17 Unexpected Ways to Make the Most of Any Space in Your House
These small space decorating ideas, storage solutions, and smart finds will help you maximize each square foot, regardless of the size of your house.
These small space decorating ideas, storage solutions, and smart finds will help you maximize each square foot, regardless of the size of your house. This piece originally appeared on CountryLiving.com.
1. Think up, not out.
For a book-loving client bound by tight quarters, Washington, D.C.-based designer Lauren Liess doubled her storage space by adding a bank of extra-tall shelves that slides open to reveal a bathroom door.
2. Put your pantry on display.
No space for a pantry? No problem! Just outfit a utilitarian shelving system with breathable baskets that can corral everything from various types of produce to bulky bags of dry goods like flour and sugar. For even more versatility, try a wire basket storage cart equipped with casters, which make it possible to roll it out of sight when not in use.
3. Utilize the area under the stairway.
This overlooked part of the house has tons of pack-it-in potential. Here, Chicago architect Tom Stringer cleverly incorporated drawers for a family of four that wanted to maximize the often-overlooked space.
RELATED: 29 Stunning Staircases That Wow
4. Hang your draperies as high as you can.
Here's a little designer secret: The hands-down easiest way to make ceilings look higher is to place a drapery rod really close to the ceiling—roughly 2 inches below the crown molding will do the trick. While you're at it, be sure to extend the rod at least 4 inches on either side of the window so that the window appears wider—and allows in more light.
5. Consider retro appliances.
Generally speaking, vintage (and vintage-inspired) appliances have a smaller footprint than modern-day behemoths. They can also add decorative charm—and a welcome pop of color!—in a small space. This 50s-style Smeg refrigerator is just under 24" wide (compared to the 36" width of many standard modern models).
($1,999; westelm.com. Smaller sizes also available.)
6. Invest in smart furniture.
With nooks and crannies everywhere you look, the Beadboard Storage Bed from Pottery Barn Teen adds ample storage to a bed-room. Bonus: It looks decidedly not teen-like.
($1,699 for a full; pbteen.com)
7. Double your space with mirrors.
While it sounds like a vanity project, surrounding yourself with mirrors creates the illusion of more room. (Tip: A mirrored backsplash in a small kitchen will also work visual wonders.)
8. Find a foolproof neutral.
You can do a bold color in a small space (a dark brown library can be so cozy!), but a predominantly neutral palette generally makes the flow of a house feel less choppy. Here are four of our go-tos.
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (top left): This no-fail cream adds warmth without going too yellow.
Sage Bud by Valspar (top right): More versatile than it seems. It's classic in a kitchen, soothing in a bedroom.
Barn Owl White by Ralph Lauren Paint (bottom left): This taupe-y shade adds a comfy, not cramped, vibe.
Amazing Grey by Sherwin-Williams (bottom right): A medium gray that has a subtle hint of green.
9. Swap your sofa for a settee.
Yes, a large couch will work in a space-challenged house (see this living room for proof), but some rooms call for something less intrusive.
10. Let there by (wall-mounted) light!
Table lamps call for a table, so try a sconce instead.
Industrial (top left): This pick provides a happy pop of yellow. ($108; affordablelamps.com)
Modern (top right): Try it on walls painted the same shade for a seamless effect. ($65; shop.onefortythree.com)
Barn (bottom left): You can't argue with this country classic. ($60; barnlightelectric.com)
Striped (bottom right): The brass base gives it a sophisticated vibe. ($159; schoolhouseelectric.com)
11. Put a closet in plain sight.
This stack of vintage luggage adds decorative oomph to a hallway while providing 12 "drawers" of storage for out-of-season pieces.
12. Make your walls work overtime.
This space-saving, schoolhouse-red desk folds up when not in use and can be repurposed in multiple ways: as a cocktail bar, craft station, or, if you equip it with a mirror, a vanity. For a similar look, try the "wallbanger" shelf at Bobby Berk Home ($399; enter code CL10 for a 10% reader discount).
RELATED: 26 Great Home Office Ideas
13. Use double-duty finds.
Yellow clock: Strike a cheerful note with this clutter-concealing find. ($40; ikea.com for stores)
Framed shelf: This 6-inch-deep hand-carved piece adds vintage charm. ($69; rhbabyandchild.com)
Medicine cabinet: Made of weathered wood, this is a smart piece for a compact bathroom. ($259; overstock.com)
14. Use every inch of storage space.
Maximize efficiency in a small kitchen by installing a wall-mounted shelf to keep baking supplies off the counter but within easy reach. Double the shelf's utility by adding hooks to hang towels, pot holders, and tools.
Inside cabinet doors, pin up items to be kept out of sight, such as rubber gloves, sponges, and plastic bags. Using hot glue, affix magnets to the back of plain clothespins, then glue the opposing magnets directly to the door.
15. Hang an expandable rack.
To maximize space in a small laundry room, put a front-loading washer and dryer beneath a counter so you have work space, and utilize flexible space savers like a folding drying rack.
16. Consider installing sliding drawers.
Another great solution for not having space for a dedicated pantry? Cabinet manufacturers offer slide-out units that fit into standard base-cabinet openings, or gaps between cabinets. This mini pantry, from KraftMaid, is just nine inches wide.
17. Swap extra chairs for built-in seating.
Built-in seating requires less space than chairs and provides the bonus of much-needed storage underneath.
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