7 Clever Ways to Optimise Small Spaces

When you have a small area to play with it is important to make the most of available vertical space. Opt for hanging storage options rather than floor standing options. There are plenty of wall mounted shelving units available, which are great way to declutter the floor space so you aren’t constantly banging into things. Use wall-mounted shelves to store your books or decorate them with small planters if you are a plant-lover!

Try and choose furniture that has two-in-one functionality. For example, choose a coffee table that also has built in storage. Another example is a window seat that has built-in drawers installed beneath it. Furniture like this enables you to save on space and reduce clutter. It is also cheaper, as you don’t have to purchase two separate pieces of furniture.

Utilising doors is a great way to keep items elevated off the floor. Door hooks are an easy way to do this and can be used to hang up handbags, clothing, accessories and more. Door hooks are perfect for the entranceway, as people can hang up their keys and bags as they walk in the door instead of dumping them on the floor. You can also take advantage of the inside of your cabinet doors, mounting hooks for your tea towels, scrubbing brush and whatever else you can think of.

Mirrors are a must have décor piece for any house but are especially perfect for small spaces. Mirrors are designed to amplify light, giving the illusion of more space. A great tip is to place a mirror near your window to achieve optimal light reflection. You can even make a design feature out of mirrors by grouping a bunch of different sized mirrors together on one wall.

Retractable clothes lines take up very little space when not in use! This is perfect if you do not have room for a bulky dryer. These are a great alternative to your traditional standing clothes horse as well, as it won’t take up your valuable floor space. Some models of retractable clothes lines can be used inside and outside, so make sure to check this out before purchasing.

The tip about using wall space also applies to the kitchen. This can be done by hanging your utensils rather than using bench or drawer space. A lot of utensils these days have a small hanging loop on their handle for this very purpose. There are also magnetic wall racks you can use to organise your kitchen knives. While you are at it, you might as well hang your cookware as well! Not only does this save on space but it also allows for easy access.

There are heaps of handy interior design tips that can help create the illusion of more space. One of these tricks is transparent furniture such as stools, chairs, or coffee tables. Another hack is to play with calm colour tones like white, beige, and brown. Interior designers also recommend investing in larger furniture rather than a bunch of small pieces. Lots of smaller furniture pieces gives the illusion of a cluttered environment, which is exactly what you don’t want!