Furnishing a Small Space Furnishing a small space can be a challenge, but one that can be handled with just

a little planning and information. A small space can have the same functionality as a larger one, be every bit as comfortable, and can end up looking even more attractive. 1. Small Space Solutions from BoConcept BoConcept has plenty of solutions for living in a smaller space. It offers streamlined multifunctional furniture to the consumer, and makes it that much easier to live in a clutter free, organized and streamlined setting.

One effective small space solution is to use small scale furnishings. Choose furniture that is scaled to your space. The Indivi 2 sofa from BoConcept has a small, sleek profile, and therefore gives the room more breathing space. Indivi 2 is available from BoConcept in different fabrics and leathers. Pictured here in light gray Icon fabric. Dimensions H30xW56xD36. Priced from $1,049.

Having hidden storage is one of the solutions to having a small space. It is a good idea to prioritize and you may want to use closets space for clothing or items that you need to access all the time. This Storage Bed from BoConcept provides plenty of space for storing bedding, clothing or anything else that you need to store. The raisable bed frame provides easy to access your things. BoConcepts Storage Bed with raisable frame and slats. Base available in white lacquer, blackstained oak and walnut. Available in Queen and King sizes from $1,649.

Investing in multifunctional furniture is one of the smartest ways to furnish a small space. Hiding clutter is very important as unattended clutter can make a space seem smaller. The Functional Coffee Table allows you to store small objects such as books or remote controls. The separate table tops lift up to provide flat, raised and stable surfaces for dining or working. Available from BoConcept, Functional Table comes in white lacquer, walnut, black-stained oak and wenge veneer. Dimensions:13H x 44 3/4W x 31 1/2D. From $1,099.

Using reflective or non opaque surfaces lets your furniture hide. Glass and metal reflect their surroundings, while glass also lets you see through the object which reduces its visual weight. These tables also have the advantage of being mobile, so you can move them around your space as needed. BoConcepts Mobile Side Table (left) in glass and chrome. From $299. Mobile Cocktail Table in glass, black lacquer and chrome. From $479.

Using room dividers is an effective way of delineating areas. While they dont take up a whole lot of valuable floor space, they provide extra room for storing books and office supplies or displaying accessories. The Amari room divider from BoConcept can also serve as a bookcase, makeshift office or a place to dine. Available in black-stained oak and white lacquer. Dimensions: 41 1/2Hx67Wx18 3/4D. From $1,499.

To accommodate guests, look for flexible solutions for sleeping, such as a sofa bed . BoConcept has dual-purpose furniture like sofa beds and sofas with built in storage to optimize limited space. The Spaze sofa featured here offers built in storage as well housing a bed. This sofa comes in many different fabrics and leathers, and is shown here in black Contra fabric. Dimensions:34 3/4H x 109 1/4W x 59 1/4/90 1/4D. From $4,199.

For a sleeping solution on an even smaller scale, you can try an ottoman that unfolds into a guest cot. In its unfolded state it can serve as a seating option or a surface that serves as a table. When you lift off the cover of the Xtra Ottoman, it unfolds to reveal a compact and well-cushioned guest cot with mid-section support Available from BoConcept in 73 fabrics. Mattress made of 33kg PUR foam polyurethane. 16 3/4H x 27 3/4W. Expands to 78D x 27 3/4W. From $499.

