Anyone living in London or any other expensive city knows that you’re not going to find the space you’re after for the most affordable price. With rooms that you could hardly swing a cat in, prices are still rising and the spaces are shrinking.
But even though you have more ‘stuff’ than square metre, don’t despair. It is possible to utilise all the space efficiently in a cramped room, without a cluttered mess (my worst nightmare!).
Here are some space-saving solutions to buy you extra room…
Float on – Furniture doesn’t always have to be on the ground using valuable floor space. Depending on how strong your walls are, floating book shelves, cabinets and storage units can be hung. My favourites are the floating box shelves and cupboards that are practical storage but also look attractive.
Just don’t forget to check what’s behind the wall first before you start drilling holes everywhere, and measure up properly as you don’t want to create an eyesore!
In the nooks – Corners can be such a waste if not used properly. Whether it be a L-shaped sofa, TV cabinet or book shelf, these ‘corner’ designs can fit neatly into the room, and save you extra space.
Stack ’em – For those in private rentals who don’t want to risk eviction for damaging walls, you can choose to stack your shelves instead! Cube units can easily be stacked on top of one another to again, save you on floor space. Also, utilise any alcoves with ceiling to floor storage.
Off the rails – Hanging things on wall-mounted rails can be handy. You can still have more counter-space and looks less cluttered. People tend to do this in compact kitchens or bathrooms where storage is limited and more organised. But you can utilise anywhere in the home. Magnetic wall holders are also a popular choice.
Out of sight – Ottomans or blanket boxes are clever ways of hiding clutter as well as doubling up to be comfortable seating. You can get various sizes and styles that compliment your rooms.
I’ve got a couple of cubes for my son’s toys and books which would be scattered everywhere! It’s a great way to store children’s ‘stuff’ and keep mess at bay.
Trick of the trade
A large mirror on one side of the room can create the illusion that small spaces are bigger than they actually are.
Have you got any other clever space-saving tips? Which one is your favourite?
