Furnishing a small space can be a daunting task, between using the pieces you love and creating a functional and comfortable space. When it comes to small spaces, less is always more. To maximize your rental unit, you want to choose functional design elements that help to create a more open space visually and practically. Below are five valuable tips for helping you optimize your small rental space.
Stay Organized
Clutter is your ultimate nemesis when trying to maximize small spaces. Before furnishing your rental unit, declutter and organize your belongings. Take some time to decide which items actually serve a purpose and which can be donated or thrown away. Organizing will give you a clean slate to determine what furniture you can invest in.
Use Light Paint Colours
Whether you are a property manager or a tenant looking to repaint a space, you can never go wrong with sticking to light neutral tones. In addition to matching everything, light-coloured walls help to make a smaller space feel more open. If you fear choosing white because it may make the room feel washed out, try looking for colour on the off-white or grey paint scale. It can feel overwhelming to pick from all the colours available, so a helpful trick is to hold your paint swatch against a piece of printer paper to reveal its undertones and better match it to your space. A warm white is timeless and will be sure to go with many styles should you choose to switch up your interior design.
Decorate with a Large Mirror
Mirrors can make your space feel much bigger and help distribute light, making it more open and inviting. The foyer sets the tone of your living space and is one of the most practical spots for a mirror. Placing a larger mirror adjacent to a light source can help to optimize the natural light and create a focal point for this smaller area of your home. Standing mirrors can be great for rentals as they do not require mounting and can lay almost flush with the wall.
Maximize Vertical Space
When you run out of floor space, try looking up! Maximizing space is all about creativity; vertical space often represents untapped storage potential. One of the best ways to maximize vertical space is by mounting floating shelves to add more storage and depth to the room. Even using them to store houseplants or a lamp removes clutter from your main surfaces at eye level and helps to create a more dynamic space. In addition, a long floating shelf and some fun accessories can turn it into a minimalistic bookshelf. Finally, hanging command hooks in the entryway, bedroom, and closets are an excellent solution for keeping jackets off the floor and are renter-friendly for your painted walls.
Find Furniture with Multiple Purposes
When optimizing your space, there is nothing better than a functional piece of furniture that helps store away clutter. When designing your living space, invest in bookshelves, ottomans, and TV stands that can double as storage space for blankets, electronics and books in your living room. Multipurpose furniture goes hand in hand with maximizing your vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling wall organizers can be an excellent option for an all-in-one entertainment centre and storage unit with minimal mounting.
Make the Most of Corner Space
To maximize your space, you must try to use every corner. One of the best ways to do this is by installing corner shelving. If you have an empty corner from the floor to the ceiling, you can use a stand-alone ladder shelf or even mount smaller brackets and shelves above an existing side table. If you have a counter corner in the kitchen or bathroom, try installing smaller floating shelves to create more cabinet space. Another reliable option for maximizing corner space is to buy furniture that matches the area. For example, consider adding a square end table or basket to store throw blankets and pillows if you have a two-couch living room.
Overall, maximizing space is about being creative and removing furniture that serves no purpose. Always appreciate the power of light colours and mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space. Don’t forget to look in all the corners for opportunities to maximize storage space. Whether furnishing a new space or revamping an existing one, these tips will help you maximize your space.
About The Author
Kelly Dorval is the Digital Marketing Manager at CLV Group. For over 45 years, CLV Group has been helping renters and homeowners find the perfect place to call home. From heritage-styled apartments in historic areas of cities to amenity filled high-rises and family oriented townhomes, CLV Group has over 10,000 rental accommodations to call home. CLV Group’s commercially focused real estate representatives have gained the trust of business owners' and investors' trust in buying, leasing or selling commercial-class real estate investments.