2. Tips for Smarter Small Space Living

Planning and forethought set the ground for smarter small space living. The scale of your furniture, how well you hide your clutter, and the surfaces, colors and textures you use , end up contributing to the overall look. Your Small Space : A smaller space does not equal a lack of space, and smarter small space living simply implies that you learn to furnish differently. A cramped and cluttered look is not a given but the result of poor planning, or maybe no planning at all. Smarter small space living demands some forethought and planning and these tips might help with that process. De-clutter : Clutter is the bane of small space living, so consider giving away or recycling stuff you do not need. For the rest you need to prioritize. Hidden storage can be your best option. Things that you do not need very often can be stored away, and things that you do need often should find a convenient storage space spot that is easily accessible. Have a Floor Plan : Remember that space is valuable so do not place furniture haphazardly. Plan a room so there is enough room to move around freely. When you can see the floor, your space will look larger. Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme : Variations on a single color will make the place seem bigger, and chopping it up into different color areas will have the opposite effect. Create interest by choosing colors within the same color family, tone-on-tone upholstery fabrics and textured wall finishes. Coordinating furniture and wall color will make the space seem expansive. Use See-Through and Reflective Surfaces : A see through object lets you see right through it giving the effect of making the space seem bigger. Lucite or glass tables can serve that purpose nicely. Reflective surface such as mirrors or metal also make a room look larger. A large mirror on the wall or an over-sized framed mirror against one will have the effect of opening up the space and reflect light. Mirrored furniture can have that effect as well. Light the Way : Light, whether natural or artificial has the effect of opening up space. Heavy drapes in a small space as they can overpower it and stifle any light from the windows, so choose lighter fabric. Recessed lighting and strategically placed lamps will open up the space and create a visual flow. Go Small : Use furniture that is smaller scaled so that you dont overwhelm the room. Use smaller occasional

tables instead of a big coffee table. Use a chair and a half instead of a loveseat. Get a sofa or a recliner with a smaller profile. Go Big : You also have the option of using only a few, well chosen larger, pieces of furniture or accessories instead of several small pieces. Streamlined large pieces can make the space look big, too. They can serve to visually anchor the space, instead of letting too many smaller pieces float around. Use Multifunctional Furniture : Multifunctional furniture is a small spaces best friend. It has been around forever, but today it is even better designed and more attuned to the way we live. Consider getting furniture that gives you more flexibility. A sofa bed offers an instant guestroom. A storage bed lets you put away seasonal clothing or extra bedding. 3. Stylish Fixes for Small Spaces If you have limited space in your home, it does not limit the number of options you have. It merely changes them. If you know what you need, there is always a way of getting there, it just might be something you did not think of right away. For instance, how about a tall bookcase instead of a wide one? Or a cabinet thats installed on the wall instead of the floor? Simple fixes for small spaces can help you maximize every single inch of your home. The three things that you most need in a small space are function, comfort and style so before you buy anything make sure to look for pieces that provides these three. Go Vertical :Consider investing in tall furniture. Floor space is precious, and by going upward instead of outward you give yourself extra room. Use Walls :By adding shelves or wall mounted cabinets you give yourself room for display or storage without using up extra floor space. Stylish Storage :Buy occasional and coffee tables that provide storage with drawers and shelves. Beds, room dividers and ottomans are some other pieces of furniture that can provide you with extra storage options Decorative boxes and storage bins can also store seasonal clothing, sporting goods, office supplies or anything else. Stackable Chairs :Stackable and folding chairs are an excellent way of keeping a supply of seating that you can pull out as you need. Retractable Doors :Retractable doors that dont open out let you fit armoires and entertainment centers in small spaces with ease. Try the Kids Department :Creative use of youth furniture can serve you well as it is designed to fit into smaller rooms. It can also accommodate most adults just as well. For instance, a childs dresser or desk can fit into small areas. And with todays wide selection of styles you are bound to find a piece that matches your own. Look for Wheels :Many pieces of furniture have wheels, upholstered ones as well as tables and shelves. The ability to easily move your furniture around to where you need it can serve you well. Consider Leaves :A full-size dining room table might be too big for your dining area. Look around for one that has removable or retractable leaves. 4. See Through Acrylic and Glass Furniture from CB2

