Embrace Minimalism
Pare down possessions to only those things you really need and love. Get rid of clutter and focus on keeping just the essentials. This will make the space feel more open and peaceful.
Utilize Vertical Space
Install wall-mounted or overhead storage, floating shelves, and space-saving racks to take advantage of vertical real estate. Consider a loft bed or bunk beds to free up floor space.
Go Multipurpose
Look for furniture and organizational items that can serve multiple purposes. An ottoman that opens for storage, a coffee table that folds up as a dining surface, chairs that convert to ladders, etc.
Let In Natural Light
Open curtains, install skylights, place mirrors strategically to bounce light around, and paint walls light colors to make the space feel bright and airy.
Zone Areas
Use area rugs, screens, shelves or lighting to define separate zones for sleeping, living, cooking, etc. This helps each area feel more functional.
Seek Out Small Space Design Ideas
Search Pinterest, apartment therapy and design blogs for creative small space solutions like built-in storage, transformable furniture and more.
Make Use of Outdoors
Bring the outdoors in by growing plants, opening windows and hanging lightweight curtains. Also use patios, decks and yards to extend living areas.
Limit Clutter
Designate a spot for everything and return items to their designated spots. Get baskets, bins and organizers to help corral clutter out of sight.
Go For Multifunctional Furniture
Murphy beds, pull-out sofas, nesting tables and storage ottomans allow single pieces of furniture to serve multiple needs.
Use Lighter, Brighter Colors
Stick to light, bright paint colors and decor to make the space feel more open. Dark colors can make rooms feel closed in.
Let In Fresh Air
Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air. Consider installing ceiling fans or portable fans to improve air flow.
Decorvate With Mirrors
Strategically hung mirrors can make a space feel bigger. Hang across from windows or in tight spaces like hallways.
Display Collections Creatively
Display collectibles artfully on floating shelves, picture ledges or inside glass-front cabinets to avoid clutter.
Limit Furniture Size
Stick to sleek, small-scale furniture. Bulky pieces will quickly make a small home feel cramped.
Go Headboard-Free
Skip the headboard and let your bed float in the middle of the wall to avoid blocking precious space.
Make Smart Storage Choices
Loveseats with storage under the cushions, coffee tables or ottomans that open up for storage are great options.
Edit Your Wardrobe
Only keep clothes you wear regularly. Utilize space-saving solutions like under-bed storage or a hanging closet organizer.
Double Up On Furniture Functions
A trunk that doubles as a coffee table or bench seating that opens up for toy storage kills two birds with one piece.
Choose Multipurpose Appliances
Counter-top ovens, microwaves or pressure cookers take up less space than a full oven or stove.
Get Creative With Storage
Repurpose everyday items like a ladder, wine crates or rolling carts into unique storage solutions.
Use Wall Space Creatively
Wall mounted drop-down desks or fold-out tables are great space saving ideas. Mount shelves creatively too.
Limit Your Gadgets
Be picky about electronics and appliances. Multifunctional and compact options help maximize space.
Add Overhead Lighting
Well-placed recessed lighting, pendant lights or track lighting open up a room better than table and floor lamps.
Invest In Quality Furniture
Splurge on a few key versatile, well-built pieces. Cheap furniture tends to take up more space.
Live With Less
Focus on quality over quantity in belongings. Identify what you really need vs. want to avoid cramming in too much stuff.
Conclusion
The key to staying sane in a small house is creatively and intentionally maximizing every inch of space. Embrace minimalism, seek out space-saving solutions and focus on optimizing function over having excess stuff. With some clever organization, decoration and lifestyle adjustments, small can feel just right. The freedom and lower costs of less square footage can be incredibly rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest challenges of living in a small house?
- The lack of storage space and feeling cramped are common challenges. Limited room for hobbies, entertaining guests and privacy can also be difficult.
How can you make a small space feel bigger?
- Using light, bright colors, opening up windows and mirrors, going vertical with storage and keeping clutter at bay can help a space feel more open.
What are some space-saving furniture ideas?
- Murphy beds, nesting tables, storage ottomans, dual-purpose furniture like a trunk coffee table and wall-mounted, floating or overhead storage.
Should you declutter before moving into a small space?
- Absolutely. Be very selective about what you move into a smaller home. Get rid of anything you don’t use regularly or cherish.
What small appliances are good for tiny homes?
- Counter-top ovens, microwaves, pressure cookers and multicookers are great space-saving appliance options.
