Book Review: Small Spaces

Book cover to, Small Spaces, making the most of the space you have. (SHNS photo courtesy Ryland Peters)

— Small Spaces, by Rebecca Tanqueray. Ryland, Peters & Small, $27.50.

• Although Small Spaces looks on the outside to be just another one of those coffee table books with pretty pictures interspersed with text that no one ever reads, take another look.

• If you actually live in a small space, this book can be tremendously helpful. Author Rebecca Tanqueray is the former deputy editor of Elle Decoration magazine, and she writes profiles about apartments and small homes that focus on space-saving tips anyone can use—not just on the high-end couch and custom-made cabinetry that no one can afford.

• The back of the book also includes general decorating advice for each "zone:" living, eating, sleeping, etc. The sections are neatly laid out under separate headings, and include a bulleted list of tips at the end.

• Don't let Small Spaces gather dust on that coffee table.