Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a large house where we can make the most out of the living space without making the place look crammed. If you would like to preserve your floor space, so your kids can do some crafts, puzzles or you can play some board games, and still have everything you need it might be time to work smarter not harder. Below I’ve put together a few tips on how to create more storage and functionality in your living room.
Corner Shelves
If there is one part of every room that is underutilised, it is the corner. You might not even think that you can store items there, unless you try. There are some great compact shelving units that will fit in the corner of the room, and you can use them to display your decorative items. At the same time, you can use them to have your plant pots just in the right position to get enough light, but not too much.
Alcoves and Mantelpiece
Another place we don’t utilise enough is the alcove or the mantelpiece. If you have a fireplace, you can use the frame to display your best family photos, and replace the boring feature wall with something personal. If your room has an unusual shape and you have an alcove, you can talk to a local carpenter to create a made-to-measure furniture for extra storage.
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Storage Sofa
One of the bulkiest items we have in the living room and the one that takes up most of the floor space is the sofa. It is unlikely that you will be able to have a storage unit if you have a 3+2 or a corner unit. However, if you choose an ottoman storage sofa, you can store away the extra blankets and cushions, and keep your living room tidy without trying to cram in a chest of drawers.
Storage Footstool
Apart from the sofa, you can store items you don’t use every day in your footstool. There are some great designs that will match your existing interior decor, and create the perfect hiding place for the kids’ toys and crafts. You can find some great designs and practical items at Eames.com and improve the functionality of your living room, adding more storage and seating when you need it.
Smart Sideboards
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If you simply need more storage for the small items or your home electricals, you can also find some extra narrow sideboards that take up less space than the regular design and might even open up to become a desk for workng from home. After all, if you have limited space, you don’t want to have a permanent desk and computer on display in your living room.
Living in a small house doesn’t mean that you have to feel claustrophobic in your living room. Use the above tips to create more space and functionality.