Decorating
Small Space Living: 10 Genius Ways to Supersize a Studio Space
Seasoned city dwellers will appreciate how precious every square foot is. But a small flat doesn’t have to be cramped, as these ideas prove
If your home is a little space challenged, you’ll understand the problem of fitting all of your worldly possessions into one tiny area. But size doesn’t matter if you’re smart with your space.
With clever planning and design tricks, you’ll be able to pack everything away – and easily get it out again – and transform your small space into a tranquil little haven. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
With clever planning and design tricks, you’ll be able to pack everything away – and easily get it out again – and transform your small space into a tranquil little haven. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
Curtain off the bedroom
The most common grumble of studio dwellers is what to do with the sleeping area. Running a curtain rail around the bed is an elegant and versatile solution that will allow you to open up the space when you need more light, then close it off after dark if you want privacy.
The most common grumble of studio dwellers is what to do with the sleeping area. Running a curtain rail around the bed is an elegant and versatile solution that will allow you to open up the space when you need more light, then close it off after dark if you want privacy.
Zone different areas
Create the illusion of more space by zoning your studio into different areas. Whatever its size, think carefully about positioning your furniture and experiment with different layouts to create distinct eating, sleeping and living areas. Here, the back of the sofa sections off the dining area, while a rug says relaxed living room.
Create the illusion of more space by zoning your studio into different areas. Whatever its size, think carefully about positioning your furniture and experiment with different layouts to create distinct eating, sleeping and living areas. Here, the back of the sofa sections off the dining area, while a rug says relaxed living room.
Pick multitasking furniture
It’s vital to make every furniture purchase count when you live in a small space. The shelving unit in this bijou flat works as a display unit, storage facility and room divider. By colour coordinating books and treasures, it serves as a decorative feature wall, too.
It’s vital to make every furniture purchase count when you live in a small space. The shelving unit in this bijou flat works as a display unit, storage facility and room divider. By colour coordinating books and treasures, it serves as a decorative feature wall, too.
Get creative with your vertical space
Your studio may be compact, but you might have more space than you realise. If you have the height, think about building a mezzanine to create a sleeping area. The space underneath is then free for storage, a small bathroom, or even a cosy snug. Here, the steps up also contain drawers, making the most of every single inch.
Your studio may be compact, but you might have more space than you realise. If you have the height, think about building a mezzanine to create a sleeping area. The space underneath is then free for storage, a small bathroom, or even a cosy snug. Here, the steps up also contain drawers, making the most of every single inch.
Choose a coherent colour scheme
In this super-smart studio, one area flows seamlessly into another, but the coherent colour scheme means it’s not immediately obvious there’s a bedroom area in one corner of the room. The smart dressing of the bed also helps it have more of a living room vibe.
In this super-smart studio, one area flows seamlessly into another, but the coherent colour scheme means it’s not immediately obvious there’s a bedroom area in one corner of the room. The smart dressing of the bed also helps it have more of a living room vibe.
Opt for sliding doors
If you have a little more space, sliding doors are a great way of dividing up rooms without closing them off permanently. Sliding panels take up less room than hinged doors while still doing their job perfectly.
Explore the benefits of sliding doors
If you have a little more space, sliding doors are a great way of dividing up rooms without closing them off permanently. Sliding panels take up less room than hinged doors while still doing their job perfectly.
Explore the benefits of sliding doors
Install a foldaway bed
A cleverly designed foldaway bed can be a life-saver if your space is truly tiny, or you want to use your flat for entertaining. Try a few out first – they need to be easy and efficient to get out and pack away. This one has a door to conceal it during the day that doubles as a desk when open.
A cleverly designed foldaway bed can be a life-saver if your space is truly tiny, or you want to use your flat for entertaining. Try a few out first – they need to be easy and efficient to get out and pack away. This one has a door to conceal it during the day that doubles as a desk when open.
Build in high storage
Bijou living is all about the three Ss: storage, storage, storage! When you inevitably run out of space under the bed, it could be time to look up and invest in some fitted overhead units – or, if you can, a floor-to-ceiling wall of storage. A good carpenter will be able to build cupboards seamlessly into whatever space you have, and it’s a great way to get all your odds and ends neatly out of the way.
Bijou living is all about the three Ss: storage, storage, storage! When you inevitably run out of space under the bed, it could be time to look up and invest in some fitted overhead units – or, if you can, a floor-to-ceiling wall of storage. A good carpenter will be able to build cupboards seamlessly into whatever space you have, and it’s a great way to get all your odds and ends neatly out of the way.
Go for a light, bright colour scheme
It may seem obvious, but stick to a light and airy colour scheme that will give the illusion of more space. Dark colours will inevitably make your room appear more cramped, so keep them to a minimum. This screen is made of spaced-out slats, which adds to the open feel while affording privacy.
TELL US...
Do you live in a studio? How do you make the most of a small space? Share your tips in the Comments.
It may seem obvious, but stick to a light and airy colour scheme that will give the illusion of more space. Dark colours will inevitably make your room appear more cramped, so keep them to a minimum. This screen is made of spaced-out slats, which adds to the open feel while affording privacy.
TELL US...
Do you live in a studio? How do you make the most of a small space? Share your tips in the Comments.
If a cluttered floor is stressing you out, it could be time to get creative with your walls. Turn everyday pieces into objets d’art with some sturdy wall mounts and outside-the-box thinking. The addition of simple poles means these bikes are up and out of the way in seconds – and look pretty cool, too.
See clever ways to store your bike