8 smart ideas to utilise narrow spaces in your home

April Kennedy April Kennedy
池花の家 プライベートなライトコートを持つ広がりの家, アトリエ24一級建築士事務所 アトリエ24一級建築士事務所 Modern corridor, hallway & stairs
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A narrow room is one of the trickiest spaces to decorate or furnish in the home. We all instinctively know that it's best to keep the traffic ways relatively clear. Because, of course, there's nothing that will make your home feel more pokey than having to dodge around objects to move throughout your abode. But what are the alternatives? Well, whether you have a basic hallway, tiny spare room or just a single-room apartment, we have some ideas that might work for you. Come with us to check out 8 ways to make the most of narrow rooms in your home. Enjoy!

1. A miniature dining room

This narrow dining room has space for four people. But keen readers will spot that the designers have sacrificed space for serving dishes. This really gives the occupants more space to move around the room.

2. A tiny study

This very simple hallway study could pass for a bookcase if you just tucked away the chair. It's the perfect example of how multifunctional units can be used in a small home.

3. A high bookcase

This home presents two examples of how to deal with a narrow space. But we're really interested in the one on the right. It has a bookcase mounted above the doorway and a sliver of a side table illuminated by a ceiling-mounted pendant light.

4. A fabulous wall decoration and a large mirror

The passageway in this stylish narrow hallway has been kept as clear as possible. One wall has a splashy vibrant design while the other is completely mirrored. This totally opens up the space. We also love how the sideboard is mounted to the wall and barely takes up any floor space at all.

6. A high-set window

If you are in the design phase of your home, consider a very high-set or low-set window. They will invite lots of light into the space without sacrificing any of the privacy. A high-set window will also draw the eye upwards and make the small space feel large and airy.

5. Accentuate the height

Even if your narrow room doesn't feature high ceilings, it's possible to create the lofty impression of height by accentuating the vertical lines in the space. Check out this lovely narrow bathroom for inspiration.

7. Bench-style seating

This isn't a particularly narrow room, but it does manage to effortlessly fit a kitchen, dining area and a wide walkway. A key element here is the streamlined orientation and, of course, the bench-style seating. A custom-fit bench like this makes the most of those hard to reach and oft-neglected corners of the room.

8. Build up

If you only have a one-room apartment, build up! A loft bed or sleeping platform can be used to create effect. Check out the narrow bookcases used here as well. This tiny Scandinavian-style studio is the perfect example of how to make the most of a narrow room!

For more small home inspiration, check out 10 pieces of furniture every small home needs.

If you have any more tips on making the most of a narrow room, share them with us!

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