CB2 : CB2s almost invisible, see through furniture made of acrylic and glass is bound to be a hit with anyone who wants to give an open feel to a small space. A sister company of Crate and Barrel, CB2 is known for its modern and affordable furniture. Vapor Chair and Bar Stool : Thick, molded see through acrylic and a reflective chrome plated steel frame give this chair and bar stool an almost invisible, yet streamlined look. The Vapor chair is shaped to seat a person comfortably and will go with a variety of tables. For about $179.00 each. Dimensions: 18W x 18D x 32.5H (seat:17.5H) Vapor Bar Stool: Available in two sizes. 30 bar stool for around $199.00. Dimensions: 16.5W x 19D x 39H (seat: 30H) 24 bar stool for around $189.00 Dimensions: 16.5W x 17.5D x 33.5H (seat: 24H) Peeakaboo Tables : This collection includes a number of pieces. All have clean, sleek lines, which would be pleasing even if they were not almost invisible. All tables are made of thick, clear, molded acrylic. Coffee table for around $240.00. Dimensions: 37.5W x 21.25D 13.75H Console table for around $349.00 Dimensions: 38W x 15.25D 29H Nesting tables: Pullout and use separately or stack as needed. Set of three tables for around $199.00. Dimensions: Small: 13.75W x 11.5D 15.75H. Medium 15.5W x 11.5D x 17.5H. Large: 17.5W x 11.5D x 18H. Tesso Bookcase : The Tesso bookcase has clear glass shelves that are set in chrome niches. The sturdy frame mounts on the wall and is made of plated metal tube. You can put up two or three units together to provide an attractive shelving solution for books, media, or anything you want to display. The Tesso bookcase can also work in many different areas of the home, such as a foyer bathroom or kitchen.

For around $299.00 Dimensions: 28W x 10D x 84H 5. How to Use Space in Decorating

Once you have defined space, it becomes much easier to work with it whether you live in a small dwelling or a larger one. Both present their own challenges, but once you learn how to evaluate, define and alter your space, your task becomes easier and more enjoyable. How you use space in decorating can make all the difference. Interior space is defined by walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and any other architectural features. When decorating an interior you design in space, very much like an artist composing a painting on canvas. Paying attention to the space you have can enable you to create an interior that is pleasing to you, while also making your life less stressful. The best use of space is to consider the aesthetics while also paying attention to functional considerations. Here is how to break down the process into 3 easy steps. Evaluate : Evaluate your space to find out what you are working with. Measure the length and width of your room. You can visually alter your space. How high is the ceiling? What is the shape of the room? Define : Define this space. How will you use it? Will you break it up into interconnected areas, or is the space going to function as one whole? Does the ceiling need to feel lower or higher? Do you want to make the room appear smaller or bigger? Alter : Alter your space according to how you plan to use it. You can visually alter your space using forms, lines, textures, color, pattern and light. Use small scale furniture or furniture which seems small because of its shape or pattern to make a tiny room look bigger. Mirrors can create an illusion of greater space as can built in furniture that is mounted above the floor. Dark colors can visually help shrink a space, just as lighter colors can open it up. 6. Furnishing Small Outdoor Spaces

Furnishing even the tiniest outdoor space adds much needed room. When you furnish your small garden, balcony or patio, keep in mind the same principles you would use for furnishing indoor small spaces. Three important rules to remember are: Pare down to what you really need Select furniture that performs double duty Pay attention to scale Chair backs, table bases and pedestals that let you see through them are also great for smaller outdoor spaces. Choosing colors that blend with your outdoor spaces also helps. Choose tables and chairs that fold for flexibility. Choosechairs that stack to save precious room. Both these options provide more control over your space by letting you use only the pieces you need at any given time. Patio furniture can transform even small outdoor spaces into perfectly useful and relaxing areas. The trick is to find outdoor furniture that doesnt take up too much space, or can be folded, stacked and put away easily when not in use. Theres plenty to choose from, and you can select from different materials for your outdoor furniture. Selecting the right size is important because you should be able to move around your patio or balcony easily. Besides you dont want to take up all the visual space either, as that can create a sense of claustrophobia. Remember the secret to successful furnishing, even outdoors, lies in scale. When you decide to furnish a small outdoor space, apply all the principles that you would use indoors. The other thing is to choose a look that complements the style of your home. http://erayfurniture.com/read_blog/furniture-tips/furnishing-a-small-space-44.html