We can often make good use of horizontal space in our homes with tables, chairs, desks and sofas, but what about all that vertical space? Vertical space is mostly used for pictures, paintings and wall hangings. Yes, we do use bookcases and the occasional wall unit, whether you have a small or large space that vertical space is invaluable.

Consider the home with little floor space, where do you go? If you have the time, money, space and expertise you go ‘out’, but if you can’t do that consider going up with the walls space you already have.

Small living spaces are a challenge most of us have had to contend. Small bedrooms used as an office or small kitchen are good spaces to consider. First you need to consider what you have stored in these spaces and edit what isn’t absolutely necessary; again you must be ruthless in this department. Next can you add a book case or wall or corner cabinet? There are loads of places to find these items that will fit into every budget. Adapt when you can; recently I was visiting a cousin and he had put a two shelf lawyer’s book case on top of his old roll top desk and he instantly had made better use of his vertical space not to mention saving his back in the mean time, by not having to bend down to access the books that would have take up space on the floor. Brilliant! We laughed at the simplicity of the idea, as these were items that have been in his family for generations and this was a thrifty generation learning early to use what they had on hand.

With flat screen TV’s becoming the norm these days they too are making it up onto the vertical plane. Wall mounted TV’s don’t have to be the old fashioned eye sores of the past. There are many ways to change the utilitarian look of your TV. Try having a custom frame built for it or take it one step further by contracting with one of a number of places that will place artwork on a rolling screen to disguise the TV when not viewing. Another great idea came from a networking friend. He suggested putting a series of family photos on rotation while the TV is ‘at rest’. I love this idea for family reunions or parties. Again your imagination is a great resource, use it.