How to Choose the Right Furniture for Small Spaces: Your Fun + Functional Guide

Furnishing a small space? Welcome to the club where creativity reigns and every inch counts. Whether you’re moving into a cozy condo or looking to reimagine your current space, here’s how to pick pieces that work hard and look great doing it.

Measure Twice, Buy Once

Before you fall in love with that gorgeous sofa, make sure it actually fits. Take measurements, then take them again. You want your furniture to leave breathing room for doors to swing open and for you to move around without doing the furniture shuffle. Trust me - I’ve seen it all: the overstuffed sofa stuck in a doorway and the dining table someone “loved” that ended up swallowing the entire condo. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your space functional and beautiful.

 

Choose Multi-Tasking Marvels

Look for pieces that earn their keep. A storage bed, an expanding coffee table or a bench that hides your winter boots? Yes, please. Every item should do double (or triple!) duty.

Legs for Days

Furniture with exposed legs allows air and light to flow through, making the room feel more open. Think: modern chairs, airy sofas and elevated consoles.

Go Big … Sometimes

Not everything has to be tiny. One great credenza can hold a lot more (and look a lot better) than three small cabinets. Just make sure it fits. Bonus points for storage drawers!

Stick to a Soft Palette

Bold colours are fun, but too many in a tight space can feel chaotic. Start with neutral tones and layer in interest with textures and soft accents. Your eyes will thank you.

Entertaining? Plan Ahead

Love hosting? Consider pieces that can expand, like drop-leaf tables or stackable chairs. Or opt for a coffee table that adjusts to dining height for impromptu dinner parties.

Keep It Off the Floor

Visible floor space makes everything feel bigger. Store up, not out. Wall shelves, floating nightstands and tall bookcases will become your best friends.

Be Patient, Really Patient

Resist the urge to fill your space too quickly. It’s tempting to “just get something in there,” but trust me, the right piece is out there and it’s worth waiting for. When you rush, you often settle for something that doesn’t quite fit your space, your style or your life. And then you’re stuck with a piece that irritates you every time you look at it. Buy what you love, not what’s available today. Patience pays off.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Here’s my go to list of “7 Easy Pieces” that can anchor any small space:

●      1 Sofabed - like Blu Dot’s One Night Stand for guests.

●      1 Storage bed - Homecoming has deep drawers to hide extra linens.

●      2 Side tables with storage - Hoard is a personal fave.

●      1 or 2 Long, low bookcases - great for books, TV and decor.

●      1 Compact dining table - easy to tuck into a corner or double as a desk.

●      2 Dining chairs - sleek, comfy and ready for dinner or Zoom.

These give you flexibility, structure and style.

The Bottom Line

In a small space, every piece matters. Buy less, choose better and always ask, “What else can this do?”

Good design solves problems but great design makes your home feel like you. And when it all comes together? That’s when the magic happens.

Stay tuned for more space saving tips, furniture picks and ideas to help you fall in love with your space, no matter the size.