The amount of living space utilized, how it's used and at what cost all figure into a person's furnishing strategy. Downsizing by a third or a half of the average home's square footage calls for smart furniture sourcing and creative ways to arrange pieces. There is little or no opportunity to cobble together furniture choices.
When planning how to furnish, consider that heavy furniture is not recommended, nor is wrought iron; it's better to opt for wood or lighter metals such as aluminum because it's easier to move - a back-saving and frustration-avoiding factor in tight spaces. Plus, as with other interior design considerations, simple, basic aesthetics work well for a small house. It is important to match furniture colors for a cohesive and streamlined look. Sharply contrasting colors throw off the eye; they are distracting and choppy, subconsciously shrinking the available home space.
For the kitchen, there is the essential three-piece dining set with hinged leaves. When the side leaves are dropped, the table's footprint is drastically decreased, and it can fit flush against the wall, which provides efficient use of the available floor space. For especially challenging spaces that usually require some customization, a compact closet that houses an ironing board is a big space saver.
Many domestic furniture makers continue to design for the extinct 1950s family, with pieces that dwarf smaller kitchens and dining rooms. But a growing number of furniture makers understand the needs of those living in smaller homes, and with a little research these manufacturers can be sourced at affordable prices. Their products include furniture that doubles or triples functionality: multi-use furniture designed with innovative space-saving in mind.
A classic example is the futon, which doubles as a bed and a sofa. The room with a futon or "sleeper sofa" can be used as a family room during the day and a bedroom at night. By the same token, a day bed can be purposed as a sitting area during the day and a small bed at night. Populating the living space with chairs that swivel, rock and recline is also a good idea, as they require a small footprint and can be used virtually any time of the day.
Some pieces can be turned, stacked atop another or flipped to make a new piece. Such furniture can be manipulated or used as-is. It is often impractical or cost-prohibitive to provide a suite of single-purpose furniture pieces for small spaces, and multi-functional design provides a smart and sensible alternative to address the space issue. A few examples:
--A wall unit that has a pull-out table. This can be used for a writing desk or an eating surface for those times when the dining table is not capable of accommodating the unexpected additional guests.
--A kitchen island/breakfast bar to house a table. The table may seat two or four people but folds down when not in use. Marry the table with stackable chairs.
--A food trolley cart with triple use. For kitchens unable to accommodate an island, trolleys provide a usable work area. Out of the kitchen, a trolley can be moved to the dining area as a bar or additional serving surface. Some models come with a granite top and a wood or stainless steel base.
--Wall-to-wall seating that also houses storage underneath.
--Aluminum-framed sofas that double as storage spaces underneath.
With these choices, one doesn't need to consider furnishing small spaces like Spartan college dorm rooms, with a loft and a tiny desk. Instead, the growing number of furniture choices with clean, modern design can make it possible to live large in a smaller home.
Saved Merrick Dog Food Keypad Wall Safe Shopping Transfer Pumps For Diesel Fuel
