10 Creative Ways to Maximise Space in Small homes

Living in a small house or apartment can present unique challenges when it comes to space. However, with a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can transform even the tiniest of spaces into functional and stylish areas that feel open and inviting. In this post, we'll explore ten creative ways to maximise space in small homes, helping you make the most out of every square inch.

• Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. Look for sofas that convert into beds, coffee tables with built-in storage, and ottomans that can double as seating and storage. These multi-functional pieces help minimise clutter and maximise utility in rooms with space constraints. Remember to choose pieces that are proportional to the room to avoid overcrowding.
  

Stylish sofa bed solutions for small spaces - Sophie from Love Your Home - Model 02 from Swyft - Teddy from sofa.com

A storage ottoman like this one from Love Your Home can be topped with a large tray to double up as an attractive coffee table.

• Utilise the Vertical: When square footage is limited, don't forget to look up! Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to take advantage of vertical space for storage. We always recommend investing in custom made storage, it offers the very best in creative solutions without consuming floor space. Consider using well lit tall bookshelves or full-length curtains to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height in the room.
  

• Opt for Space-Saving Storage Solutions: Get creative with storage solutions that make the most of every nook and cranny. Invest in decent under-bed storage containers, hanging organisers on the back of cupboard doors, and being creative with ample shelving in alcoves or above doors.
  

• Choose Light Colour schemes and Mirrors: Light, neutral colours can help small spaces feel more open and airy. It can often be the case that you might opt for shades of white for walls, furniture, and décor to reflect natural light and make the room appear larger, however monochromatic colour schemes or 'colour drenching' in a small room can often work just as well by unifying the space. In addition, strategically placed mirrors can create the illusion of depth and visually expand the space.
  

• Maximise Wardrobe Space: Wardrobes can often feel clunky and disproportionately large in many bedrooms. Custom built in closets or wardrobes will solve storage problems where space is at a premium. We always recommend investing in good quality closet organisers, shoe racks, and slim hangers to maximise storage space and keep your belongings tidy. Consider adding an extra clothes rail or shelves with dividers to create additional storage levels within the closet.
  

• Foldable and Stackable Furniture: Look for furniture pieces that can be easily folded or stacked away when not in use. Folding chairs, nesting tables, and collapsible desks are excellent options for when guests come over, maximising space in small homes, and can be tidied away once they are gone, allowing you to reclaim valuable floor space when needed.
  

• Create Zones: Divide your small home into distinct zones to make the most of the available space. Use area rugs, furniture arrangements, or room dividers to delineate different areas for sleeping, lounging, dining, and working. This helps create visual separation and organisation within a space.
  

For a sitting room that is short on space, consider a small sofa like the Eva from Neptune. A pair of side chairs like the Apadana from Oka provide additional seating without taking up too much floor space.

• Use furniture with 'legs': Consider the visual weight of the furniture you choose. One of the most effective ways to give the illusion of space in a small room is use furniture with relatively long legs, showing more floor underneath and freeing up visual space.
  

• Lighting, lighting, lighting: Often overlooked, yet one of the most important elements in a room is lighting. Adding multiple layers with ambient, task, and accent lighting will enhance the room's feel and appearance. When a lighting layout is done well, it will create the illusion of more space.
  

• Think Outside the Box: Get creative and think outside the box when it comes to maximising space in your small home. Consider unconventional storage solutions like using a moveable butchers block on castors as a kitchen island, using sliding 'pocket' doors as a sleek space saving solution, or custom built in seating like the clever breakfast nook in this kitchen.
  

This beautifully crafted Suffolk kitchen from Neptune is perfect for small spaces. Pared back cabinetry design and an ingenious in-kitchen dining arrangement illustrates 'outside-the-box' thinking for getting the most out of a small room.

Clever use of a pocket door by architects MALIN+LYNN between a kitchen & laundry room in a compact space.

Living in a small home doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. By implementing these ten creative strategies, you can make the most out of every square inch of space in your home. From multi-functional furniture to space-saving storage solutions, however much your home is lacking in lateral space, there are countless ways to maximise space and create a comfortable and inviting living environment, no matter how small your home may be.