New ideas for small spaces.

You’re looking forward to settling in for the night, but as you reach for the remote control, you trip over the bulky coffee table and find yourself face to face with the rug! If only you had more space in that tiny living room… Guess what? You’re not alone.

Even inhabitants of roomier living spaces often lament that they don’t have a larger area for entertaining, lounging or visiting with family.

The bottom line: unless a remodel is in the budget, we must appreciate the space we have. And there’s no better way to do this than by making some strategic design choices!

City dwellers often crave more space, but the second-best thing is space-saving, flexible furniture. Now manufacturers are finding new ways to shrink, fold and collapse furniture, and many also offer expert advice.

Keep the floor space as clear as possible. Make the walls work hard. Consider fold-down gate-leg tables and extending or wall-hung tables.

Choose beds with built-in storage and sofa beds that fold away. Side tables, coffee tables or stools with lift-up tops provide extra seating and storage.”

Choose furniture that is adaptable and flexible to meet the challenge. Coffee tables that lift to become dining tables, a “smart bed” can store sports equipment, TV units can offer storage and a footstool can open into a bed.

As for decor, you can use visual tricks to create an illusion of space. Where natural light hits a room, paint that surface white, glossy surfaces can bounce the light around.

Light & Space paint reflects twice as much light as ordinary emulsion, and glass-topped tables can increase the effect. Using the same floor coverings can link rooms together.