Ways to Remodel Your Small Living Area for More Seating and Less Clutter
Struggling with Feng Shui in a small space? Trying to create that perfect focal point but coming up short? Try a few of these suggestions and hopefully your crunch for space will become a hip seating area with a good flow. Living in a studio apartment of about 1,000 square feet, I have seen the problems which occur with seating for parties or mere social engagements. Futons can replace your old hideaway bed, especially because they generally take up less space and yet still provide a sleeping space when needed. In order to maximize a futon’s potential, try laying it down in the flat position and using a thick comforter on it. Place throw pillows along both arms and around the side facing the wall, this will create a day bed which can potentially seat more people or give a spot for board games with only taking up about 6 more inches of the room. Throw pillows should be small in size; big pillows will steal space and eye attention.
Futons generally work best in square rooms or rooms with a wide birth, for those with a slightly narrower space try using space saving collapsible or hideaways. The traditional Murphy bed (bed concealed in wall) is a notorious space saver and yet is found few and far between in our modern apartments. Check out Murphy bed possibilities at https://antiquesandartireland.com/2016/06/ and hopefully you’ll find the perfect space saving solution for your home (Murphy beds range in price from $600-$1200).
Other tuck and go options include cube tables which fold into each other, or the elegant style of floating shelves. Floating shelves add the ability to display all of your books or pictures without having to take up table space. In order to maximize the seating ability gained with the use of floating shelves, try using a long narrow couch without arms under the shelves, this allows for comfortable seating without bumping heads, and an armless couch saves space and allows for multiple people to cram onto a couch without being too snug.
For coffee table options outside the norm, try using a higher than normal style coffee table with an option to tuck and store an ottoman underneath it, that way you do not clutter up your space and yet have more options to accommodate more people in the event of a large get together or party.
Wall bars also work for space saving abilities, providing an option for standing or sitting on traditional bar stools, narrow bars along a wall side can provide functional space for paying bills during the day or sipping cocktails and eating dinner at night. For some options try or www.ikea.com both of which offer a variety of furniture options which are contemporary and yet space saving.
So think smart and shop smart and hopefully you can find some furniture options which suit your needs. Far too often I see apartments with one large bed dominating a bedroom, or a huge old couch which just seems out of place. Donate your big bulky furniture to goodwill and go ahead and buy that functional space saving futon. You won’t regret it. Also make sure your furniture is of good quality, cheap furniture will be made out of press board and will fall apart when your 300 lb friends come over to watch the big game. Futons with metal frames can also bend and warp, try going with a solid wood frame, or a stainless steel. The price may be higher but so is the longevity. Staying away from large bulky items will allow your guests to take in the entire view of the room without focusing on one huge dresser. Lastly, do not settle too quickly when picking out your new furniture, there is a vast market out there and if you search you will find just the right piece to aid in your seating dilemma.