Maximising Small Spaces: Furniture & Design Solutions for Compact Areas

March 07, 2024

Make small spaces look and feel bigger with smart furniture choices

As population sizes increase and real estate becomes increasingly competitive, urban commercial and residential spaces continue to shrink. However, instead of cramping on comfort or aesthetics, designers and homeowners can embrace the challenge of optimising their limited space with smarter furniture choices.

Whether investing in multi-functional, space-saving furniture or adopting a minimalist approach to everyday living, you can maximise every square inch to create the illusion of a bigger, brighter space.

In today’s article, we’ll discuss our five tips and tricks to maximise small commercial and residential spaces.

Furnlink’s 5 favourite furniture & design tips to visually maximise small spaces

1. Can’t spread out? Go vertical!

When every square footage of floor space is at a premium, going upwards instead of outwards is key. You’ll create added visual interest by maximising vertical space while freeing valuable floor space.

vertical interior design for small rooms

Ready to go vertical? Here are some ideas:

Maximise storage space with vertical solutions – For example, tall bookcases, wall-mounted shelves, and floating cabinets.
Keep decor on the walls and ceilings – Large-scale wall art can help balance the room while hanging trailing plants from the ceiling provides upward visual cues.
Wall beds and fold-out furniture – Hinged to fold away against a wall, wall-mounted furniture is designed to adapt to your space and daily routine.
Hang curtains at ceiling height – This will naturally draw the eye up, emphasising the height of the room rather than the width.
Wallpaper the ceiling – A light-coloured wallpapered ceiling not only adds dramatic flair but can also visually improve a small room’s visual proportion.

2. A little bit of modular, a whole lot of magic

Modular furniture can be a game-changer for residential and commercial settings with limited spaces. Offering optimum flexibility and adaptability, you can reconfigure and customise your modular furniture to suit various needs and layouts.

Modular furniture examples for businesses

Invest in modular tables that can be easily joined, separated, and rearranged into different shapes to suit the occasion.
Modular workstations and height-adjustable desks are great for catering to dynamic and diverse work environments.
Large modular couches can be pulled apart for individual seating or joined together for larger groups.
Minimise clutter by customising your storage needs with flexible modular shelving that can be adjusted and expanded.
Swiftly reposition modular wall systems to create temporary meeting spaces or to adapt to evolving needs.

3. Add optical pizazz with mirrors and reflective surfaces

Perfect for small spaces, large mirrors and reflective surfaces can work wonders in creating the illusion of a larger space.

Turn a cramped space into a (visually) sprawling palace with:

Mirrored furniture – This can help to expand the room while adding a shiny touch of glamour.
Glass and clear furniture – These pieces can help to create an optical illusion, adding a sense of airiness to compact areas.
Well-placed mirrors – A large, strategically placed mirror can bounce light around, making small spaces feel brighter and more open.

4. Maximise function with multi-functional furniture

Must-have multi-functional furniture for small living areas:

Sofa bed – From a cosy seating spot during the day to sleeping quarters at night, sofa beds are a winner for small spaces.
Beds, couches and ottomans with hidden storage – When space is limited, couches with hidden storage underneath will keep your space free of clutter.
Extendable dining & coffee tables – Whether it’s dinner for one or five, extendable tables are great for accommodating the occasion.
Slim display units – These are great for displaying your favourite decor while acting as a small room divider to separate your space.
Floating desk – Doubling up as a workstation and dining area, you’ll want to take advantage of this 2-for-1 furniture deal.

5. Less is more

Allowing you to embrace the minimalist lifestyle; less is often more when dealing with a small space. Opting for sleek and streamlined furniture designs can visually open up a room and create an illusion of a more generous space.

Here are our go-to “minimalist” tips:

Slender profiles – Slimline furniture creates a contemporary, functional aesthetic without overwhelming the senses.
Curved edges – Steering away from boxy shapes and harsh lines, furniture and decor with curved edges help to create a softer, more organic feel.
Neutral palette – Light, neutral colours make a small room look brighter and feel bigger, while darker colours can make a space appear more closed in.
Breezy fabrics – Opt for natural furniture materials and avoid heavy, dark fabrics that will weigh the room down.
Polished flooring – Timber, marble and stone flooring can open up the space to create a seamless look.

Most importantly, edit your space ruthlessly! The more pieces, colours and patterns you have, the more cluttered and chaotic it will feel. Always decorate and furnish small spaces with intention.

Don’t let your space cramp your furniture style; choose Furnlink.

Furnlink partners with suppliers and retailers Australia-wide to provide the latest commercial and hospitality furniture.

Designed to last in both looks and function, explore our leading range of furniture including:

View our 23/24 furniture catalogue or get in touch to become a Furnlink distributor today!