Ideas for Maximizing Limited Living Space

The cost of living in many cities means that increasing numbers of people find themselves priced out, or having to live in increasingly cramped quarters, as apartment sizes seem to shrink while rent goes up. This article will explore some simple and practical ways that you can maximize your limited living space.

Storage Furniture

Smart furniture solutions offer a highly efficient and practical way to combine your storage and furniture needs in one.

Whether it's a Murphy bed, one with drawers underneath to store clothes or blankets, or an ottoman with storage capability inside, it's a great idea to buy items that double up on their function when space is limited.

Other ideas include wall-mounted desks, tables that can be extended, and coffee tables that can hold items within them. Consider putting up shelves to store items in a neat and orderly fashion and a shoe rack to house all your footwear keeping the hallway free.

Vertical Light Fittings

A practical and effective way to make a room appear bigger is to make the most of vertical space through the use of your light fittings. Long pendant lamp fixtures which hang from the ceiling can emphasize the height of a room helping to detract attention from its limited floor space. Sleek, tall floor lamps are another inventive way to give your room more space and to help exaggerate its verticality.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of more space. Not only can they serve as a stylish point of interest, they can be strategically positioned to reflect light into a room giving it a more expansive and brighter feel.

Maximize the look of your living room by hanging a large mirror on the wall opposite a window. By reflecting natural light into the room during the day you can create a sense of spaciousness and light helping to enhance its size. 

While long mirrors can exaggerate the verticality of a room when strategically placed, oversized mirrors are perfect for creating the appearance of more space by giving the illusion of a wider and taller room.

Declutter

When it comes to limited living spaces, less is more. Adopting a minimalist approach will allow you to streamline your surroundings and create a more spacious feel to your home. Carry out a regular decluttering, by giving away items such as old clothes, shoes, books and old magazines and paperwork. Decluttering and clearing out your closest is one of the best ways to simplify your space and create greater aesthetic appeal.

To help you begin, keep in mind the 80/20 rule which states that people use 20% of what they own 80% of the time, with the remaining items mostly taking up space. Free up some space by sifting through your closets and cabinets and remove objects that haven't been in use for some time. A tidy, and organized home will also facilitate a sense of calm helping to uplift the energy of your home.

Follow these simple tips to make your living space as inviting, and as spacious as possible.