Live in a Small Home? Here Are 5 Clever Ways to Create Multifunctional Living Spaces

Simple tips for making big changes in small spaces.

As nice as it would be to live in a spacious home with cascading ceilings, a sprawling floor plan, and multiple rooms, that’s unfortunately not the case for many of us. But while we might not necessarily have the square footage we’d like, there are things you can do to get the most out of it.

All you need is a little patience, creativity, and an open mind, and your petite space can serve just as many functions as the large home in your dreams does.

Keep reading to find out five clever tips for creating multifunctional living spaces in your small home.

1. Think upwards, not outwards

If your home is lacking floor space and you’re in dire need of storage or wish to decorate, never underestimate the power of your walls and ceilings. If you have decor such as ceramics, art, and books you wish to display, look into different shelving options that will store your belongings higher up the wall so you don’t lose out on any precious floor real estate.

2. Invest in dual-purpose furniture

If you’re in the market for some new furniture pieces, try investing in styles that cater to different needs. From bed bases with drawers underneath for storage, to dining tables which collapse in half against the wall, multi-purpose furniture will allow you to use the pieces for an array of different needs.

3. Create zones

If you’re short on space at home, try breaking different areas up into zones. By giving each area its own space, you create the illusion of it feeling bigger. Some examples of zoning in homes include putting down floor rugs in shared living areas to keep the dining and couch area separate, and putting wall dividers or bookshelves between studio areas which have more than one purpose.

4. Put storage first

The last thing you want when living in a small space, is for it to feel cluttered. Minimise the amount of clutter that can accumulate by always taking storage into consideration. If you’re looking at investing in a new piece of furniture, check its height to see if things can be stored beneath it, or see if it has an option that includes shelving or drawers.

5. Be flexible/have an open mind

It’s easy to become overwhelmed and disheartened when furnishing a smaller space, but taking the time to step back and appreciate the potential your space holds will allow you to get more creative with how you choose to style it.