A small room can look overcrowded and cluttered when it’s improperly furnished, making for an uncomfortable living space. Oversized furniture, dark finishes, and too much stuff are just some of the things that should be avoided. Here, you’ll find helpful tips that you can use when buying furniture for small spaces. Learn which pieces will work best before you buy, and find out how you can see what your furnished room will look like before you buy a thing!
Essentials only – When it comes to choosing the best furniture for small rooms, keep in mind that, in this case, less is more. Don’t fill the room with unnecessary ‘stuff’. Keep it to a minimum and include the bare essentials. A small room isn’t the place to showoff your prized armoire or antique hope chest.
Take measurements – It is imperative that accurate measurements be taken and recorded before heading to the store to buy furniture. Measure wall space, room depth, and any furniture that will be staying in the room. Draw a rough sketch of the room and the layout you desire it to have. Take measurements and drawings, along with a retractable tape measurer, along with you when you shop. Measure anything you consider using in the room to ensure it will fit where you want it to go.
Functional is best – Get the most out of the space you have by opting for functional pieces that serve multiple purposes. An ottoman, for example, can serve as seating, storage, and a spot to put up your feet. If you can find a model on wheels, all the better!
Keep to scale – Slim designs, sleek lines, and compact sizes work best in rooms with limited space. Avoid heavy cushioned sofas, spacious sectionals, and thick cushioned bedding. Simplicity, and small scale, is key to furnishing a small room.
Stackable and retractable – If it stacks or retracts, it’s your friend in a small room. Stackable cabinets and shelving, nesting tables, retractable chairs, and roll-away office desk spaces are just a few examples of how to maintain efficiency within a limited space. Another option is to use portable units on wheels that can be pushed out of the way when not in use.
Free-up floor space – Small rooms have limited floor space, but plenty of wall space. Thus, when choosing the best furniture for small rooms consider pieces that can be wall-mounted such as wall-mounted consoles, shelving units, storage cubes, and so on. These alternative furnishings are very trendy and will provide all the storage you need, without taking up much needed traffic space.
Flattering finishes – Furniture made of glass, chrome, steel, transparent, and monochromatic color tones are a great choice for small rooms. Surfaces that reflect light help to open up a room and make it appear larger than it is.
Want to see what your furnished room before you start moving heavy things around? Check out these free online tools that allow you to play with furniture placement, room size, and more.
Free room design tools:
Design A Room, from BHG
Virtual Room Designer, from iVillage
See My Design
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Home Decorating Tips for Small Rooms
20+ Decorating Ideas for Every Room
Home decorating dilemma: Dealing with a narrow room
Source: Personal knowledge and experience
