How to Downsize With Comfort

If moving to a smaller abode is what's happening in your life right now, you're probably wondering how the furniture is going to fit. Fitting all the necessary items for comfortable living into a tiny place is not easy, but with the right attitude, it can be an enjoyable challenge.

First thing to do is assess your needs. Are you a weekend parent who needs a sleeping area for kids? Does your body absolutely, positively have to lift weights at least three times a week — at home? Is entertaining a big part of your life? Writing down what this new locale must accommodate is the best way to start.

Once the priorities are established, the plan has a destination. Now all we need are the details. Let's try a living room on for size.

First pare down the furnishings and accessories to the necessities. This will free up visual space, thus enhancing the actual space. Solid, strong furniture shapes help solidify the area and unclutter it. If the room is L-shaped, chose an L-shaped sectional so as to compliment the architecture and create a flow of space.

Built-ins take up less space than stand-alone furniture. Have furniture built to house the television, DC player, books and important accessories.

On to the dining area ...

If the living room is adjacent to the dining area, two of the chairs from the dining set might be used as occasional chairs in the living room. The chairs now have two uses while requiring only one space.

In the dining room, what defines the space is the table. That and a few chairs are all that is needed. The table can be put up against a wall. If it is big enough for six chairs, put one at each end, two facing the wall and the other two are in the designated living room, remember? If only four chairs make the set, then one at each end and the other two are still in the living room. A fabulous picture on the wall over the table will make this room look great and complete.

Then to the bedroom ...

A bed 'floating' on a platform creates the illusion of space. The nightstands on each side might be low, to compliment the line of the bed, but if space permits, make them long. Instead of a standard 24 inches to 28 inches wide, opt for nightstands that are 36 inches or even 48 inches wide. Unless a television is a must, that is all the furniture needed in the room. Use closet systems in the closets to maximize storage space there. The extra wide nightstands provide extra storage too.

With a little creativity and the right attitude, a small abode should be fun to decorate and even more fun to live in.