Photo: Devin Crews
Why choose multifunctional furniture for small living spaces?
If you live in a small space or want to give your home a cleaner look, there are some compelling reasons to choose multifunctional furniture. Here are some key benefits:
- Save space: Multifunctional furniture frees up valuable floor space by combining the functions of several pieces of furniture into one. This is especially useful in small apartments or homes where every square foot counts. For example, a futon can act as both a sofa and a bed, eliminating the need for separate pieces of furniture.
- Increased versatility: Multifunctional furniture can serve multiple purposes and is perfect for rooms with multiple functions – for example, a Murphy bed can be folded up against the wall during the day to free up space in a combined living/sleeping room.
- Strengthen your organization: Multifunctional furniture often has built-in storage space to help you store your belongings. Stay organized and reduce clutter: An ottoman with storage compartments can be used to store blankets, pillows and toys, while a bed with built-in drawers can store extra clothes and linens.
- Improve aesthetics: Well-designed, multi-functional furniture can be practical as well as add style and sophistication to a space – for example, a coffee table that lifts up to become a dining table can provide extra functionality without sacrificing style.
- Cost-effective: You can save money on furniture by buying one piece of multi-functional furniture instead of several separate pieces. This is a great way to stretch your budget and furnish your home without spending a fortune.
Photo: Ninekeeper
How to make the most of your small bedroom space?
Making the most of your small bedroom space relies on a few key principles, including utilizing vertical space, getting creative with lighting, and choosing multifunctional furniture. Think upwards, and you can utilise walls and ceilings for storage solutions like floating shelves, hanging organisers or mounted cabinets. This frees up valuable floor space for essentials and reduces the feeling of clutter.
Secondly, incorporating multi-functional furniture is a game changer. A platform bed with built-in drawers (it was a lifesaver for me!), an ottoman with hidden storage compartments, a fold-out desk that you can tuck away when not in use, etc. allow you to fulfill multiple needs with one piece of furniture. And lastly, good lighting makes a huge difference in a small bedroom space. Let’s start with some basic bedroom hacks.
- Hack #1. Multifunctional furniture revisited
- Hack #1. Multifunctional furniture revisited
Do you feel like your clothes are constantly fighting for floor space? Get a Transformer on your side! Multifunctional furniture is a small bedroom’s secret weapon. Look for an ottoman that can double as a storage bin to stash blankets and out-of-season clothes.
Platform beds with built-in drawers are super handy, with hidden compartments for everything from shoes to extra linens. This space-saving hero frees up valuable floor space without sacrificing functionality, giving you time to breathe a sigh of relief in your bedroom.
Natural light is your best ally when it comes to making a small bedroom feel larger. We’ll discuss this in more detail in another paragraph. If you have limited space in your bedroom, you should definitely ditch heavy curtains in favor of lighter, airier ones that allow sunlight to filter in softly. But don’t underestimate the power of artificial lighting. Strategically placed table lamps and wall lights can add warmth and ambiance while also illuminating dark corners that can make a room feel cramped.
- Hack #3. Mirror Mirror
- Hack #3. Mirror Mirror
For a more subtle approach, consider smaller mirrors strategically placed throughout the room. Leaning a full-length mirror against a dresser will reflect natural light and emphasize verticality, making the ceiling seem higher. Remember, safety first: make sure large mirrors are securely mounted to prevent accidents.
- Hack #4: Use vertical storage solutions
- Hack #4: Use vertical storage solutions
- Hack 5: Decorate with intention
- Hack 5: Decorate with intention
When decorating a small bedroom, every item needs to have a purpose. Furniture that overwhelms the space and oversized decorative pieces will only make the room feel smaller. Opt for furniture with clean lines and small spaces. Using light, airy tones on the walls and furniture will create a feeling of spaciousness.
When it comes to décor, opt for a few statement pieces rather than cluttering surfaces. Create a focal point with a piece of art or a decorative mirror. Decorating with intention will help you create a stylish and visually appealing haven that doesn’t feel cramped.
Photo: Krista Glover
Good lighting makes a big difference
Good lighting is your secret weapon for illuminating small spaces. Layering light sources, from overhead fixtures to strategically placed lamps and sconces, eliminates dark corners and spreads warm light throughout the room. Strategically placed lighting keeps the eye from focusing on dark, shadowy areas of your bedroom, making the space appear visually larger.
Additionally, placing a mirror or other reflective surface opposite the window and using sheer curtains to diffuse the light can help maximize the effects of natural light and make the space feel more spacious. A thoughtful lighting strategy can transform a small bedroom from a cramped cave to a bright, cozy haven.
