13-05-2025
An interiors editor reveals the best space-saving tricks to make small rooms feel bigger
I've spent most of my adult life saying 'if only we had more space,' and yet I still refuse to do the sensible thing and pack up my London flat to move back to Wales and buy a decent-sized house.
The problem with smaller homes is that they can quickly look cluttered, as I have learnt from experience. All it takes is the kids spreading their toys everywhere, a few letters left unopened on the kitchen table and coats being flung over the back of the sofa and suddenly my living room is giving me heart palpitations, rather than serving it's correct purpose as a relaxing space.
Luckily, working at You magazine means I am surrounded by experts who I can consult on all matters of life, and for this particular issue I've turned to Nicole Gray, interiors editor. She has some brilliant space-saving ideas that help rooms to look bigger and less cluttered, from clever fold-up furniture to the colours that make your home look larger.
1. Go multipurpose (but make it chic)
Look for furniture that works harder in your space: a bench with hidden storage, a divan bed with built-in drawers, or a coffee table that lifts into a work surface. The Norden table/desk from IKEA is ideal, as the tabletop drops so you can adjust the size accordingly. It also features six built-in storage drawers. With its rattan canework and curved design, the Matheo wall desk from La Redoute is another great option for small spaces.
La Redoute Mathéo wall desk
£649.99 Shop
2. Ditch the bulky sofa
These are a no-go in small spaces, as they make the room look a bit 'dollhouse-y.' Opt instead for a sleek two-seater or a modular setup that can be configured to suit your needs. The new IKEA store on Oxford Street has just opened its big blue doors, offering a wide selection of modular and compact sofa designs. As if you needed an excuse to visit…
John Lewis Sweep large sofa
£619 Shop
IKEA ÄPPLARYD sofa
£699 Shop
3. Fold it flat
Long gone are the days of bulky storage boxes and zip bags. In their place? Collapsible laundry baskets and drying racks that disappear when not in use. We've got our eye on the HangOn folding drying rack from Brabantia — it even has a sock-drying section. Genius.
John Lewis Joseph Joseph collapsible basket
£30 Shop
4. Keep a tight colour palette
Paint is often overlooked in spatial design, but light tones and a cohesive colour palette help make spaces feel more expansive and airy. We love the soft pink of Reverie or the beige-white of Nap Time from the new tonal Coat Paint collection.
£30 Shop
Coat Reverie light earthy pink paint £30 Shop
5. Make the most of every surface
Hooks, racks, and bins on cupboard doors are hidden helpers that lighten the load (I've secretly been using the kids' hooks from H&M Home for ages). If you're looking for a chicer aesthetic, try the resin and gold multipurpose versions from Oliver Bonas.
Oliver Bonas wall hooks
£45 Shop
Next Dibor wire storage rack
£38 Shop
6. Build it in
Built-ins or wall nooks can add storage without taking up extra floor space. In kitchens or entryways, even a slim floating shelf can make a big difference. The ultra-cute floating bedside table shelf from Matilda Goad will earn you serious style points.
Dunelm corner ladder shelf
£89 Shop
