Tips and tricks for optimizing a small space
More and more of us are living in small spaces. Perhaps due to rising property prices. It’s no longer just students leaving their parents’ cosy nest who are looking to optimize space. It’s also a whole range of people, those who have a rental in a capital city, those who invest in small apartments, those who create small studios within their homes, for young people or for short-term rental.
We’re all confronted at one time or another with the need to optimize our space, to save space.
Here are a few tips and tricks to turn your mini-space into a truly functional space.
Let’s get sorting!
It may sound ridiculous, but as the years go by, we accumulate a lot of things. Clothes, objects, knick-knacks, candles. We tend to keep them, thinking “just in case I need them”. And that “just in case” ends up piled up in a closet, never to be seen again until it’s time to move. And that’s a lot of junk.
So first of all, to free up space, we sort. We sell, we give away, we put in the fire, we please right and left. If you haven’t used it in the last 6 months, get rid of it”.
Furniture with multiple functions
We don’t often think about it, but furniture and components can be multi-functional, saving us a considerable amount of space.
The electric fireplace
You dream of a fireplace, but in a small space, you don’t dream too much either. Well, thanks to the electric fireplace, you can have a heater, a fireplace, a TV cabinet and a storage unit all in one. In my opinion, the electric fireplace is the smartest solution for small spaces. Imagine how much space you can save with this multi-functional piece of furniture.
Retractable bed or platform bed
Whether you opt for the retractable bed or the platform bed, you can expect incomparable space savings. The retractable bed can be stored vertically when not in use. It blends seamlessly into the wall décor.
And the platform bed gives you a bed, with plenty of storage space underneath for clothes, sheets and comforters. So you can forget the mezzanine floor of your childhood, which you don’t even dare climb after 25!
Smart shelves
There are some clever wall-mounted shelves that are a great space-saver. These are called desk or table shelves.
In the same spirit as the retractable bed, they hide away on the wall when closed, and, when open, become pretty tables or desks. Some can even hold several shelves on which to store books, crockery or other items.
Playing with decoration
Decorating isn’t going to save you space as such, that’s for sure. But thoughtful decoration will make you feel more spacious. And that’s good for morale!
The color
To enlarge your space, it’s a good idea to play with the color of your interior. It’s often said that white enlarges space. And it does. But you don’t have to paint everything white, or you’ll feel like you’re in a hospital.
You can opt for light shades and vary them from wall to wall. For example, use white on one wall and light blue on another. You can then add small touches of color with tinted decorations, plants and candles to add a cheerful touch.
Optical effects
To give the impression of a larger space, you can play with light. For example, you can use several light sources in different parts of the room: one or two on the ceiling, a spotlight in a corner, a large lamp near the sofa, or a small string of lights. They will visually create several universes and therefore a larger space.
You can also have fun with mirrors, placed harmoniously from right to left, playing with shapes and sizes. A little tip for mirrors: place them opposite a window or light source. Magnification guaranteed!
Wall paintings
To maximize the feeling of space, it’s essential to keep walls free of clutter. Overcrowded walls weigh down the space.
Put only one or two elements on each wall, and choose no more than one or two walls to decorate.
The electric wall-mounted fireplace is a classy decorative element that gives a room a warm, trendy character.
It’s a real heater, but also a real work of art, thanks to ultra-realistic little flames. It can be used either as a heater, or simply as a decorative element. Frankly, the wall-mounted fireplace is a must-have for small spaces.
It’s a fact: to facilitate circulation, improve organization and store all our little things, we need more floor space. Fortunately, there are solutions for this (electric fireplaces, retractable beds…). But we have to use our creativity. I hope that with these tips and tricks, your small space will now look as big as it feels.
