Space in Toronto is expensive and costs are at a premium. On a daily basis, we meet customers looking for “the” solution to organizing a smaller space. Closets in condos and apartments are notoriously shallow. Other than renting a storage unit, there are not a lot of options for storing your belongings. People need multi-use furniture that takes up less of the overall footprint but is still stylish and functional.
When choosing apartment furniture, our advice is to go for multifunctional pieces. At the beginning, these are the best you can do to make the most of your small space. Do not pick bulky furniture that may make your rooms look cramped and cluttered. Choose furnishings of the right size and options that lighten up the space.
Here are some of our space saver ideas:
1. Storage Beds – offer great storage solutions. Your entire linen closet can fit under a storage bed.
Emilio Platform Bed with Drawers
2. Benches, Ottomans & Couches with Storage. Consider oversized ottomans that are used as coffee tables - some of them are the size of almost another closet, when you open them up. Always purchase furniture items that have more built-in storage – a few extra drawers can take a lot of the daily clutter out of sight.
3. Go for Big Art Pieces - Are you too keen to adorn those empty walls of your room with paintings or personal designs? You can create an illusion of something bigger in a small area. You can choose a piece of art that also creates a division to your apartment, or for a particular corner or a wall. Instead of hanging three to four small frames on a wall, exaggerate the photo prints to give more depth to your wall. And don’t forget large mirrors – these can offer the same illusion of bigger space and depth. Keep your eye open for a space in your home that can host a large mirror and increase the space “illusion”.
4. Don’t overlook flooring. Area rugs create “space definition” for specific purpose, i.e. home office without closing in the area which makes a small space - well, smaller. Whether you stay light and neutral, or go for the fun quotient and choose something flamboyant, area rugs can create better flow within your space and of course create an element of cozy.
5. Purge. If you haven’t used an item in a year – give it away or donate it to a worthwhile charity. Why keep escargot plates when you’ve never made escargot? The relatively new minimalist trend has taken off as more and more people got to the “I have too much stuff” conclusion. Besides improving your life by getting your space lean and organized, you are helping the environmental cause, as well.