10 Brilliant Tips for Small Space Living
Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With smart design choices and clever organization, you can create a home that feels spacious, functional, and uniquely yours.
1. Embrace Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, look up!
- Tall Shelving Units - Store items vertically instead of horizontally
- Wall-Mounted Storage - Free up floor space
- Hanging Organizers - Use back of doors and walls
- Ceiling Storage - Install overhead racks in closets
Pro Tip: Draw the eye upward with tall plants or vertical art to make ceilings feel higher.
2. Multi-Functional Furniture is Your Friend
Invest in pieces that work double (or triple) duty:
- Ottoman with Storage - Seating + storage
- Sofa Bed - Living room by day, guest room by night
- Extendable Dining Table - Compact normally, spacious when needed
- Bed with Drawers - Hidden storage under your mattress
- Nesting Tables - Multiple surfaces that stack away
3. Use Light Colors Strategically
Light colors make spaces feel larger and airier:
- White or light walls reflect more light
- Pale floors create continuity
- Light-colored furniture doesn’t visually dominate
- Minimal contrast creates flow
But don’t be afraid of color! Use it strategically in accessories and art.
4. Maximize Natural Light
Light = spacious feeling:
- Keep windows clear of heavy treatments
- Use sheer curtains when privacy is needed
- Add mirrors opposite windows to bounce light
- Clean windows regularly
- Consider removing unnecessary window screens
5. Create Zones
Define different areas even in one room:
- Rugs - Visually separate spaces
- Furniture Placement - Create natural divisions
- Lighting - Different fixtures for different zones
- Screens or Curtains - Temporary dividers when needed
This helps a studio feel like multiple rooms!
6. Declutter Ruthlessly
In small spaces, every item matters:
The One-In-One-Out Rule
When you bring something new in, something old goes out.
Regular Purges
- Quarterly closet reviews
- Monthly drawer cleanouts
- Weekly surface clears
Ask Yourself
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does it bring me joy?
- Could someone else benefit more?
7. Smart Storage Solutions
Get creative with storage:
Under-Utilized Spaces
- Under beds and sofas
- Above cabinets
- Inside hollow ottomans
- Behind doors
- Under stairs
Clever Systems
- Pegboards for customizable storage
- Magnetic strips for knives and tools
- Stackable containers
- Vacuum storage bags
- Drawer dividers
8. Choose Appropriate Scale
Size matters in small spaces:
- Furniture - Opt for streamlined, appropriately-sized pieces
- Patterns - Large patterns can overwhelm; use judiciously
- Art - One large piece beats many small ones
- Lighting - Consider proportional fixtures
9. Create the Illusion of Space
Visual tricks that work:
- Mirrors - Double your space visually
- Glass Furniture - See-through pieces don’t block views
- Leggy Furniture - Visible floor space = more spacious feel
- Continuous Flooring - Same flooring throughout creates flow
- Minimal Window Treatments - Less visual clutter
10. Personalize Thoughtfully
Small doesn’t mean boring:
- Curate Collections - Display favorites, store the rest
- Rotate Decor - Seasonal changes keep things fresh
- Statement Pieces - Choose quality over quantity
- Plants - Add life without taking much space
- Personal Photos - Create a gallery wall
Bonus: Small Space Kitchen Tips
Kitchens are often the trickiest small spaces:
- Use cabinet doors - Add hooks or organizers
- Magnetic knife strip - Frees counter and drawer space
- Hanging pot rack - Pots become decor
- Rolling cart - Extra surface when needed
- Wall-mounted dish rack - Ditch the counter rack
Small Space Bathroom Hacks
Make your bathroom feel spa-like:
- Over-toilet storage - Often-wasted vertical space
- Shower caddies - Multiple tiers of storage
- Medicine cabinet - Recessed storage doesn’t protrude
- Wall-mounted faucets - Free up counter space
- Large mirror - Makes the room feel twice as big
The Small Space Mindset
Living small is about:
- Quality over quantity - Choose pieces you truly love
- Intentionality - Every item should earn its place
- Flexibility - Adapt your space to your needs
- Creativity - Find unique solutions
- Contentment - Less space, less stuff, less stress
Making It Work for You
Not all tips will work for every space. Start with:
- Identify your biggest challenge (storage? clutter? feeling cramped?)
- Pick 2-3 tips to tackle first
- Implement gradually
- Adjust based on what works
Remember
A small space can be:
- Cozy, not cramped
- Efficient, not cluttered
- Stylish, not sparse
- Yours, perfectly suited to your life
The best small space is one that works for you.
Living small? Share your best small-space hack with us at hello@hekyhomes.com! We might feature it in a future post.