Unless your place has a sprawling floor plan, furniture and belongings can make it feel cramped. The good news is that there are home decor items that will help you make the most of your living space. From furniture with compact designs and built-in storage to well-organized shelving units and everything in between, the right pieces will make your home seem roomier while maximizing its cozy factor.
Space-saving ideas
Whether you live in a small house or studio apartment, strategies that give it a larger feel include getting organized and adding space-saving decor. Before you choose decor items for your home, it’s important to do an assessment that will guide you as you shop.
Tackle clutter
The first step in freeing up space in your home is to eliminate items that are crowding hallways, tables, corners and other common areas. Start by sorting out items you plan to keep and set them aside to organize. Throw out or donate those you no longer need or use.
Add storage space
If you need more space to put small items, versatile options are available. Shelves can be mounted on walls or in corners to make room for trinkets and collectibles. Portable cabinets come in many size options and can be placed in just about any room of a house to store everyday essentials.
Update your furniture
When a room is on the small side, large pieces of furniture make it seem that much smaller. Compact chairs, sofas and loveseats provide adequate seating for relaxation yet take up less area of a room. Tables that nest can be stored together when not in use. What’s more, some everyday pieces like benches, ottomans and bed frames have unique built-in storage capacity for stashing frequently used items.
Organize a home office
If you work from home or have a student who requires space for homework, chances are you have documents, books and tech items taking up space throughout the house. A home office desk and shelves will provide room for these items as well as a separate place to work. Compact, L-shaped or corner desks are ideal for converting a small area into a home office.
Best space-saving furniture
Top space-saving furniture
Zipcode Design New London Linen Convertible Chair
What you need to know: This is an attractive chair that doubles as a bed, making it a good choice for living rooms and guest rooms.
What you’ll love: In addition to a stylish, contemporary design, this chair features a convertible construction that turns into a twin-size bed in seconds. It includes a throw pillow.
What you should consider: Some consumers may find the firm cushioning uncomfortable.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Top space-saving furniture for the money
Red Barrel Studio Amalfi Upholstered Flip-Top Storage Bench
What you need to know: The Amalfi storage bench saves space by serving as both a seat and a place to keep blankets, clothes, toys and more.
What you’ll love: More than just a comfortable place to sit, the upholstered top of this bench opens to reveal generous storage space. It’s available in five colors to match your decor.
What you should consider: The legs of this bench are challenging to assemble and have been reported to break.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Worth checking out
South Shore Flexible Storage Platform Bed
What you need to know: If you need extra storage in your bedroom, you can’t go wrong with this bed that boasts roomy bins and shelves.
What you’ll love: This bed’s modern platform design comes with bonus storage in the base that’s ideal for bedding and pillows.
What you should consider: The bed is heavy and difficult to move during and after assembly.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair and Amazon
Worth checking out
Walker Edison 2-Piece Nesting V-Leg Side Tables
What you need to know: Whether you need space-saving tables for displaying items or for use as end tables, this duo is a good choice.
What you’ll love: These two attractive tables nest together, so they don’t take up excessive space. Their triangular bases give them a contemporary appearance.
What you should consider: Some customers have griped about quality control issues, including missing pieces and broken legs.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s and Amazon
Best space-saving organizers
Top space-saving organizer
Elegant Home Fashions Mercer Mid-Century Wooden Over-theToilet Cabinet
What you need to know: Organizing items in a bathroom is simple with this streamlined cabinet that fits nicely over most toilets.
What you’ll love: This over-the-toilet cabinet has a durable build and adjustable interior shelves. The mid-century design compliments any bathroom decor.
What you should consider: Assembling the components of this cabinet can be time-consuming.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Top space-saving organizer for the money
DANYA B 3-Shelf Decorative Shelving Unit
What you need to know: Whether you install these shelves in one unit or in three, you’ll love how they add space and style to any room.
What you’ll love: This system has three shelves that can be installed individually or together. It’s versatile and good-looking too.
What you should consider: The shelves won’t accommodate extremely heavy items.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Worth checking out
Dotted Line Ivan Cabinet
What you need to know: If you need more storage in a bedroom, bathroom, family room or kitchen, this cabinet offers space to fit your needs.
What you’ll love: The Ivan cabinet’s trim design, roomy drawers and spacious shelf system make it suitable for any room. It’s fairly easy to assemble.
What you should consider: The cabinet is made of manufactured wood, which may be a deal-breaker for some consumers.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Best space-saving home office items
Top space-saving home office item
Latitude Run L-Shape Desk
What you need to know: This is an ideal desk for anyone who works from home and likes the idea of work and storage space in one.
What you’ll love: This desk features drawers, a built-in bookshelf and a generous work area, so it serves multiple purposes in a home office. It looks great too.
What you should consider: Putting this desk together may take some time.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Top space-saving home office item for the money
OneSpace Stanton Computer Desk
What you need to know: Although this desk doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, it’s a practical choice for small homework areas.
What you’ll love: This desk offers practical features such as a keyboard and bottom shelf to help you stay organized while you work. The trim structure doesn’t take up a lot of room.
What you should consider: Because it is quite small, this desk won’t work for everyone.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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