How to Place Furniture in a Small Space

The number one problem that plagues small home owners is how to place furniture in their small spaces.  Whether your furniture seems too big, there are too many pieces, or the doorways are in the way, there is a solution to your dilemma. Every home has space for furniture but you may need to use multifunctional pieces and be more flexible in your home décor. The following tips will help you realize that even your small space can fit beautiful furniture.

• Assess your space: Before you convince yourself that there is too little room, or your furniture is too large, visualize your space on paper or in your head. Rooms that have doorways to another space will need to have a clear walkway through your space and through the doorway. Therefore, do not place very large furniture too close or in the middle of traffic pathways. If you have windows, take into consideration tall furniture that can block views out of these windows.
• Assess your furniture size: If you haven’t bought furniture yet, measure the spaces for furniture before you go shopping.  Online furniture and mail order catalogs will have dimensions for you to plan.  If you buy from a store, take a tape measurer and ask the sales associates for dimensions. If you have existing furniture, size up your largest piece and your largest wall. Continue through this process until your room has adequate pieces and room to move freely throughout the space.

• Multifunctional furniture is important: If you’re realizing your furniture doesn’t fit, multifunctional furniture is your answer.  A futon can double as a couch or a bed, as can a sofa bed.  A dining room table may need to also be your office desk for a laptop and small printer. Small ottomans can hold storage and large ottomans can serve as cocktail tables.  Determine your entertaining and family needs and choose the multifunctional pieces that are best for your home.
• Consider the big picture: Most people would love to live in a large home that could accommodate all of the new furniture they acquire.  The reality is, more home owners are opting for smaller homes due to rising energy costs and a smarter approach to spending money.  Determine what pieces of furniture your family need, and then which pieces are for luxury.  If your family is comfortable and you can entertain, your furniture is probably perfect for your home as it is.

• Obtain furniture from classifieds: If your budget is tight for buying furniture, visit online classifieds and local garage and yard sales.  You may be able to furnish one room of your small space for what it would cost for one piece of furniture in a retail store.  Do your homework, people are selling furniture every day, and you just have to know where to look!
• Invest in a few great pieces: Since you are going to pare down your furniture pieces, why not have a few killer pieces to make your living experience enjoyable? An armoire that can serve as an entertainment center, storage and shelving may be right for your living room.  In a bedroom, a gorgeous head/foot board with integral storage or dresser drawers may prevent you from needing a dresser.  Living in a small place doesn’t mean you have to compromise for style and function.

Make the most of your small home and embrace the challenge of placing your furniture.  Plan out your space and take time to buy furniture that fits the exact need you have.  Lastly, don’t be afraid to purge and sell your furniture if you are downsizing to a smaller home.  Believe it or not, living in a small space builds character and you’ll be surprised how cozy and personalized a small space will grow on you.