The Art of Space Planning: Tips for Maximizing Small Areas
- Bailey Schramm
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Even if it takes a bit more planning and precision, you can keep a small space from feeling cramped and cluttered with creative storage and layout ideas. Even better, you can do so while still showcasing your impeccable interior design taste. Continue reading below for some clever, designer-approved ways to optimize small spaces.
Focus on Functionality
When working with limited space, choose functional design elements that will help you maximize every square foot. Before getting started, consider what each room will be used for—whether as an office space, a place to entertain guests, or where you’ll spend your evenings lounging.
Depending on your specific needs, you may want to look for a dining table that can double as an office desk or a couch that can turn into a sofa bed.
This proactive approach will help you select multi-functional items and design a layout that works functionally with your typical habits and routine rather than impeding you. You’ll want to start with the necessities first, then add more layers afterward where space permits.
Consider Balance and Scale
A surefire way to make a small space feel even smaller is to choose furniture and design elements that aren’t proportional to the size of the area. For instance, placing an oversized sofa or coffee table in a tight or narrow room can make it appear much more crowded, creating a sense of imbalance.
When choosing furniture, measure each piece beforehand and consider how it will appear in scale with the rest of the room.
Think Vertically
If you’re running out of floor space, consider making use of the available wall space. Look for elements like storage shelves, coat racks, large mirrors, and lighting fixtures that can be hung on a wall.
This not only helps to draw the eyes up and make the room appear more spacious, but it also frees up precious floor space for easier maneuvering and for furniture pieces that must sit on the ground.
Maximize Natural Light
A room that receives a good amount of natural light automatically feels more airy and spacious. As such, ample sunlight and well-placed windows can be a bonus for those dealing with limited space.
Even if the room receives limited natural light, a strategically placed mirror or light-colored wall paint can help reflect the light more effectively to maximize this effect. On the contrary, a poorly lit room and walls with dark paint colors can make the space feel more “heavy” or closed in, giving the opposite effect than what you’re looking for.
Keep Traffic Flow in Mind
When placing furniture and other design elements, think of how people will naturally move through the space. Make sure to plan out dedicated walkway space accordingly.
Without a clear path, you may have to step over items to enter the space. This can make it feel unnecessarily clunky and awkward, giving off the sense that there are too many items in the room.
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