Small room: how to arrange and optimize these spaces? : Current Woman Le MAG

No need to push the walls! Whether you live in a small home or want to fit out a cramped room, there are “space-saving” tips to to optimize each square meter, free up floor space so as not to hinder circulation, increase storage space and visually enlarge the space. We thus transform our little cocoon into a beautiful, functional and friendly place.

Choosing the right colors

Light shades reflect the light and visually enlarge the room, so we use and abuse white, cream, ecru and pastel tones… on the walls, on the floors. The most daring will dare to wear yellow, blue and pale pink, the others will be satisfied with a light, delicate gray. If homogeneity in decor and colors gives a feeling of space, nothing stops you from having more pronounced touches on the accessories or on a section of wall to demarcate a specific area: the kitchen, the office area, etc.

Our advice : favor light furniture that captures the light and low models that are less stuffy than bulky furniture.

Optimize unused space

Recess, under staircase, alcove, above doors, under slope… remember to exploit all the nooks and crannies available. There is no such thing as lost areas! With a little imagination and elbow grease, you can create a bookcase all around a door, make a small corner desk, storage space all the way up the wall, etc. If there are clever pieces of furniture on the market that almost slip into “mouse holes”, also opt for tailor-made “homemade” products” which will allow you to arrange the smallest nook while creating storage.

The good idea : increase the number of storage spaces up high to free up floor space. Choose closed lockers which avoid the impression of clutter.

Use modular and retractable furniture

A table that lowers and raises, another that folds and hangs on the wall, a drawer or foldaway bed, a trolley on wheels, another that extends to accommodate up to 12 guests, folding chairs … multifunctional or modular furniture is becoming more and more numerous and aesthetically, they have made big progress! Very clever, they do not take up space, evolve as the needs and the day change and offer welcome flexibility in a small area.

The good idea : rails with hooks, coat hooks, hanging storage for the back of doors, clothing organizers… we hang everything. This frees up floor space.

Install openwork partitions

To delimit spaces while remaining decorative, choose airy, openwork partitions that let light through. This is the secret: play with transparency to preserve perspectives and pack the pieces. There are partial partitions with retractable sides, semi-opaque glass roofs, partitions made of wooden slats, open furniture, etc.

Bring in the light

To provide comfort in a small room, it is essential that it is well lit. The ideal is therefore to free the windows in order to let the light in. We forget the big thick curtains and we opt for fine sheers or better Venetian blinds in bamboo, wood, cotton, linen… elegant and more airy.

The good idea : multiply the XXL mirrors to accentuate the brightness, reflect the light and open up the space.

A small but comfortable bathroom

It is often tiny, sometimes Lilliputian in an apartment, so we opt for a sink unit with a small basin and storage space above and, of course, a shower. Consider built-in or retractable faucets (also valid in the kitchen). Is there a small space left between the wall and the sink? Create storage, custom placo niches, for example.

Tidy up small spaces regularly

When you have little space, storage is essential. Sorting regularly helps declutter the space. So, we don’t hesitate to give or throw away, even if it means being accompanied by a tidying coach. And we go step by step, starting with a corner or a room.