Making the Most of Your Small Space

Most people are easily intimidated by the space they have to work with, large or small.  It is easier to work with a space once you define what you want to do with it; so if you have a small room, determine how you will use it and then decide what will fit in the space; small spaces can be the most rewarding; they don’t allow you to add much thus keeping your space efficient.

If the small space is a bedroom, choose a bed sized to fit the room; a room that is wall-to-wall bed in not a comfortable room. You may want a king sized bed, but if one won’t fit, don’t force it; you’ll never be happy in the room.  It is better to buy a size smaller or consider a custom sized bed. 

Consider storage space.  A dresser in the room is petty typical, but not necessarily required.  If you have more storage in the bathroom, move some items into the drawers there.  Beds that are slightly elevated offer space for drawers underneath for maximum storage without giving up valuable real estate within the room.

If you are looking at a small room for an office, consider minimum furniture, just the basics.  If you have a closet, convert it for office storage of supplies and possibly file cabinets.

Use your vertical space for storage; consider a shelving unit if you need space for books and files in attractive file boxes.  You can personalize this space with some favorite photos.

By keeping your furnishings to a minimum, you will feel more motivated to keep the room tidy, but having a place for everything is the key to this troublesome task.  As with most projects you will need to make some careful assessments as to what you want verses what you actually need; your available space will dictate the parameters.

You can make every inch of space work for you if you are careful in your selection of furnishings.  Adding shelving above desks and counters will help you use your space more efficiently too.  Use your corners if possible; a desk with a corner feature is a good solution to a small room, especially if the corner is near a window and you can take advantage of the extra light.  If a closet is available to you, consider putting your back to the closet and face out to the room, this will give you easy access to your supplies and maximum visibility.

Lighting is often overlooked in a small room, but vital to your comfort and necessary for your work.  You should not rely on overhead lighting, and with limited surface space, hanging a pendant light over your work space is a good solution.

Make every piece of furniture work at two jobs if possible; a bench for extra seating also should provide storage for a bedroom or office.  Floating or fold-down tables by the bedside will work for books and glasses and will not take up floor space; a pendant lamp above will provide lighting for reading and not take up space used for an alarm clock and book.

Small spaces should not be impersonal or uncomfortable.  Make room for a comfy chair for a guest in your office or for putting your shoes on in a bedroom.