Furniture for small spaces can be a challenge, whether it is a home, apartment, condo or any small space. It's easy to look into a small room, space or home and think you'll never be able to live comfortably, particularly if downsizing from a larger home.

No worries! Learn how to plan effectively, choose wisely and place pieces for maximum use, style and enjoyment.

Let's take each step individually.

First, plan effectively. Simply stated, you need to think about how each room or space in your home will be used, in order to place the furniture for your small space most effectively.

I always advocate writing things down, so grab a writing tablet and pencil, then take an unhurried walk through your space.

Write down the function of each room, and note if this space will be multi-purpose. For example, you may plan to use the dining area for eating and also allocate some space for a home office. Or, you may decide to use a room as a den/guest bedroom/home office.

By creating this written list, you have established a guide for yourself and are on your way to making good choices with furniture for small spaces.

Your second goal is to choose wisely with furniture and accessories. There are two major considerations. One is size and the other is function.

Let's say that you are going to select furniture for the living area. The list you created states that this room will be used for reading and relaxing, watching television and some entertaining.

You'll need seating for yourself, family and occasional guests, side tables and space allocated for a television. You'll also need lighting suitable for reading.

You've answered the 'function' part of the equation. Now, how about size?
When we consider the size of the pieces that will be placed in this room, we'll also think about the third step, which is effective placement of those pieces.

Read more about placement and get ideas for specific piece of Furniture for Small Spaces

Color Personality

Let's talk about Color Personality. What do the colors in your home say about you? There are some generally accepted interpretations of the effects different colors have on us and our environment. 

It's not a case of 'good' or 'bad', but rather understanding how the use of color in our homes can actually have an effect on our emotions.

There are two overall color classes - Warm Colors and Cool Colors

COLOR PERSONALITY - WARM COLORS:The color yellow reminds most of us of sunshine and heat. Red and orange can bring thoughts of fire. These are known as 'warm colors', and when used in our homes can give us 'warm' feelings.

Yellow This color can definitely bring a sunny disposition to a room or space in your home. There are some beautiful, soft yellow shades that create a warm feeling without being overpowering. The bright, true yellow that we think of with our crayolas can be overwhelming to some, so most of the time it's wise to opt for a toned-down shade.
Red A vibrant red is stimulating, exciting and is often used in restaurants and dining rooms as it can also stimulate the appetite! Red is a powerful, passionate color.
If you want the walls in your space to speak the loudest in your home decor plan, a shade of red will certainly accomplish that goal. Using red, or shades of red, as an accent color can give your space warmth and interest while being calmed down by the other, more predominant colors in the space.
Orange If you are looking for a friendly color that is a little less dramatic than red, think about using a shade of orange. It is a warm, happy color that invites us to enjoy our surroundings. The softest shades of orange can create a beautiful backdrop for a soothing yet welcoming space.

COLOR PERSONALITY - COOL COLORS Thoughts of the outdoors bring us to the cooler colors of blue, violet and green. These are peaceful and tranquil colors that remind us of landscapes and beautiful bodies of water.


Green Green is a color that works well in any room of our homes. I love using green because it brings the outdoors into my home, and, it is peaceful and calming. It's a great color for the bedroom. Whether soft and sweet or bold and beautiful, green brings out the best in us and our home!
Blue Another soothing and calming color is blue, which is why you'll find this color in the bedroom quite often. Mixed with shades of green, you can create a cool and relaxing environment in any room of your home.
Keep in mind that some say blue is not a good choice for the dining area as it may suppress the appetite...hmmm, maybe that's not all bad!
Violet This color may work well as an accent rather than the 'main event' in a room. The cool, calming effect comes as bright violet is toned down and becomes a very soft shade of violet, and that is when it can be the most beautiful.  

Read more about Color Personality