Room Design

Small living room furniture takes on a new shape.

If you’re stuck on designing a small living room, make the convertible sofa your best friend. This (dare we say) ingenious design has been around for a while, but decorators everywhere are just starting to appreciate its chic aesthetic and practicality. Convertible sofas – which come in configurations that let you choose the exact shape to best fit your space – are available in a variety of bold colors and cozy fabrics, making them one of the hottest small-space trends we hope never goes away.

Like our picks? Check out more ideas for bedroom, dining room and living room furniture for small spaces here.

3 Design Features That Will Maximize Your Small Space

Small spaces may be limited when it comes to square feet, but the possibilities are plenty for maximizing their style, function and efficiency. All you have to keep in mind is whether a design offers one of the following advantages: it can be used multiple ways, it has a small space-friendly size or shape, or it includes built-in technology. Below, we explain why these features will be total lifesavers in your small space.

1 | Multipurpose

When you’re low on square feet, it’s important to have furniture that meets multiple needs. Take the ingenious sofa sleeper. It can literally turn any space into an instant bedroom, which comes in handy when you’re accustomed to entertaining overnight guests. You can even use one in an office or playroom to create a space that works on several levels. Other brilliant multipurpose pieces include lift-top cocktail tables that reach the perfect eating, reading and working height, and room dividers that separate open areas into defined zones.

2 | Size/Shape

In any well-designed home, size, shape and proportion are key to creating a sense of balance and harmony. This is especially crucial when you’re lacking square feet. Pieces that are considered small space-friendly include counter height dining sets. Because they take advantage of vertical space, they tend to occupy less room. Some sets will even include a shelf and a Lazy Susan (bonus points), which makes entertaining an absolute breeze. Round and triangle-shaped tables and armless chairs are other size/shape great picks.

When you’re low on square feet, it’s important to have furniture that meets multiple needs. Take the ingenious sofa sleeper. It can literally turn any space into an instant bedroom, which comes in handy when you’re accustomed to entertaining overnight guests. You can even use one in an office or playroom to create a space that works on several levels. Other brilliant multipurpose pieces include lift-top cocktail tables that reach the perfect eating, reading and working height, and room dividers that separate open areas into defined zones.

3 | Tech Smart

Being able to do more in less room is what efficient small space living is all about, and designs with built-in smart features allow you to work, play and entertain conveniently. This chest includes USB ports and AC outlets that let you power up and recharge phones and other devices. There’s no denying that our lives revolve around technology, so designs like these just make everything easier and more convenient.