18 Small Space Ideas for Tiny Living
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex…. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.” – E.F. Schumacker
The average American home has 2,500 square feet of living space, while the typical tiny house rarely exceeds 500 square feet. Why would anyone volunteer to downsize so drastically?
The tiny-house movement was birthed from the pursuit of a simpler lifestyle. Small homes are inexpensive to build and maintain, especially if they are partially (or fully) off the grid. Living in such a small house also has a positive impact on the environment.
Are you curious about which small space ideas work, and which are too minimalistic? Scroll through our best small space ideas for inspiration on becoming a tiny house owner.
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1. Space-Saving Wash Basin For Bathrooms
If you’re looking to save space in your bathroom, a save-spacing wash basin such as a small basin or corner basin can be the perfect solution. Not only do they save space but they also add an aesthetic charm to a bathroom while providing enough washing area. I
n addition, these basins are usually more affordable than standard ones and some of them don’t even require the need for any additional water plumbing to be installed! So take advantage of these unique save-spacing wash basins and make the most out of your tiny bathroom!
2. Install Sliding Doors
If you are struggling to find clever ways to make small areas in your home look larger, here’s some advice – sliding doors! Not only do sliding doors save space, but they also provide a chic and modern look for areas such as the bathroom. This can be especially helpful when dealing with a cramped bathroom area that you feel needs a fresh boost.
Adding sliding doors is an easy way to create the illusion of more room, while also transforming the area into something you’ll love and appreciate. For an even bigger impact, consider using mirrors or glass panes with sliding doors to really open up a small space.
3. Add Dividers
With small space in the bathroom often comes the challenge to create a sense of organization and open space. Fortunately, glass dividers are an excellent option for tackling this task! Installing glass dividers can provide several solutions as they serve to designate separate areas within the same environment without taking away from the feeling of openness.
In addition, glass is seamless which means that it won’t compromise on aesthetics or diminish room size. Whether you use glass shower doors, tub enclosures, or glass walls and partitions, glass dividers can be a great way to allow light to move unrestrictedly through your bathroom while keeping it looking spacious and stylish.
4. Loft-Style Beds For Shared Bedrooms
When it comes to living in a small space, creativity is key! One of the best ideas for making the most out of a shared bedroom or studio apartment is to incorporate loft-style beds. Not only will this create additional floor space, but loft-style designs are also great for storage.
You can add shelving and drawers beneath the bed and make use of walls with wall-mounted furniture pieces, lending all kinds of creative options and freeing up plenty of room. Whether you require an entire home makeover or simply looking to maximize vertical space, loft beds can be the perfect solution.
5. White To Open Up Space
When it comes to making the most of small spaces, all-white interiors can go a long way. Not only does all-white give the illusion of more space and make a room look brighter and airier, but it also provides a clean slate for you to express your creativity.
Adding accents of color with artwork or furniture is all that’s necessary to add some charm to an all-white interior – there’s no need for heavy wallpaper or dreary colors. An open-plan setup can work wonders too; utilizing soft furnishings such as rugs, curtains, and different light fixtures can create zones within a small living space while still keeping it feeling bright and open.
6. Big Windows To Create A Visually Bigger Space
When your bedroom feels cramped, you may want to consider some ideas to make the most of a small space. Keeping big windows in mind can make your bedroom brighter and more inviting as natural light creates a cheerful atmosphere.
Reflective surfaces like mirrors and glossy white furniture pieces can help add dimension and light. In the end, you’ll have a cozy bedroom that feels much larger than it actually is!
7. Utilize Under Bed For Storage
If you’re living in a small space, it can be difficult to figure out where to store all of your belongings. However, with a few creative ideas, such as under-bed storage and additional storage under furniture, you can make the most of even the tiniest of trailer homes!
It is important to get creative when looking for storage solutions for small spaces as it’s easy to let even the tightest space become cluttered. With thoughtful organization, even the smallest home can feel roomy and spacious.
8. Add A Skylight
Making the most of a bedroom with a skylight can be one of the most creative and effective ways to tackle limited space. Natural light cascades into your bedroom, creating an open and airy atmosphere that makes it easier to use all the space you have.
Whether you choose to add a loft bed, furniture pieces that double up as storage, or even interior plants to amplify the yoga-inspired zen vibe, having extra lighting from your skylight during the day can immediately make any small bedroom look spacious!
9. Choose Wood For An Airy & Bright Feel
If you are looking for design ideas for a small space, a wood interior is always a great choice! A wood interior brings an airy and organic feel to the space, adding warmth and rustic charm. Go for wood flooring, wood-paneled walls, and wood doors – the options are endless to create an interesting wood-filled environment in your small space.
With furniture pieces made of wood as well, you can achieve a charming, elegant atmosphere without overwhelming the area. Whether you want the unfinished look or some color stains to bring out its natural pattern, wood elements can make a small space look larger and livelier.
