Condo Lighting, Furniture & Design Tips That Increase Living Space

If there is one thing that urban condominiums have in common, it may be that they are sometimes short on square footage and light. This isn't necessarily a problem, but it may be challenging to choose furnishings and lighting that add to the illusion of spaciousness. You'll want to focus on comfort and style, make an effort to maximize storage, and arrange furniture in a way that doesn't crowd existing space. Here are some creative ways to increase space in your condo.

Small Condo Design Ideas: Choose Furniture Wisely

Using furniture that does double duty is one of the best ways to boost functionality and gain visual space in a compact condo. Make use of vertical space by using wall space to compensate for limited floor space. Tall, narrow bookcases and wall-hung shelves not only add height and dimension to a room but can be put to use to hold a variety of objects that are both decorative and useful. Frame a doorway or window wall, add visual depth to a room, and gain attractive "closet space" with the addition of cabinet doors or attractive storage containers.

Create a makeshift home office, or steal a sliver of space near the kitchen for use as a bar counter or planning desk. Tuck a pair of stools under the shelf so they'll be handy if you need extra seating. Use a wall-hung rack above for wine glasses or coffee mugs. Don't limit your ingenuity to living spaces—vertical shelving works in any room, including bedrooms and bathrooms, even in wide hallways. Also, don't overlook the versatility of a pull-up or fold-down shelf that adds surface area when necessary.

Choose lightweight seating pieces or chairs on casters that can be easily rearranged when you have guests. Let a bench or ottoman do double duty as a coffee table. Add comfort with floor pillows and soft throws if that's your style, and don't overdo the "leggy" look of slim tables and chairs.

Utilize All Your Available Storage Space

If you've chosen a condo over a single-family home, you're likely to have less space, which means it needs to be utilized to its best ability for maximum impact. Start by looking for extra space under the bed. If you travel frequently, store all your travel gear in your suitcase and slip it under your bed. Alternatively, invest in a set of drawers with wheels to store off-season clothing, personal files, or sports equipment under the bed until you need it. Purchase a bookcase headboard, or add shelving at the head of the bed to hold books and reading lamps.

Look for furniture with built-in storage: the trend toward condo living and simple lifestyles has made these options widely available and affordable. Look for sofas and chairs with pull-out drawers or stacking cubes that can be arranged and rearranged, even moved from one room to another, to meet changing needs.

Reconfigure a closet or your kitchen cabinetry to extend storage to the ceiling. Add kitchen organizers for foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap, pot holders, and pan covers to the insides of cabinet doors. Add turntables for spices and add storage organizers to a pantry.

Throughout your space, use vertical wall surfaces in unusual ways. Hang coats, jewelry, a decorative collection, or an herb garden from an empty wall—you don't need floor space to make a big impact!

Condo Light: How to Increase Natural Light in a Condo

If you have floor-to-ceiling windows, consider yourself lucky, as you should have plenty of light to brighten up your interior space. On the other hand, if your natural light is limited, make the most of what you have by leaving windows uncovered. Lighten and minimize your window treatments, and not only will you have a more contemporary look, but you'll also save money. If you must cover your windows for privacy, use roller shades or mini-blinds under sheer draperies and keep them open as much as possible.

Let the light from outdoors bounce off shiny surfaces—light enamel-painted tables, glass-top tables, wall mirrors, and white or pale walls and floors. Minimize wood surfaces, and banish darker rugs and upholstery that tend to absorb light. Study the way different metals and textures react to light. Replace brass accessories with silver or nickel, when possible, and opt for shiny accessories rather than deep-toned fabrics and heavy textures. This will maximize any light that gets into your apartment, which will help its rooms feel more spacious.

Use lamps to your advantage: tall floor lamps or wall-mounted sconces that direct light upwards can work wonders to brighten a gloomy room with northern exposure and limited natural light. Outfit ceiling fixtures with full-spectrum bulbs to simulate natural light, and choose warm-toned bulbs for your table and floor lamps.

Create Illusions With Paint & Mirrors

Colour, used well, can enlarge a space. Using colour well is a learned skill, and it might take some experimenting or even professional advice, but it's worth it because some colours can make a space feel larger. Lighter colours tend to make a room feel more open, but design and colour experts may recommend other colours, depending on a room's orientation. Grey and taupe are trendy today but don't feel like you must go with the popular colours, especially since your condo ownership rights dictate you have full control over the interior of your condo.

Although, in general, lighter hues tend to enlarge space, darker colours don't always make a room feel tiny. If you like the idea of a cozy, intimate space, no matter the room's dimensions, consider painting the walls a rich, darker colour. A charcoal or navy accent wall can be just the jolt a room needs to expand the "feeling" of space. You may have to experiment with tints and hues to get it right, but the effect can be dazzling.

Mirrors can also enlarge a space because they bounce the light around. If you hang a mirror, though, be sure to place it in a spot where it reflects something interesting, preferably an outdoor view!

Personalize Your Space for Your Needs

Moving into a new-to-you condo means that you have a chance to create a home that reflects your personality and meets all your needs. Take the time to analyze what it is you want, and then employ tried and true tricks to make the space, however small it might be, work for you. It's an effort that you'll find immensely rewarding.