Designing for Small Spaces

(Bacall settee from One Kings Lane)Small spaces are challenging to decorate not just for homeowners but also for designers as well.  But I’ve always found that you can come up with the most interesting solutions without sacrificing style or comfort. It just requires an adjustment in scale and how you shop for furniture. 

First, eliminate those visions of sectionals and oversized couches.  While they’re great to lounge around on, they’re really meant for lofts or large houses. Instead envision settees, loveseats or sofas that are smaller in scale such as those here. Above is the Bacall settee, only 50” wide, great for those small living rooms.   

(Prescott coffee table from the Foundary) (Prescott table from the Foundary)Second, you should find furniture that does double duty or even triple duty.  For instance, the Prescott coffee table above has pull-out seating that also hides storage.  When not in use, the ottomans hide under the coffee table to become one compact piece. The Avery bed from Room and Board is a lovely platform bed with a hideaway drawer underneath to store away those thick comforters and extra sheets.

(Avery Bed from Room and Board)Another way to furnish a tight space is to lift the furniture off the floor and have them hang on the wall. If you need a desk, take a look at Prepac's floating wall desk.  With the advent of flat screens or laptops, you don’t need as much desk top. 

(Floating desk from Prepac)Also look out for furniture that can expand and contract to a small footprint.  The Span Gateleg dining table from Crate and Barrel is a great example of expanding furniture. When folded partially, you can use it as a desk and when you unfold it, you have a dining table for four people. It also folds completely to a small case that can be stored away if you don't need it.

 (Span Gateleg Dining table from Crate and Barrel)

Interested in learning more about space planning? Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design. At Sheffield, you'll learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories.