As native New Yorkers, we’re no strangers to small space living. We’ve resided in many an apartment where a desk had to double as a dining table, or a bed had to double as extra storage, but we’re happy to say we’ve survived our shoeboxes and have moved on up to places with slightly more closet space.
That being said, our years of small space living have made us privy to a bevy of ideas on how to make the most of your small space! These days, though we’ve got more space to work with, we still find ourselves drawn to furniture pieces that do double duty. And luckily, we stock lots of those such pieces at KKH. Below, five ideas for small space living.
1. Try Swing Arm Lamps or Sconces if You Don’t Have Room for a Side Table
Whether your living room is teeny-tiny or your bedroom is more like a closet, scones and swing arm lamps are your friend. Wall-mounted sconces help you save your precious table space for things like books and coffee mugs – or add light in spaces where a side table simply isn’t going to make the cut.
We love the look of scones above a couch, especially when they’re framing a mirror or a particularly fantastic art piece. They’re also a great option in the bedroom, where you can flank the sides of your bed with swing arm sconces that allow you to direct your precious reading light exactly where you want it come bedtime
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2. Look for Tables That Can Double as Desks–and Vice Versa
The days of requiring a separate desk and table are, if you ask us, behind us. Very few people these days use desktop computers, especially with the rise of iPads and light, small, portable laptops.
Thanks to our MacBook, our ‘office’ goes wherever we go, whether that be the dining room table, the couch, a Starbucks, or an airplane. While storage is still important, rolling storage units ensure that you don’t need a big hefty desk in order to have a work space. Find a dining room table that you can spread out on, or invest in a desk that people can sit around if need be.
3. Find Storage Wherever You Can
One of our best suggestions for small space living: find storage everywhere you can. Most small spaces are lacking in closets; this is especially a problem in older homes and apartments that were built during a time when people simply didn’t have a lot of clothing, or extra stuff.
Benches are a great way to add extra storage and extra seating, while sideboards can double as media units (and hold way more than your Apple TV and remote controls).
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4. Make the Most of Your Wall Space
Got an odd long hallway in your railroad apartment? Create a gallery wall. Feel like your kitchen is closing in on you? Add art. Even an awkward little corner or tiny entryway can be spruced up if you put a little love into the walls. Remember: art adds depth, mirrors add light (and make the room look bigger!)
5. When in Doubt, Opt for Versatility
It can be tempting when decorating a small space to opt purely for what you love. And while we’re advocates of designing your home in a way that makes you happy, small space living requires that you be a bit more careful and don’t just purchase at first glance. If you’re living in a small space, you want to pick pieces that don’t feel too heavy, nor take up too much space.
Versatility is key. Ottomans, for example, are a great way to add extra seating, but can be used in various places. They can serve as a coffee table in the living room, can be perched at the foot of the bed, used as a desk chair or vanity seating, or can simply provide a place to stack a few extra sweaters. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what you want when you’re living in a small space.
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