Furnishing Ideas for Small Spaces

 Hunting for an apartment is both exciting and grueling, and so is furnishing it, so brace yourself.  And the only thing that could even make this task more challenging is if you have limited space.  But do not fret, here are a few tips that help you meet the challenge and end up with the apartment of your dreams.

Minimize your load. 

If you happen to have belongings from your previous home, try holding a garage sale first.  The best rule here is if you have not used it for the last 6 months, chances are, you won’t ever use it again.  Try not to be too sentimental over the little things. Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to let go.  Besides, you’ll need funds for your new furniture.

Maximize space and let things flow. 

Limitations bring the creative mind to work.  In small spaces, everything must have a functional purpose.  This also applies to walls (except bedroom and bathroom walls of course –unless you are daring enough that is, so if a wall does nothing else but hold pictures tear it down and you may replace it with an open backed bookshelf that doubles as a divider.    Keep this in mind also as you hunt for furniture.  Seek out sofa beds and custom furniture. 

Storage, storage, storage.

 Let’s face it, today’s world of consumerism, we are taught to acquire and acquire we do.  We all need space to keep every single thing we purchase on a daily basis. If you want to see the impact of proper storage, click here.  Yes, keeping your kitchen stored is possible too. Keeping things behind closed doors keep everything neat and in place.  Plus it forces you to clean up after yourself and put away everything you have used.  

Clean Lines, Light Colors and Mirrors.

These three things make the space bigger than it is and less cluttered than it is.  Bear in mind that light colors make small spaces look roomier.  Play with fabric texture rather than patterns.  And forgo sofas with arm chairs if you can (unless that arm hair serves as a shelf or a side table).

Accessorize with one two or three.

Do not go beyond three accessories within a space.  Accessories help personalize your space so choose well.  It can be a set of photos on the wall or a stack of books on the table or a mere basket of fruits will do. 

Lighting and Windows

Plan out your lighting fixtures and don’t forget to let it natural light.  Architects would tell you that lighting plays a very important role in their work whether it’s natural or man-made.  Make use of natural light rather than cover it.  Move a chair around to get a better idea on how furniture placements make use of the natural light. Nighttime lighting should glow and not glare.