Does it ever feel like your living room gets smaller every year? As the kids get bigger and the family accumulates more “stuff” it just seems sometimes like your house is shrinking. But before you start looking to knock out a wall, follow some of these tips to maximize the space you’ve got.
Look for furniture that can multitask. Use end tables to strategically hold lamps or accent pieces but also as a means of storage with shelves or drawers underneath. You can also place magazine bins or baskets underneath open tables. Similarly, look for ottomans or couches that can double for additional storage spaces to keep kids’ toys and television remote controls out of site.
Rather than adding more furniture or shelves to a room, think about building into the space you already have. Built-in cabinets can add dimension to a small room and double as both a display space or for added storage. A recessed day-bed or window seat can eliminate the need for added couches or chairs while still allowing for plenty of seating options.
Sometimes there is the idea that if the room is small, you need to fill it with small furniture. However, several small pieces can make a room feel cramped. Opt instead for one or two larger pieces that serve as a main focal point and keep the room feeling clean and clutter-free.
Rather than several shorter shelves or tables, choose taller pieces that take advantage of the height of the room. Look for tall book shelves and store your “already read” books on the uppermost shelves. Add a hutch with drawers and shelves to your desk or workspace rather than cabinets that take up more floor space and look for shelving with an extra tier or two to hold those picture frames and accent pieces you accumulated over the years.
If you haven’t a separate office or den, avoid making the living room your workspace. Not only is it important mentally not to work where you rest, but you’ll find the room will quickly fill with extra office clutter. Instead, find an unused corner to create a workspace all your own where papers, computers, books and other office supplies can be kept. Utilizing space by a window will allow you to use the natural light and keeping your desk facing away from a television will keep you from getting distracted.
