How to Choose the Right Furniture for a Small Space
Furniture shopping can be a daunting task. It’s important to plan out what you need and how it will fit your space before hitting the store. Start by measuring the room and any current pieces of furniture for size comparisons.
When in doubt, choose simple pieces that don’t overcrowd the room. Double-duty furniture is also a smart choice for small spaces.
Measure the Space
It’s a common furniture shopping mistake to buy something that’s too big for your room. To avoid this, it’s important to start with a simple room sketch and measure every dimension of the space. This includes the height and width of any doors, hallways and staircases that your new piece will need to go through.
It’s also essential to check for objects like door swing, hinges and hydraulic door closers that may affect the dimensions of your new piece. Once you have all of your measurements, keep them handy for when you’re shopping. This way, you’ll know what measurements to look for and be able to compare them against furniture dimensions. It will help ensure that your new piece can fit into your home without a hitch.
Look for Multi-Purpose Pieces
In small spaces, you’ll want to choose furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Whether it’s a sofa that converts into a bed or a coffee table with hidden storage, multipurpose pieces can help you save room and money while still offering all the functionality you need.
In addition to multipurpose pieces, you’ll also want to consider furniture that takes up less floor space. Look for options like stackable stools that can be stored away when not in use or tables with round edges that are visually lighter in smaller rooms.
It’s also important to limit the amount of knick-knacks or design elements you have in your space. Too many can overwhelm a room and make it feel cluttered. Rather than adding more items, try using wall shelves to display photos and other small objects that add personal style without overcrowding your space.
Choose Light Colors
In small spaces, light colors have a big impact. Light furniture, walls and even flooring can make a room feel bigger.
Paint colors such as Pittsburgh Paints’ C2’s Live Wire, a fresh, clean orange, are a perfect choice in rooms where clutter tends to build up and draw the eye away from wall art or other décor. Other options include neutral shades such as BM Gray Owl, which is a great choice in bedrooms.
The shape of furniture also plays a role in how it makes a room feel. Lucite and glass furniture pieces, such as ghost chairs and coffee tables, add a stylish modern edge to contemporary homes or offer a chic contrast with period furnishings in traditional rooms. They have the added bonus of allowing light and visuals to pass through unhindered.
Look for Low-To-The-Ground Pieces
Whenever possible, opt for furniture that sits low to the ground. This creates open space that visually expands a room. Avoid high-up bookcases, for example, as they can block views in smaller rooms and can make them feel cramped.
Look at the profile of seating, too. A sofa with fat rolled arms or a plush cushion back may seem too crowded in a small space, whereas a more trim design can be equally comfortable and take up less floor area.
Luxury small space furniture can also be stacked to save on floor space. For instance, the Myflower Cocktail Table from Naos is a stunning piece that doubles as a coffee table, footstool, and storage box, all in one. This style of transforming luxury furniture is available at many online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Look for Storage
Even in small spaces, too many cluttering knick-knacks can make a room feel cramped and claustrophobic. To avoid this, opt for furniture that offers storage solutions.
This can be in the form of shelving that gets narrower toward the top, or a piece like a bench that has a built-in storage space. Furniture with hidden storage, such as an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table or a bed frame with hidden drawers, is another good option.
These pieces not only help to keep your home organized, but also stylish. To learn more about choosing the right luxury furniture for your small space, contact a Cantoni design consultant today! We offer free swatches to help you find the perfect fit. We can help you create a floor plan, select the right colors and more.