10. Choose A Warm, Vibrant Color
When it comes to living in small spaces, simple yet creative strategies can make a huge impact. A warm bold color like yellow or orange can be used to add interest and energy to an otherwise mundane interior. Soft furnishings and textiles can warm up the color palette while drawers and shelving units add storage but don’t take up too much floor space.
Mirrors on the walls will reflect light, creating the illusion of a larger room – perfect for those who struggle with a lack of natural light in a small space. An area rug can add warmth as well as tie together colors and textures, making the room feel larger and more complete. With just a few thoughtful touches, yellow interiors can be made interesting and inviting despite size limitations.
11. Maximize A Low-Ceiling Bedroom
Having a low-ceiling bedroom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or personalization. Instead, embrace the low ceilings and find creative ways to make use of the low loft-style space. Think low and wide rather than tall and thin furniture; low-profile beds, nightstands, dressers, and bookcases can all create a cozy atmosphere while maximizing your space.
Don’t forget to layer in different textures, colors, and patterns to instantly liven up a low-ceilinged room. When in doubt, remember that less is more when it comes to small-space ideas.
12. Keep The Stairs Narrow
If you’re looking for creative ideas for small spaces, keep the stairs narrow. When space is tight, it’s easy to forget that traditional walls are not the only design solution. Clever use of stairs and eaves can add luxurious relaxation nooks and creative storage opportunities.
Loft spaces can be transformed into mini sanctuaries or versatile play areas which children will love. Taking the time to make something special with the space you have will give your home an extra level of personal touches that makes it really shine.
13. Ladder Stairs For Micro Spaces
When it comes to smart small space ideas, ladder stairs can be a great solution. They make it easy to switch up the layout of any room and are perfect for compact spaces since they take up minimal room. Not only that, but ladder stairs also add an interesting visual element and can make a statement in even the most micro spaces.
When incorporating ladder stairs into your home, make sure the ladder is tall enough to reach the end of the staircase and sturdy enough to ensure safety when you ascend and descend. You may also want to consider adding secure pieces at either side of the ladder for extra support. Don’t forget to top off your ladder with a banister or handrail for added security.
14. Incorporate Plants To Open Up Space
Making the most out of a small space can be tricky but with a little bit of creativity, you can transform any area into a cozy and inviting environment. Incorporate plants — both real and faux — to give an airy feeling and add some greenery to your home.
Use multi-purpose furniture to create extra storage or incorporate fold-away items like tables or chairs for when you need extra seating or workspace. Creating light colors for walls or incorporating large windows or even skylights if possible will make any small space feel much bigger.
Finally, don’t forget about reflective surfaces like mirrors for depth and an overall brighter effect. With these simple tips in mind, you can maximize any small space and enjoy the coziness in no time!
15. Opt For Muted Colors
A small space can be turned into big magic with some pastel interior design. Soft pinks, blues, and yellows blended subtly to create a cozy and comfortable setting where you can feel safe but still stylish.
Neutral tones can create the illusion of a larger interior, by avoiding darker hues or busy patterns that draw attention to the small space. Using muted colors in this way can provide a gentle feel for any room, making it look expensive and elegant despite its size.
16. Glass Doors For More Natural Light
When it comes to a small space, there is no better way to make it feel larger than to incorporate glass doors; by introducing more natural light, glass doors can help a muted interior instantly transform. They create the perfect balance between seeing what’s on the other side of your walls without losing any sense of privacy.
Whether you decide to use glass material with frosted films or glass frames that are surrounded by wood panels, glass doors enable you to bring the outside in while allowing more natural light into your once-confined area.
17. Utilize Vertical Space With Overhead Shelves
Introducing overhead shelves is an easy way to transform the interior of a small room. Not only do overhead shelves add subtle dimension, but can also be filled with embellishments or personalized items to bring out the quirkiness in any home.
From baskets and jars of trinkets to bright art pieces or wooden crafts, overhead shelves provide texture and personality within a space that otherwise might appear dull. With minimal effort, you can breathe new life into an old, small space!
18. Add A Runner Or Area Rug
A runner or area rug is a great way to spice up a small space and create a little bit of extra visual room. This can be especially effective in hallways, because it draws the eye along the runner, elongating the room and making it look much more spacious.
Runner rugs are also perfect for tight spaces since they come in all lengths, shapes, sizes – and colors! So, no matter the size of your space or the decor you’re going for, there’s definitely a runner that would work perfectly.
Tiny House FAQs
Tiny houses are legal in all 50 states, but some local laws and building codes make it difficult to legally dwell in such a tiny home. You must research local zoning regulations before investing in a tiny house. Six states that are exceptionally welcoming to tiny house living include California, Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas.
Yes! DIY tiny house kits can be purchased in that price range. DIYing your own tiny house plan will save you thousands of dollars while sharpening your DIY skills.
Tiny house tax policies vary by state. Living in a tiny home means you might avoid the huge property tax bills that accompany traditional home ownership. However, you may have to pay an annual personal property tax on your tiny home as a trailer or RV.