By Rita Wilkins, The Downsizing Designer™
After downsizing from a 5,000-square-foot home in the country, I moved into a tiny 867-square-foot one-bedroom apartment in the city.
People often ask me if I missed the comfort of my large home. I will be the first to admit there were two things I missed most:
A guest room for frequent overnight visitors.
A real dining room to entertain family and friends.
Other than that, I truly loved small-space living.
As a designer with more than 35 years of experience, I discovered firsthand that living in a smaller space does not mean losing comfort, style, or freedom. In fact, with a few creative choices, you can make even the tiniest space look and feel bigger while making every inch work beautifully for you.
Making Your Space Work for You
Living small became a fun challenge. I turned it into a game: How many ways could I make one piece of furniture serve multiple purposes?
Here are 5 clever examples of multifunctional furniture pieces that I used in my tiny apartment and in countless design projects across the country.
Murphy Bed
Not only is this piece attractive, it is incredibly functional. A Murphy bed can serve as a bed, a drop-down desk, added storage, or even a compact home office. It is a true space saver and ideal for guest flexibility.
Storage Chest
This piece blends beautifully with most interiors and offers endless possibilities. I used mine for out-of-season clothing, sheets, blankets, and towels. At one point, it even doubled as a file cabinet.
Low Bookcase
This is a game changer in a small space. In the bedroom, I used one for sweaters, loungewear, shoes, towels, and sheets. In the living area, I used it for pantry items, dinnerware, and even board games. Its versatility makes it invaluable.
Storage Ottoman
I love this piece and have incorporated it into many homes. It can function as a cocktail table, footstool, extra seating, and hidden storage for pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels.
Shoe Rack or Boot Bench
Perfect for shoes, boots, purses, and backpacks. It also creates a practical landing zone for mail, laptops, or even groceries when you walk in the door.
These pieces remain some of my favorites. In another blog, I will share additional essentials that make small-space living both functional and beautiful.
Making Your Space Feel Bigger Than It Is
It certainly helped that I had over three decades of experience designing homes across the country—from expansive estates to beach cottages to tiny apartments and tiny houses.
With a few thoughtful strategies, small spaces can feel open, airy, and surprisingly luxurious. Here are five simple ways to make your space feel bigger without knocking down a single wall.
1. Maximize Vertical Storage
Use wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and tall cabinets to keep floors clear and draw the eye upward.
2. Keep Surfaces Clutter-Free
Clear tables, countertops, and dressers instantly make a space feel lighter and more open.
3. Choose Light Colors and Simple Patterns
Light hues, soft textures, and minimal patterns create a sense of calm and spaciousness.
4. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors reflect light and visually expand a room. A well-placed mirror can almost double the perceived size of a space.
5. Let in Natural Light
Open the blinds. Skip heavy draperies and choose light-colored stationary panels instead.
If you are living in a small space right now, even the smallest adjustments can dramatically transform how your home functions and feels.
The magic happens when you combine multifunctional furniture with thoughtful design strategies.
A small space can feel expansive when it is designed with intention, heart, and a touch of creativity. And sometimes, living with less truly allows you to experience more.
Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly believe in and that support intentional, small-space living.
SHARE YOUR STORY!
Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!
Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.
