Gloriously high ceilings, expansive walk-in closets, and a large kitchen island that seats 5 are all characteristics that can be used to describe your dream home. However, a quick glance at your current digs and cozy space gently reminds you that your dream is still on its way. Yes, I said on its way because it IS coming. Until then, don’t settle for “making the best of what you’ve got.” Instead, rock the socks off of your interim interior. Whether you’ve got low ceilings or minimal closets, your space can still be an incredible reflection of you. Once you’ve learned how to maximize space in your particular home, you’ll be on the road to creating your own perfect hideaway.
Due to an upcoming move, I’ve been thinking more and more about ways in which to put my stamp on a new space while not overcrowding it. There are areas of my new home that will be much smaller than my current space, therefore my eclectic nature will need to have a chat with my cozy quarters and come to an agreement.
If you’ve followed along here at Chic Misfits, you know I’m not a fan of interior boundaries, though many of us are faced with them. I believe a home should reflect who you are, whether that reflection is ambitious or subtle in nature. So as you can imagine, my creative juices are beginning to flow in this area, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
In the meantime, let’s have a look at 7 Genius Ways to Maximize Space in Your Small Room to get us started.
High Shelving
I absolutely love the idea of a personal library. However, books have the potential to take up a lot of space. Depending on how many you have, they can fill an entire room. Well, a solution to maximizing space in your humble quarters while still allowing your personal library to play a featured role in your space is to elevate their position. Give the area closest to your ceiling some much needed attention and build a simple shelf to line the ceiling. This will also inevitably elevate the eyes of your visitors, and give the illusion of high ceilings. Therefore, serving up a double dose of maximizing space anywhere in your home.
Folding Desk
A mounted folding desk is an awesome way to save space and look really clever while doing it. The design doesn’t need to be elaborate, just simple wood, and minimal decor. Once you’re done working, just fold up, and slide it’s designated seat in the corner to serve as an accent chair. It’s that simple.
Be Bold With Stripes
With a small space, I think it’s necessary to pick a few areas of your home to go bold in. When you do choose to go bold, it should have at least two benefits: be aesthetically pleasing, and maximize space. Vertical stripes do just that. Though they are very simple in design, they are delightful to look at, and have a way of giving the illusion of tall ceilings. We’re all about illusions in a small space as you can see. Pick two complementing colors and you have a charming show stopper. If you aren’t allowed to paint in your space, go for stripe decals. They’re an identical alternative and much easier to clean up.
No time to apply multiple stripes? Go for one large vertical stripe in a bold hue. I absolutely love this design by Vintage Revivals. It’s so charming.
Hidden TV Storage
Don’t have room for a tv stand, or don’t want to upset your landlord by drilling gargantuan holes in order to mount your tv? Convert an ottoman, or transform a dresser into a dual use piece of furniture by mounting the tv on its door and creating hidden tv storage. I am loving this hidden dresser tv storage by Alison at Deuce Cities Henhouse. In the bedroom this is the perfect option for those times when you second guess your decision to bring a tv into the bedroom. Out of sight, out of mind!
Mirrors
The use of mirrors to maximize space in a small room is a classic design hack, but it’s still so good! An oldie but goodie. Grab an oversized mirror and place it in a tight bedroom or living room, and instantly double the square footage. Yes, another illusion that will serve you well. Opt for a wall of mirrors, in antique and vintage designs, of different sizes, to create a chic and custom look.
Go Bold with Floral
You can’t go wrong with another bold choice like floral. Large floral designs on all four walls have a way of creating continuous space. Not to mention it’s such a pleasure to look at. Whimsical intriguing wall designs give you no opportunity to think about room size due to its alluring nature. Living in a wallpaper free zone? Opt for self-adhesive wallpaper for easy removal and less mess.
Lighting
Minimalist lighting can be used to maximize space in a subtle form, whether with a simple hanging light, or a clean sconce design. Though I am a fan of table and floor lamps for their elaborate and striking designs, the minimalist lighting below still makes a statement while freeing up table space for your essentials.
Now that you have had a chance to consider how you will maximize space in the various areas of your cozy abode, decide on your necessary space savers, and determine which areas you’d like to make a bold statement or two. Make your home reflect who you are, and have fun with it! Paint those stripes, build a ceiling shelf, and buy that larger than life mirror. Once you do, your home will become your favorite place to be.
14 Comments
Shan Walker
March 22, 2017 at 10:03 amThis post is golden. I have several small spaces in our home and need all the help I can get. Pinned these for later too.
chicmisfits
March 22, 2017 at 11:25 amThanks Shan! I need all the space illusions I can get too!
Sabrina Quairoli
March 22, 2017 at 10:48 amExcellent creative ideas! I have done at least 2 of them. We did add shelves above the doors in the kid’s room. Storing their stuffed animals was helpful. We also found that some walls were built out for 1 6 inch pipe. So, we cut into the wall and created cubbies in our bathroom for towels. It worked beautifully and created much-needed storage. Don’t forget to look in walls too. Some walls are just designed to cover one pipe. Test out by cutting a small hole and using a flashlight to see what is in the back of the drywall. Of course, only do this if you own your home.
chicmisfits
March 22, 2017 at 11:24 amI thought so too Sabrina! I’ve been working with a rental so I stay away from permanent solutions but that’s a great idea for the future:-)
Kimber
March 22, 2017 at 10:54 amI LOVE the hidden folding desk! I bet my husband could make that for my kids’ rooms. What a fantastic idea!
chicmisfits
March 22, 2017 at 11:20 amMe too Kimber! They’re pretty easy to build to so I’m sure your husband could knock it out quickly.
Joanne
March 22, 2017 at 11:55 amJust love your ideas for beautifying and personalizing smaller spaces. My eyes lit up when I saw the bookshelves and fold up desk. My office is thanking you in advance. Looking forward to seeing your future posts as you “Jenniferlize” your new space!!
chicmisfits
March 22, 2017 at 6:27 pmThank you!! I love the shelves too! I can’t wait to show you what I come up with:-)
Lecy | A Simpler Grace
March 22, 2017 at 12:11 pmI love any ideas for maximizing space in a small room. I need to install some of those bookshelves!
chicmisfits
March 22, 2017 at 6:30 pmMe too Lecy! Out of the way but still an eye catcher:-)
Kasia
March 22, 2017 at 12:54 pmWonderful ideas. I love the idea of high shelving. This is genius. I actually want to do something like this with my empty cool alcohol bottles.
chicmisfits
March 22, 2017 at 6:31 pmGreat idea Kasia! Wine bottles would be nice too!
Daniella
April 19, 2017 at 2:55 amThese are such great ideas, I have books packed everywhere, so definitely going to try the high shelving to make more space for them. Thanks!
chicmisfits
April 19, 2017 at 9:21 pmDaniella you should! I’ve been considering the same for books and more.