5 genius tricks for small-space living
In a compact living space, each piece of furniture should earn its keep. These ideas—including adjustable tables, sliding bookcases and nesting and expanding furniture—make the most of small-space living.
Courtesy of Houzz.com
In a compact living space, each piece of furniture should earn its keep. These ideas—including adjustable tables, sliding bookcases and nesting and expanding furniture—make the most of small-space living.
1. Adjustable height table
A sleek glass-top table with an adjustable base allows you to quickly change a lounge area with a coffee table to a dining area. With a cushy corner banquette, the zone will be just as comfortable whether you’re grabbing a bite or settling in to watch a movie.
Related: How to design and lay out a small living room
2. Murphy bed with a twist
Rather than folding down over empty space, this Murphy bed was designed to fit perfectly over a sofa, so no furniture shifting is needed at bedtime. Just flip down the back cushions of the sofa, lower the bed and voilà! — room transformed.
3. Pullout work surface
Kitchens sometimes incorporate pullout cutting boards to create extra counter space — why not have a pullout desk? Fully extended, it offers plenty of room to work on a laptop, but when you need the space, it quickly slides away.
Related: 10 tiny homes that live large
4. Fold-up dining table
When this unassuming wood panel is folded up, there is more room for maneuvering in this small kitchen — folded down, it becomes a dining table for four. The tops of the sleek white bench seats open to reveal storage inside.
5. Slide-away bed
In this unique arrangement, a full-size bed can be slid partially underneath the raised floor, transforming (with the help of a few pillows) into a couch. With the bed out of the way, sleek built-in storage cabinets become a useful part of the living space.
Related: Add more storage with a new bookcase
