While a small living space was once an indication of a smart budgeting move, it's turned into an attractive trend. There are micro-apartments, tiny homes, and people who choose to live out of their vans!
With the influx of small living space comes the need to enhance that space so it doesn't feel too tiny. How do you make your small house truly feel like home?
Whether you're looking to downsize your home or already live in a small space, here's how to maximize space in a small house.
Maximizing Space in a Small House: Our Top 7 Tips
1. Get Creative with Your Space
Most people tend to only pay attention to what's directly in front of them. However, when you're living in a small home, looking in unusual places both above and below your line of sight can open up tons of storage space!
Here are a few examples:
Look above your line of sight. Do you have high ceilings? Is there under-utilized wall space? Use that space for shelves or other wall-mounted storage.
Look for unusual storage, such as space underneath the stairs, shelves that fit into corners, or furniture that doubles as storage (like an ottoman that opens up for extra storage).
Is there extra space on top of kitchen cabinets you can use to store appliances?
Can you replace any existing shelves or light fixtures with ones that have a rack for pots and pans?
Instead of leaving something on the floor, like a bike or your bag, can you purchase hooks to hang it up on the wall?
2. Purchase Versatile Furniture
There is a ton of furniture that's both functional for small spaces and attractive. Save space by purchasing a wall-mounted desk instead of a regular desk that sits on the floor. For your dining room, find a table that folds up nicely but can be extended for more guests if needed.
Instead of buying a bed and a couch, look into a futon or daybed that functions as both. (These look a lot more modern than you might think!).
3. Buy Furniture with Exposed Legs
Furniture with legs is another way to create the illusion of more space. Instead of furniture that goes all the way to the ground, purchase items with visible legs.
If you care more about storage than creating the illusion of space, elevated furniture also gives you room underneath! Whether it's a couch in your small living room or a bed, you can utilize storage bins to stash items underneath furniture.
4. Turn Your Small House's Living Space into a Home
One of the biggest issues with small living spaces is that everything is in the same room. Most "traditional" houses have a living room, bedroom, and kitchen separated by walls. A small house or apartment might be one giant room, or not have much separation between rooms at all.
Many small spaces are "open concept" because it helps them feel more spacious than they actually are. While you don't want to feel cramped living in your small space, sometimes the separation between different rooms is important to have.
If you want to make your small living space feel more like home, where each area has its own function, use a room divider or curtain to separate certain areas. A curtain is great because you can open it or close it as needed, giving you a "room" whenever you want it.
5. Use Mirrors to Create the Illusion of More Space
Hang a mirror up on a large wall to make your space feel a lot bigger than it is. You can put a mirror above your couch, in your bedroom, or on any wall in your apartment to create more space.
There are even mirror walls and tiles you can install throughout your tiny space to add style and space.
Bonus tip: If you add lights around the mirror, it helps brighten the room up!
6. Take Advantage of Outdoor Space
While your indoor living space might be tiny, if you have any outside space, turn it into a sanctuary you'll love spending time in! Whether you only have a small balcony or an entire yard to work with, you can turn it into an additional lounge area.
Create an outdoor dining area with a patio table set — even if it's just two chairs and a small table that fits on your balcony, it gives you additional space and some fresh air!
Make sure to keep up with your exterior maintenance, too. Keep the grass cut, plant fresh flowers, and avoid cluttering your outdoor space. Make it somewhere that's inviting to be!
7. Use Paint & Lighting to Brighten Up Your Small Home
Painting your walls is a great way to customize your space. However, if you're living in a small home, paint your walls a light neutral color. Dark colors make the space feel small and uninviting.
Use furniture and countertops as your pop of color instead of painting an accent wall.
You can also brighten up your small space with lots of lighting:
Put wall-mounted lamps, or scones, on each side of your bed.
Use lights behind your TV to give your room an extra glow
Take advantage of other hanging or wall-mounted lighting options in your living room and kitchen
Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home in Central NJ?
The Aneja Team has helped clients in Central New Jersey for over 25 years! Whether you're looking to sell your smaller home or want to downsize and move into one, we can help!
Browse our current listings or contact us today for a FREE consultation!
