Living in a small house, like a studio apartment, is common in Dubai due to its affordability and minimalistic lifestyle. However, living in a small space can be challenging, especially when designing and decorating the interior. Maximising space is key to creating a functional and comfortable living environment. Fortunately, homeowners can make the most of their limited space in various ways with clever planning. This blog will provide small house design hacks for homeowners downsizing to smaller homes or looking to make the most of their current space. 

1 - Convertible Sofa Bed

One way to maximise space is by using convertible sofa beds. Convertible sofas come in different styles and sizes, making them a versatile option for small homes like studio apartments. Some advantages of convertible sofas are:

- They save space by eliminating the need for a separate bed.

- They are easy to set up and take down, making them ideal for residents who frequently move.

- They can be used as a sofa during the day and converted into a bed at night.

Different types of convertible sofas include futons, sofa beds, and sleeper sofas. Futons and sofa beds are popular for small houses as they are lightweight and easy to move around. Sleeper beds provide a more comfortable sleeping experience as they come with a mattress.

2 - Murphy Beds and Wall Beds

Murphy and Wall beds are great solutions for maximising space in small houses. These beds fold against the wall to free up valuable floor space during the day.

Murphy beds are named after William Murphy, who patented the first design in 1916. They are hinged at one end and use a spring mechanism to fold up and down. On the other hand, wall beds are mounted directly to the wall and use a piston lift system to fold up and down.

Installing a Murphy or wall bed requires proper installation and support to ensure safety. It is recommended to hire a professional to install these types of beds.

3 - Nested Tables

Small houses require furniture that can be easily stored away when not in use to maximise available space. Nested tables are popular for small house designs as they are functional, stylish, and space-saving. 

Nested tables are a set of tables that can be stacked together to save space. You can use them as coffee, side, or makeshift dining tables. They provide liberty to leave more space for other activities as they can be easily stored away when not used.

4 - Stackable Chairs

Stackable chairs are another great option for maximising space in small houses. They are lightweight, easy to move around, and can be stacked on top of each other to save space. Stackable chairs come in different materials such as plastic, metal, wood, and mesh or fabric. You can use them for dining, working, or even as extra seating for guests. Stackable chairs are perfect for small dining areas, home offices, or any room requiring flexible seating. 

5 - Floor-To-Ceiling Shelving

The vertical area is one of the most underutilised spaces in a small house. Drawing the eye upwards can make a room feel larger and create the illusion of height in a small space. Floor-to-ceiling shelving provides ample storage without taking up valuable floor space. You can use them for storing books, displaying art, or keeping kitchen essentials. We recommend placing decorative items on the shelves as they add visual interest to a space and make it more inviting.

6 - Under Stair Storage

People usually overlook the space under the stairs, which is perfect for storage. You can use the space under the stairs for storing shoes, books, and other items. You can also use them to display decorative items such as plants or artwork.

Installing drawers is another great way to use the space under the stairs. These drawers can store clothes, linens, toys, and games for children.

The space under the stairs is also perfect for creating a small office or study area. You can place a small desk, a chair, and shelves for books and other items in the space. This is a great way to create a functional workspace in a small house.

7 - Built-in Cabinets and Closets

One of the best ways to maximise space in a small house is to utilise built-in cabinets and closets. These storage solutions can be custom-designed to fit any space and provide ample storage for clothes, shoes, and other items.

Built-in cabinets and closets are perfect for bedroom, living room, or kitchen. In the bedroom, built-in wardrobes can be designed to fit the room’s exact dimensions, providing plenty of storage space for clothes, shoes, and accessories. In the kitchen, they can be designed to fit around appliances and other fixtures, providing additional storage for pots, pans, and other kitchen items.

8 - Floating Desks

Floating desks offer an excellent space-saving solution for smaller homes. They are mounted on the wall and only take up some floor space. You can install floating desks in the bedrooms or living rooms with limited space at any height. They are perfect for people who work from home or need a designated workspace. To maximise the functionality of a floating desk, pair it with a comfortable chair and adequate lighting. This will help create a comfortable and productive workspace.

9 - Fold Down Dining Tables

As small houses have limited space, fitting in a dining table is challenging. However, fold-down dining tables are an excellent solution to this problem. These tables are designed to be compact and easily mounted on the wall, saving much floor space.

One of the major advantages of fold-down dining tables is their versatility. You can use them as a dining table and fold them when not in use. You can also use them as a workspace or study table, and are ideal for people working from home.

10 - Pick the Right Colour Scheme

Choosing the right colour scheme can significantly impact the size of a small house. Dark colours can make a space feel smaller and more cramped, while lighter colours make a room more open and airy. Sticking with light, neutral colours such as white, beige, or light grey is best. These colours reflect natural light, making a room feel more spacious. You can also paint the ceiling a lighter colour than the walls. This creates the illusion of height and can make a space feel more expansive. 

Maximising space in a small house is all about being creative and resourceful. While it is important to maximise space, creating a comfortable and liveable environment is equally important. By following these small house design hacks, homeowners can achieve the perfect balance of style and usefulness in their small spaces.