While the average home size in the suburbs has increased over the last few decades, the opposite is true for apartments and lofts in the urban areas. If you live in one of the latter, you don’t need to miniaturize your furniture – instead, count on our interior designers near Fort Wayne to help you select items that are ideal for small spaces.
Furniture That’s Ideal for Small Spaces
Keep it Skinny
When picking furniture for small spaces, trim and fit is key. For example, instead of choosing a couch with wide arms and a thick back, opt for one with a sleek profile–skinny arms and a tight, upholstered back. Apply the “trim and fit rule” to other furniture, i.e. slender legs on dining tables, and beds with simple headboards.
The More Storage, the Better
Small spaces are naturally lacking in storage options, but you can overcome this obstacle simply by selecting furniture near Fort Wayne that has storage included. A table with drawers, an ottoman with handy compartments, a trunk that doubles nicely as a coffee table–this is the direction to go in. As for odds and ends like luggage and holiday decorations, buy an extra-tall bed and you’ll have the perfect space.
Viva Versatility
Versatile, multipurpose furniture is a godsend for small spaces. For example, a comfy couch that conveniently becomes a pullout bed, or a dresser that doubles as a nightstand. Another great choice is a wheeled storage cart that also functions as a kitchen island.
Use Dividers
When dividers are used to segment a small space, the whole room magically gets larger. Inexpensive curtains, fold-up panels, and faux walls do the trick, whether you want to carve out an office off the living room or divide the kitchen room in two for a cozy dining area.
Tips for Making a Small Space Look Bigger
There are other ways besides furniture to make a small space look bigger. Consider the following tips:
Go Vertical
Adding length/verticality to a small space draws the eye away from the horizontal/eye-level and towards the vertical, introducing a feeling of spaciousness. This “sleight of mind” can be accomplished with items like floor-to-ceiling draperies, a slender bookcase, or a vertically-oriented piece of art.
Let Some Light In
Capitalizing on all of the available light will help enlarge any space. Moreover, introducing white or pale colors to a small room or apartment helps reflect more light, which increases brightness and makes space appear bigger. This effect is further amplified if you keep your window treatments simple and avoid heavy layers of fabric that obstruct the light.
Create Clear Paths
Instead of bunching your furniture together, spread it out so that clear paths are created for visitors. By using a sofa to “steer” people from the front door to the perimeter of the space, you’ll find that traffic naturally moves around your seating area, rather than through it. The dividers mentioned earlier are another excellent option for creating a defined path.
Contact Us Today to Make the Most of Your Space
Whether you’re furnishing a large living room or a small kitchen, Fairfield Galleries can help you make the most of your space. Contact us today for ideas, custom-made furniture, and much more.