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While carefully selected furniture is essential for any space, it's especially crucial for maximizing a smaller space. Beyond aesthetics, planning the layout so that each furniture piece serves a functional purpose goes a long way in helping a smaller room feel more open and comfortable.
“When arranging furniture in smaller spaces, maximizing functionality and spaciousness is key,” states Mark Hames, a Copenhagen sales and design associate. We worked with Mark to compile five quick design tips to help you unlock the potential of your compact space.
Though it may seem like a simple place to start, establishing organizational systems or habits is essential when dealing with a small space. Hames says, “Keeping a space organized and clutter-free allows you to maximize the perception of space.” Having unnecessary clutter can mitigate the beneficial effects of the furniture you choose; consider having a designated basket or drawer for items you want to get rid of. Once the spot is full, you can donate or sell the items and begin again if needed. Consistency is key – so don’t feel like you need to overhaul your entire home. A little picking up here and there can work wonders. Similarly, having designated areas for specific functions or activities, even within one room, can help keep items from migrating to another part of the house. Opting for furnishings that include shelves or drawers also increases your storage potential. Whether it’s a coffee table with shelves underneath or a console table with drawers that you place along the back of a couch, having ample storage room will help keep your space tidy.
Creating a sense of flow with your furniture is key to maximizing the visual and functional elements of a smaller space. Consider incorporating round or curved furniture, especially for any seating areas, to create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage conversation. The gentle curves of both the Cullin sofa and Ancona swivel chair aid in seamless visual transitions from one side of a room to the other. Modular furnishings also work great for smaller spaces; their versatile structures allow them to be easily rearranged to suit your needs, giving you the ability to adapt your space for different activities. The Beacon collection includes various individual seating pieces that you can customize for your space. To help balance visual weight, opt for low profile pieces with thin legs or clean lines. Minimalist designs like the Bonnie armchair or Corridor low TV stand function just as well as taller pieces, but without the added bulk and help create a sense of openness.
The square footage of your space doesn’t have to feel limiting if you’re intentional with your furniture choices. By creating visual depth, you can make a small space feel expansive and welcoming. Hames’ recommends a classic trick to start; “Using mirrors strategically throughout an area helps create the illusion of space while also reflecting any natural light present.” Mirrors with rounder or more organic shapes like Cosmos and Hawaii add the perfect touch of light and wonder, without taking up much space. Rugs can also be powerful tools for adding depth. Consider using them to define different areas within a room, such as placing a larger rug like Blocchi beneath a main seating area and using a smaller Lucid rug to mark an entryway or office area. Having these visual cues can help you and your guests to mentally “move” from one area to another, creating the illusion of more space.
“Choose a light color palette for walls, furniture, and accessories,” Hames says. “This will help to further create that airy and open feel.” Indeed, lighter tones tend to reflect more light and make walls seem to recede, but you don’t have to stick to a basic white. Neutral greys, sage greens, and pastel blues all add color that doesn’t overwhelm a space.
In terms of lighting, it’s best to have a variety of light sources at different heights to create visual interest. Layered lighting adds dimension and provides functional task lighting for various activities.
Smart furniture arrangement is key when dealing with a small space, because both the comfort and functionality of the room are of equal importance. Hames suggests, “using the height of room as much as possible by incorporating wall-mounted shelves or cabinets to free up floor space and keep the room visually open.” A bookshelf like Spinnaker is a good example of what he means, as it has a thin, minimalist base and anchors to the wall, elongating the visual height of the room. You can further maximize your vertical space by hanging artwork, like the tall Blue Feather wall art, and placing other décor, like the Family of Three statue, on top of your lower profile furniture.
When arranging your larger furnishings, a key strategy Hames suggests is “positioning furniture against walls [to] open up the center of the room and avoid blocking walkways.” Your space will feel more cramped if you can’t easily navigate through it. Similarly, don’t be afraid to embrace the corners of your space! A corner bench like Shine can define your dining area and offer a cozy eating nook, while an angled media cabinet like Corridor provides ample storage without sacrificing valuable floor space.
“When shopping for furniture for a smaller space, I would opt for pieces that serve multiple purposes,” Hames suggests. “Storage ottomans or coffee tables with built-in shelves are designed to save space without sacrificing function.” Both the Jazz ottoman and Reveal coffee table have storage compartments as well as multifunctional structures. Use Jazz as an extra seat or spot to rest your feet and utilize Reveal’s lift top for eating, working, or playing board games. Multifunctional furniture now comes in all shapes and sizes, from a versatile console table that can transform into a workspace to a set of nesting tables that are flexible to a variety of needs. And don’t forget the ultimate in versatility – the sleeper sofa. A sleeper like Haven is perfect for accommodating guests without sacrificing valuable space and can be easily turned back into a sofa when needed. By incorporating more multifunctional furnishings, you can easily maximize your compact space’s functionality without compromising on style or comfort.
Having a small space doesn’t mean you have to limit style, functionality, or comfort. On the contrary, this means you can get more creative with the furnishings you choose and how you arrange them. By following these five quick tips, you can unlock the full potential of your compact abode and create a living environment that never feels too small and always invites you in.