In 1929, Virginia Woolf published an essay entitled A Room of One's Own. The piece dealt with difficult issues such as equality and poverty, and has become one of the most influential literary essays in history. But deeper themes and meanings aside, those who live in crowded cities understand at least some of the significance in the essay's title. Having a place to call your own, a contained kingdom no matter how small is absolutely vital. As such, it's important to make the most of whatever space you have available. Here are 11 ways that you can maximize your room, no matter how little of it you may have.
1. Zone it off
If you're living in a home without many separate rooms (or without any separate rooms), you might have noticed just how confining it can feel to have to use the same space for all of your varying needs. You can solve this issue by zoning off certain areas of your home. Maybe make one corner a designated reading space. Perhaps set aside a small table specifically for dining. By designating specialized functions to areas around your home, you'll give your space the demarcation it needs in order to feel open and livable. Consider using nice curtains or other room dividers to give these spaces even more definition.
2. Get underneath
If you have a root cellar, a crawlspace, a free space under stairs, or any other under-utilized area underneath your feet, you should make note of all the things that that space could be used for. Beyond simply filling those spaces with storage (which is actually a really great way to save space, don't misunderstand), consider turning those areas into separate rooms or alcoves with specific purposes. Even the small spaces at your feet can come in handy when you're trying to make the most of the room you have available.
3. Aim high
If you can't find any free space near the ground, turn your eyes upward. Chances are that the upper walls and ceiling of your home aren't being used for anything other than giving your roof a place to sit. Take advantage of that empty space by painting the ceiling with an eye-catching color; you'll be surprised at how much larger the room seems when your eyes are constantly being drawn upward. You can also use that space for storage by building out-of-the-way shelving perfect for keeping items that you need, but that you don't need every day.
4. Line it up
Sometimes all that you need is for your home to look like it has more space, even though it really doesn't. One way to achieve this is through the use of long, straight lines. Stripes that run the length of a room make it seem longer, so consider adopting stripes as part of your decor. Striped rugs, furniture, and even wall-paint or wallpaper can all give the appearance of more space than is available. Just be sure that your lines are all running the same direction.
5. Keep color in mind
Another way to give the appearance of openness is through the skillful use of color. Rooms that feature a variety of color-schemes may seem playfully inviting, but all of those clashing and competing hues are going to take their toll. An overly-large selection of colors will make the room feel cluttered and busy. These aren't necessarily bad things, but if it's a more-spacious look you're going for, then you'll want to go a different direction. Bright, coordinated colors make everything seem roomier. Try to match up your walls, furniture, carpeting, etc. with complimentary colors the lighter the better.
6. Lighten up
Speaking of light, if you want your room to feel bigger, you really can't get enough illumination. Light fixtures that provide insufficient illumination or that cast overly-harsh light will only create more shadow, and shadows will always make a room feel cramped. Instead, rely on lighting that provides soft light (indirect lighting is especially effective at eliminating shadows). Most importantly, take as much advantage of natural sunlight as possible by opening blinds and curtains. Let the sunshine in, and your home will immediately feel larger.
7. Reflect it back
Once you've got some good light in your home, you now have the opportunity to play with it a little bit. Mirrors can be used to bounce light into corners that would otherwise remain in darkness. Perhaps even more interestingly, mirrors placed on walls can give the appearance of a much larger living space. And, if you really want to expand things, consider placing two large mirrors facing each other from across the room (of course, the infinite number of reflections that you'll be able to see as a result may be a little off-putting).
8. Clean it up
One of the major problems with small living spaces is that there's seldom any good storage space. And, when residents lack storage space, they inevitably begin to adapt other areas for that purpose. Tables, counters, couches, beds, etc. all become catch-alls for the items that would otherwise be packed away. Fight back by investing in storage boxes that can fit under beds and furniture, and use the shelves from tip #3 to lift that clutter out of sight. You might be surprised at how much more room you'll have once you get everything put away.
9. Expand functions
Assigning multiple purposes to your furniture is a great way to cut back on the overall number of things in your home. Replacing your standard bed with a sofa bed, getting rid of a chest-of-drawers in favor of hidden storage, having a coffee table that doubles as a dining table, or any other multi-function combinations that you can think of, will all open up your living space.
10. Keep it small
An easy way to free up space would be to simply get rid of all of your furniture, but is that even really an option? Probably not, but you can do the next best thing by selecting furniture that is smaller. A gigantic corner sectional couch that sits six may seem like a great choice, but if you only have one or two people in your home on a regular basis, you'd probably be better off with a loveseat. Likewise, a large entertainment center or computer desk could probably be replaced with smaller version, and a small end table or two could easily take the place of a long, awkward coffee tables. If you absolutely must hold onto your large furniture, consider instead reducing the total number of furniture items in your home.
