12 Space-Maximising Tricks That Transform Small Rooms
Welcome efficiently-placed furniture that also pull a double shift to make the best use of compact homes
Laura Gaskill
16 July 2017
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
In a compact living space, each piece of furniture should earn its keep. These 12 ideas – including adjustable tables, sliding bookcases and nesting and expanding furniture - make the most of small-space living.
Sliding bookcase
Take advantage of potential floor-to-ceiling storage space over the stairs by mounting a bookcase on a track system. When positioned over the staircase, the shelving is out of the way, freeing up extra room in the living area. Simply slide it back into the room when you want to access the shelves.
See more smart storage features in this home
Take advantage of potential floor-to-ceiling storage space over the stairs by mounting a bookcase on a track system. When positioned over the staircase, the shelving is out of the way, freeing up extra room in the living area. Simply slide it back into the room when you want to access the shelves.
See more smart storage features in this home
Pull-down bed with a twist
Rather than folding down over empty space, this pull-down bed was designed to fit perfectly over a sofa, so no furniture shifting is needed at bedtime. Just flip down the back cushions of the sofa, lower the bed and voilà! - room transformed.
Rather than folding down over empty space, this pull-down bed was designed to fit perfectly over a sofa, so no furniture shifting is needed at bedtime. Just flip down the back cushions of the sofa, lower the bed and voilà! - room transformed.
Expanding dining table
With help from a leaf (easily stored in a nearby wardrobe), what appears to be a simple Parsons-style console table transforms into a full-size dining table with room for six. Bonus: The cube-shaped ottoman tucked into a tiny wardrobe-office here detaches into six stools.
Take a tour of this studio apartment
With help from a leaf (easily stored in a nearby wardrobe), what appears to be a simple Parsons-style console table transforms into a full-size dining table with room for six. Bonus: The cube-shaped ottoman tucked into a tiny wardrobe-office here detaches into six stools.
Take a tour of this studio apartment
Pullout work surface
Kitchens sometimes incorporate pullout tables to create extra counter space – why not have a pullout desk? Fully extended, it offers plenty of room to work on a laptop, but when you need the space, it quickly slides away.
Kitchens sometimes incorporate pullout tables to create extra counter space – why not have a pullout desk? Fully extended, it offers plenty of room to work on a laptop, but when you need the space, it quickly slides away.
Adjustable-height table
A sleek glass-top table with an adjustable base allows you to quickly change a living area with a coffee table into a dining area. With a corner banquette, the zone will be just as comfortable whether you’re grabbing a bite or settling in to watch a movie.
A sleek glass-top table with an adjustable base allows you to quickly change a living area with a coffee table into a dining area. With a corner banquette, the zone will be just as comfortable whether you’re grabbing a bite or settling in to watch a movie.
Fold-up dining table
When this unassuming wood panel is folded up, there is more room for manoeuvring in this small kitchen - folded down, it becomes a dining table for four. The tops of the sleek white bench seats open to reveal storage inside.
When this unassuming wood panel is folded up, there is more room for manoeuvring in this small kitchen - folded down, it becomes a dining table for four. The tops of the sleek white bench seats open to reveal storage inside.
Built-in secretary desk
A built-in secretary desk is a clever way to sneak a work surface and storage into a small space.
Nesting coffee table and benches
With the desk folded up and a set of nesting benches and a coffee table pulled out from beneath the small sofa, this workspace is transformed into a seating area.
A built-in secretary desk is a clever way to sneak a work surface and storage into a small space.
Nesting coffee table and benches
With the desk folded up and a set of nesting benches and a coffee table pulled out from beneath the small sofa, this workspace is transformed into a seating area.
Pull-down loft bed
Instead of being positioned lower on the wall like a typical Murphy bed, this version folds up high, allowing the lower level to remain usable, even when the bed is down. A ladder (stowed away in a wardrobe between uses) provides access to the bed, while high built-in storage becomes a bedside table.
Instead of being positioned lower on the wall like a typical Murphy bed, this version folds up high, allowing the lower level to remain usable, even when the bed is down. A ladder (stowed away in a wardrobe between uses) provides access to the bed, while high built-in storage becomes a bedside table.
Slide-away bed
In this unique arrangement, a full-sized bed can be slid partially underneath the raised floor, transforming (with the help of a few cushions) into a sofa. With the bed out of the way, sleek built-in storage cabinets become a useful part of the living space.
In this unique arrangement, a full-sized bed can be slid partially underneath the raised floor, transforming (with the help of a few cushions) into a sofa. With the bed out of the way, sleek built-in storage cabinets become a useful part of the living space.
Mirror magic
While mirrors cannot literally add space, their value should not be underestimated. Wall-to-wall frameless mirrors give a small apartment a grander feel and make a room look far larger than it is.
While mirrors cannot literally add space, their value should not be underestimated. Wall-to-wall frameless mirrors give a small apartment a grander feel and make a room look far larger than it is.
Smart stairs
Space beneath the stairs should be put to work in a compact space, and what better way than with perfectly fitted storage compartments? An open-sided, rather than walled-in, staircase keeps a small room feeling more spacious and allows light into the upper level.
TELL US
Do you live in a small space? How do you make it work? Share your thoughts and tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more stories on small spaces
Space beneath the stairs should be put to work in a compact space, and what better way than with perfectly fitted storage compartments? An open-sided, rather than walled-in, staircase keeps a small room feeling more spacious and allows light into the upper level.
TELL US
Do you live in a small space? How do you make it work? Share your thoughts and tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more stories on small spaces
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Oh, and I've also decided to use mirrors to make the room look larger.
Amazing what can be done with small spaces. Very creative. A lot of thought and time spent on creating such ideas. Check this laptop table which can easily be moved around with its fold function. Handmade in the UK.
Folding laptop table
Most of us are probably looking for clever ways to enhance the space in our living room i think article is very useful. Very interesting and creative ideas the slide away bed and wall to wall frame less mirror idea i liked it.