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10 Clever Ways to Maximize Space
Make More Room by Stacking Beds, Ditching Nightstands and Climbing Ladders
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Downsizing is a smart trend, and is often a necessity. Whether you need to fit your life into a Manhattan studio, the kids have left the nest but come back for visits, you need more storage, or you're just looking for a less cluttered look, we're here to help. Take a look at some designer tricks for making the most of your square footage.
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| Bunk Up! In a home where you need to accommodate a lot of visitors, consider a bunk beds. Even adults think it's kind of fun to bunk every now and then – they can have a big laugh about their slumber party at breakfast the next day. |
by Niche Interiors
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Rethink the nightstand. Consider a small or medium stool or side table to perch your lamp and alarm clock and store your books. Here the small tulip side table can serve the person whether she is tucked in bed or lounging on the windowseat. Another fun solution is to create a bedside table out of a stack of books and put your lamp on top of it.
| Or ditch the nightstand all together. For a more minimalist approach, consider sconces, swing arm wall-mounted reading lamps, or hanging pendants for your nighttime reading light. |
Go vertical (with help from a ladder). These people could have stopped at coat-hook height, but instead they've gained miles of space by adding a ladder and upper cabinets and cubbies. If you don't want to bother with the built-in tall ladder, store a stepladder nearby.
Yes, I do realize this closet is probably the same size as that entire Manhattan studio I mentioned earlier.
Yes, I do realize this closet is probably the same size as that entire Manhattan studio I mentioned earlier.
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Use multifunctional furniture. That side table can serve as a bedside table, but flip it around and it also can serve as a lower table with a magazine rack, or as a laptop tray. The bench is multifunctional as well — it rolls, it provides extra seating, and has storage underneath.
This designer also has saved space by tucking the bed into a nook with shelves at either end, and by adding loft and storage space near the ceiling.
This designer also has saved space by tucking the bed into a nook with shelves at either end, and by adding loft and storage space near the ceiling.
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| Make the most of a bay. People often fret about how to use these charming but sometimes awkward spaces. A small square or round dining table can be tucked right into a bay to make the most of it. If it's part of a living room, it can be a great spot for homework, projects and card-playing. |
| Steal light. If you have a small room that lacks natural light, consider translucent doors that can borrow it from another room. This particular glass offers the light but also the privacy a bedroom requires. |
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Don't get hemmed in by space-hogging staircases. Ship-ladder-style stairs and spiral staircases are huge space savers. Just make sure you're within your local building code requirements.
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| Invest in built-ins. This room has a windowseat with storage underneath, as well as that great cabinetry in the next space. This space would be such a waste without these design moves. |
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Consider a kitchen banquette. You may not think your kitchen has enough room to be an eat-in kitchen, but you might just have the space to build a bench under a window and pull up a long, narrow table. Choose chairs for the other side that can tuck in underneath tightly so that when the table is not in use they are out of the way. I'll be showing you some more fabulous banquette designs this week.
More: 12 ways to sneak the most out of your space
More small-space ideas
More: 12 ways to sneak the most out of your space
More small-space ideas
Ideabook updated on Feb. 19, 2011.
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I like the ship-ladder stairs....and LOVE the phrase "space-hogging"!
Lauren, I've got a fab collection of banquettes going, I'll try to get it written up this week :)
Seems like everything I see on Houzz is absolutely relevant to our remodel. Thank you so much!
jj - I do not - I would recommend posting this to the Questions Board, where it will get more exposure and more people will be able to help you search!
The adult style bunkbeds --perfect!! We have bunk beds at our lake house.. doubles on the bottom and singles on the top... You know we have never had anyone complain about sleeping accomodatations when invited to spend the weekend!
dancingfish, when one gets an invite to a lake house, who cares about the sleeping arrangements? I'll sleep on an air mattress on the deck if you ever want to invite me :)