In an increasingly competitive housing market, more renters and homeowners in the UK are living in cramped conditions. Luckily, whether you live in a small home, a modest studio flat or a box room in a shared house, there are plenty of ways to maximise space and make the most of humble living quarters.
What are the benefits of maximising space? Maximising space in smaller rooms can have a tremendous effect on our well-being and quality of life, reducing feelings of claustrophobia and improving our mood and productivity – a greater sense of space has even been proven to aid a better night’s sleep. As well as the physical, mental and practical benefits, maximising space can improve the appearance of your living space, accentuate design and make rooms feel more bright, airy and organised, but how can we go about maximising space in smaller rooms?
Declutter: The first step to take when maximising room space is undergoing a thorough clean and de-clutter of your home. While mess can naturally accumulate, clutter takes up much-needed space in smaller rooms, especially if we’re rushed off our feet with work and family commitments. By sifting through your possessions and selling, upcycling or recycling pre-loved and unused goods, you could create instant extra space and even turn a profit in the process. Further benefits of de-cluttering your home include decreased stress and anxiety and increased energy and self-confidence. Once you’ve sorted the items that you want to keep, ensure that these are arranged carefully and that they’re easy to find and use when needed.
Vertical radiators: When considering the layout of small rooms, bulky, old-fashioned radiators often take up much-needed, wasted horizontal space. While central heating may be a necessity for your living space, installing vertical radiators in your home can maximise space and enable you to make better use of every square inch at your disposal.
Storage: In order to make the most of small living spaces, it’s essential that you incorporate smart storage units into your room design, where you can stow away clutter and bulky items when they’re not in use. Consider investing in multi-purpose storage furniture (such as beds with inbuilt storage or folding table functions) to create extra space in your home – remember to keep your storage space organised by arranging items according to function or frequency of use.
Mirrors: Maximising exposure to natural light is an easy way to create the illusion of extra space in any small room or living space. If you don’t have the budget, permission or capability to physically extend the window space through renovation, consider using reflective glass and well-placed mirrors to increase the amount of natural light in the room.