Tight on space? No problem! These smart ideas and clever buys will help you max out the room you do have
Feature Lara Berry
CHOOSE MULTI FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
Buy furniture that serves more than one purpose. Benches and pouffes that lift up to reveal storage underneath, as well as armchairs and sofas that can convert into an extra bed when you need it, will all boost the amount of living space you have. Coffee tables or desks with hidden compartments are also clever options.
FIND SMART SOLUTIONS
When space is minimal, being able to use every inch (even the most awkward of corners and nooks) is crucial. Invest in furniture that can put these spaces to good use. This stylish shelving unit is ideal for placing in an unused corner. The mix of shelving with a deep drawer at the base allows you to keep well-used items on hand, display treasures and hide away household essentials.
SIZE MATTERS!
If you’re having trouble squeezing all the furniture you need into the living room, look out for compact versions of items such as sofas offered by many brands. This way, you can achieve the look and feel you want with a size-friendly solution. We love the Jonesy sofa from Loaf – as well as its smaller footprint, the turned wooden legs elevate it off the floor which gives the appearance of more space.
TOP TIP
Look out for sofas that can be delivered in sections ready to be assembled in your home – they’re handy if you have a narrow hallway or staircase
CREATE AN ILLUSION
There are a few interior design tricks you can play around with to help open up a small space, and using rugs is one of them. Not only do they add style and personality, but a runner can draw the eye in and along a room, opening up a narrow corridor or hallway. A large rectangular rug that furniture can sit on will also make the room feel instantly bigger, as it won’t draw any dividing lines across the space.
MOVING ON UP
Space is often at a premium in the kitchen, so make those walls work harder by adding open shelving and hooks to clear some of the clutter hiding at the back of cupboards (make sure to check how much weight yo