Making More Out of Less: Maximizing Space in a Small Room or Studio

So you moved into a dorm room in college, you have a small room in your home, or you live in a studio apartment. Whatever the case may be, you have one major problem: many ideas wrestling around in your head, but little space to work with. Don’t let the challenge overwhelm you—we’re here to help! Here are some tips for maximizing space in a limited area. With a bit of creativity, you’ll open up unlimited possibilities.

Cut the Clutter

One of the best ways to get the most out of a small space is to simply get rid of the things you don’t need. That extra microwave? Out. Those piles of seldom-worn clothes? Donate them to friends, family, or a charity of your choice. Keep only the essentials. Everything that uses up your valuable floor space should be carefully chosen and have a good reason for being there.

Lighten Up

Choose lighter colors over darker ones when painting your walls. Lighter shades open up a space visually, making it appear larger. Make sure not to cover any windows with big pieces of furniture, since abundant light also inspires a sense of freedom.

Time for Reflection

Mirrors are great for getting dressed and fixing your hair, but they’re good for plenty of other things, too. Placed in a highly-visible area, mirrors add a sense of depth, making your room look even bigger. As an added bonus, they reflect light, also creating the impression of a larger room.

Divide and Conquer

Dividers can turn a seemingly chaotic mess into an ordered paradise. These pieces allow you to separate your floor space into sections, whether by color, theme, style, or anything else you choose. Maybe you just want a little area of privacy in your studio. Some dividers even feature shelves, doubling as a “sort-of” bookcase.

Think Vertically

Don’t limit yourself to the floor. You have at least four walls—take advantage of them! Installing shelves along your walls is a great way to add much-needed space for storage. You can place books, trinkets, knickknacks, photos, and plenty more here.

Different types of furniture take advantage of vertical space, by favoring height over other dimensions. Here are a couple of examples

Wall units are tall furnishings that provide storage for your television, electronics, media, and much more. They are available in a variety of different sizes and styles, to suit your particular needs. With the right choice, you’ll have the benefit of adding an inviting focal point to your room, as well.

• Don’t sleep on your childhood memories. You probably remember that bunk bed you shared with your brother or sister as a young child. These genius inventions allow more than one person to sleep comfortably in a room, taking up the space of a single bed! You can pick from variations such as twin over twin, twin over full, and more. Some even feature an additional trundle unit that slides out from below the bottom bunk, housing storage space or yet another mattress, as you wish. Have you ever heard of the bunk bed’s lesser-known cousin, the loft bed? This type of bed features only the top bunk, leaving ample space beneath it for a dresser, a desk, or anything else your mind fancies.

Multifunctional Furniture

We can’t stress this tip enough. The smaller the space you have to work with, the more you want to make sure that your furniture has more than one purpose.

• Futons and sofa beds are comfortable seating options whenever you have company over, but turn into cozy beds at nighttime.

TV Chests are built with several drawers for storing your socks, undergarments, personal items, and more. But that’s not all. These pieces also feature shelves where you can place your Blu-ray or DVD player, VHS player, a gaming console—you get the picture. Lastly, the top has a space for your television. That’s at least three different functions combined into one stylish and compact piece. How convenient is that? If you just  can’t fit anymore furniture into your space, you can always mount your TV on a wall. Problem solved.

• Dining tables are available with drop leaves or leaf extensions which increase the length of a table, but can be folded down or removed when you don’t need them. If you’re in a really tight bind, you can even use your table as a desk or workspace. 
  
  
  
  
  In the end, the more your furniture does, the more you benefit.
  
  
  Little Details, Big Results
  
  
  Whatever you choose to do, each of your choices is going to add up. Furnish your room or studio with an eye towards the big picture. Though it may seem difficult, there are many ways to make what seems impossible, possible. And, don’t forget, our furniture experts are always happy to help you with complimentary décor advice 
  
  
  
  For more space saving options, visit us at www.ElDoradoFurniture.com