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| © Image courtesy of Shutterstock small space decor |
By Sarah Morlock, SPY
* Proper interior design can add space to tiny rooms
* Try hanging decor, multifunctional furniture and innovative shelving
* Great options for dorm rooms and tiny studios
Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or you’ve just moved into a tiny studio apartment, living in a small space can be quite a challenge. Make the most of the space that you do have with thoughtful interior design decisions that will save you space. Hang up your decor, create a room division using shelving or invest in multifunctional furniture. These six hacks will help you feel happy and comfortable in your new living area.
1. Try Hanging Decor
In a small space, you don’t usually have much room for standing decorations. Forget sculptures or fancy furniture, and instead get something you can hang from the ceiling or walls. This Ira Hanging Planter allows you to bring some green into your space while incorporating a bit of macrame, one of this year’s most popular interior design trends.
2. Buy Multifunctional Furniture
Another trick for small space living is to invest in multifunctional furniture. These pieces will only take up a minimal amount of space and are able to perform different functions. For example, a utility cart such as this Raskog option can serve as a nightstand, bathroom storage, makeup organizer and more. Plus, it also has wheels so you can easily move it from one side of your dorm room to another.
3. Use a Clothing Rack as a Home Decor Element
Sometimes your storage can double as home decor. That’s certainly the case with this COPREE Bamboo ClothingRack. Not only does it hold all your coats and other clothing items, it also doubles as an eye-catching home decor piece to display your favorite pieces in your wardrobe. The bamboo-colored rack boasts a triangle design that creates stability and adds a mid-century modern touch to any space.
4. Lift Your Bed Off The Ground
If you ever had a lofted bed as a child, you know the advantages of lifting your bed off the ground. Using a platform allows for extra under bed storage, thus keeping all your clutter tucked away under the bed skirt. In turn, that allows you to use your space for you rather than your stuff. The Zinus SmartBase Mattress Foundation will lift your bed 17 inches off the ground and eliminates the need for a box spring so you won’t feel like you’re sleeping any higher than usual.
5. Try a Floating Desk
Going back to the first idea on this list, hanging things on the walls in a tiny dorm or studio can really free up a lot of space. That’s especially true when comparing a traditional desk with one that “floats.” This Southern Enterprises Willingham Desk simply looks like a shelving unit when not in use. However, pulling the middle knob creates a fully functional desk thanks to the fold-down writing or makeup station.
6. Use Shelving as a Room Divider
If your dorm room or studio is large enough, you may want to invest in a room divider to create the appearance or more space and give you some privacy. Book cases work well (especially those that don’t have a back side), doubling as a divider and storage. This Yodell Bookcase offers three dual-side shelves and rests on caster wheels, which means you can move it around your room with ease.
