How to Maximize Small Spaces in Your Home

August 20, 2024

Homes come in all shapes and sizes. For many, that could mean that some (or all) of the rooms are small. From a tiny bedroom to a small kitchen, we have you covered with tips to maximize small spaces. With these tips, you can make those areas of your home appear, and feel, as spacious as possible.

A Small Kitchen

Often referred to as the heart of the home, some kitchens run on the small side. If that sounds like yours, take advantage of corners and open shelving to create the illusion of space. Whether you go with a minimalist or maximalist design, go all-in to accentuate the unique features of your kitchen. A strong color palate, fun window covering, or standout backsplash can embolden the space. Built-in seating or a breakfast nook can also free up floor space. Also, check out 50 Small Kitchen Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger.

Additionally, there are decluttering and organization hacks that can make your kitchen feel larger. First and foremost, keep counters clear. Consider hanging pots or using interior cabinet spaces by adding a hanging spice rack. A small rolling kitchen island cart can give you extra counter and storage space. Plus, when you have a full house with visitors, it can easily get tucked away.

A Little Living Room

A small living room has one large benefit: it is much easier to create a sense of coziness and comfort in a smaller space. In order to do that effectively, consider these 13 Small Living Room Ideas That Will Maximize Your Space. Most importantly, choose the proper sized furniture and chunk the room into zones as space permits. A fireplace could anchor two chairs. Don’t be afraid to float furniture off the wall, even in a small room. You can anchor it in place with an area rug to help delineate the space.

Carefully consider your color palette and keep it simple. A small living room looks larger with one color scheme. If you're not a fan of neutral colors that's okay. But stick to one tonal palette like cool blues and greens. The space will feel more cohesive.

Finally, employ vertical space. Create shelving, use sconces for lighting and hang a mirror on the wall to further lighten up the room and give the illusion of space. Avoid hanging too many pictures on the walls so that each picture you choose has room to breathe and people's eyes can travel upward and around to appreciate each image in this more open living room.

An Extra "Cozy" Bedroom

Whether it’s a small master bedroom or guest bedroom, there are ways to utilize furniture, storage and styling options to help maximize the space. In any small bedroom, it is important to get the most out of storage space. Again, going vertical can help. Consider a vertical bookshelf near the bed versus an end table. Built-in furniture can also open floor space. Think about getting a bed that has storage underneath or find storage containers that fit neatly under the bed.

Regarding color and style, decide what feeling you’re going for in the bedroom. If you’d like a cocooning effect, an accent wall with a dark color is fine even in a small space. If you’d prefer to give the illusion of space, choose a lighter paint color. You can always pick accent accessories and statement pieces to make the space more vibrant.

Any time you are dealing with a small space, try embracing minimalist concepts. The less items there are to store in a space, there will naturally be less items to hide away or keep laying around on counters (or floors). If you’d like help getting started with decluttering, check out Declutter Your Home With These Products & Tips.

A Cramped Kids’ Bedroom

Small kids’ bedrooms present a unique challenge. Children often inherently have a lot of stuff. So, applying minimalist ideologies can be challenging. Toys, school needs, art supplies, and clothes they are continuously outgrowing can easily make their rooms feel cluttered.

Many of the same storage and interior design principles can still be applied, but with an understanding of kids’ bedrooms. Hang bookshelves, use rolling carts, and flexible seating. Use board games as wall art. Similarly, Hot Wheels storage can turn into a "garage" that you put on a floating shelf to display until it's time to play. The possibilities and creative potential are endless! Additionally, check out these tips geared specifically towards children’s small bedrooms. Or, try out these fun storage ideas to organize a kids’ room to make it more functional.

Compact Closets

While walk-in closets are often the dream, they are not always the reality. In truth, many people are simply doing the best they can to store their clothes, belts, shoes, towels, etc. in a standard closet.

There are many products that can maximize your closet space and squeeze in extra storage. Adding an adjustable closet rod expander, hanging drawers, a tiered hanger for multiple pairs of pants, an over-the-door shoe organizer and overhead baskets can make any small or standard closet fit much more. Get creative by using suitcases to store winter clothes in summer and vice versa. Also, if you go through your closet once or twice a year, you can donate any items that are not being used on a regular basis.

We hope these tips help, and remember that even a small space can be fun, functional, and stylish!

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