11. Change it up
New isn't always better, but it is generally more interesting. Don't let your home become boring; make a point to rearrange your furniture and experimenting with decor at least twice a year. By keeping things fresh and new in your home, you'll feel as though there's more space available. And, as an added bonus, you'll make it more difficult for clutter piles to form. Having a room of your own or at least enough free space to feel comfortable is a dream that can become a reality, even if you don't have all that much room to start with.Gunner Kenyon
1. Zone it off
If you're living in a home without many separate rooms (or without any separate rooms), you might have noticed just how confining it can feel to have to use the same space for all of your varying needs. You can solve this issue by zoning off certain areas of your home. Maybe make one corner a designated reading space. Perhaps set aside a small table specifically for dining. By designating specialized functions to areas around your home, you'll give your space the demarcation it needs in order to feel open and livable. Consider using nice curtains or other room dividers to give these spaces even more definition.
2. Get underneath
If you have a root cellar, a crawlspace, a free space under stairs, or any other under-utilized area underneath your feet, you should make note of all the things that that space could be used for. Beyond simply filling those spaces with storage (which is actually a really great way to save space, don't misunderstand), consider turning those areas into separate rooms or alcoves with specific purposes. Even the small spaces at your feet can come in handy when you're trying to make the most of the room you have available.
3. Aim high
If you can't find any free space near the ground, turn your eyes upward. Chances are that the upper walls and ceiling of your home aren't being used for anything other than giving your roof a place to sit. Take advantage of that empty space by painting the ceiling with an eye-catching color; you'll be surprised at how much larger the room seems when your eyes are constantly being drawn upward. You can also use that space for storage by building out-of-the-way shelving perfect for keeping items that you need, but that you don't need every day.
4. Line it up
Sometimes all that you need is for your home to look like it has more space, even though it really doesn't. One way to achieve this is through the use of long, straight lines. Stripes that run the length of a room make it seem longer, so consider adopting stripes as part of your decor. Striped rugs, furniture, and even wall-paint or wallpaper can all give the appearance of more space than is available. Just be sure that your lines are all running the same direction.
5. Keep color in mind
Another way to give the appearance of openness is through the skillful use of color. Rooms that feature a variety of color-schemes may seem playfully inviting, but all of those clashing and competing hues are going to take their toll. An overly-large selection of colors will make the room feel cluttered and busy. These aren't necessarily bad things, but if it's a more-spacious look you're going for, then you'll want to go a different direction. Bright, coordinated colors make everything seem roomier. Try to match up your walls, furniture, carpeting, etc. with complimentary colors the lighter the better.
6. Lighten up
Speaking of light, if you want your room to feel bigger, you really can't get enough illumination. Light fixtures that provide insufficient illumination or that cast overly-harsh light will only create more shadow, and shadows will always make a room feel cramped. Instead, rely on lighting that provides soft light (indirect lighting is especially effective at eliminating shadows). Most importantly, take as much advantage of natural sunlight as possible by opening blinds and curtains. Let the sunshine in, and your home will immediately feel larger.
7. Reflect it back
Once you've got some good light in your home, you now have the opportunity to play with it a little bit. Mirrors can be used to bounce light into corners that would otherwise remain in darkness. Perhaps even more interestingly, mirrors placed on walls can give the appearance of a much larger living space. And, if you really want to expand things, consider placing two large mirrors facing each other from across the room (of course, the infinite number of reflections that you'll be able to see as a result may be a little off-putting).
8. Clean it up
One of the major problems with small living spaces is that there's seldom any good storage space. And, when residents lack storage space, they inevitably begin to adapt other areas for that purpose. Tables, counters, couches, beds, etc. all become catch-alls for the items that would otherwise be packed away. Fight back by investing in storage boxes that can fit under beds and furniture, and use the shelves from tip #3 to lift that clutter out of sight. You might be surprised at how much more room you'll have once you get everything put away.
9. Expand functions
Assigning multiple purposes to your furniture is a great way to cut back on the overall number of things in your home. Replacing your standard bed with a sofa bed, getting rid of a chest-of-drawers in favor of hidden storage, having a coffee table that doubles as a dining table, or any other multi-function combinations that you can think of, will all open up your living space.
10. Keep it small
An easy way to free up space would be to simply get rid of all of your furniture, but is that even really an option? Probably not, but you can do the next best thing by selecting furniture that is smaller. A gigantic corner sectional couch that sits six may seem like a great choice, but if you only have one or two people in your home on a regular basis, you'd probably be better off with a loveseat. Likewise, a large entertainment center or computer desk could probably be replaced with smaller version, and a small end table or two could easily take the place of a long, awkward coffee tables. If you absolutely must hold onto your large furniture, consider instead reducing the total number of furniture items in your home.
11. Change it up
New isn't always better, but it is generally more interesting. Don't let your home become boring; make a point to rearrange your furniture and experimenting with decor at least twice a year. By keeping things fresh and new in your home, you'll feel as though there's more space available. And, as an added bonus, you'll make it more difficult for clutter piles to form. Having a room of your own or at least enough free space to feel comfortable is a dream that can become a reality, even if you don't have all that much room to start with.Gunner Kenyon
