Small Space Solutions

In a magazine, I recently saw an ironing board that hung on the door or was attached to the wall that folded up like an accordion. Of course I can’t recall exactly where I saw it and can’t seem to find it on the internet. Have you ever seen anything like it?

My son is 10 and very tall , he needs a new bed with very small room . what do you suggest ? i have looked at murphy beds, but they are very costly. Hi Cheryl, Thanks for writing! I apologize for the slow reply. I got swamped with some reviews I had to do. I have a few answers which might work for you…

For an uncomplicated look, a bar stool is an effective alternative as a side table. You may be aware of this idea or have seen it before, but regardless, it bears mentioning or repeating. If you want a simple yet effective side table that will provide you with a clean look and feel, consider using a bar stool like in the photo above. You’ll also notice a book has been placed on top of the bar stool.

Through our Small Talk Monthly Contest we asked visitors our June question of the month. Below you can find their unconventional and inventive answers on what they did to come up with small space solutions in their home. We think this might also help you solve some problems—either now or in the future. Here’s what we asked…

I recently moved into a raised modular home from a bi-level. The space I have is very limited. I have double sliding glass doors both upstairs and down.I desperately need decorating ideas. I also have a full hearth both upstairs and down with a fireplace in one and a franklin stove in the other. I have living and dining combo. and a small kitchen. I also have three very small bedrooms.

My wife and I have a very small den. We want to hang a flat screen on the wall to save space. We have a one year old and we would like to have a VCR/DVD player for her. Can you suggest where to put the VCR/DVD players? We did not buy a TV/VCR/DVD combo.

I just bought a 600 sq. foot condo in an association that doesn’t have a fitness center. This meant that I had to forfeit an entire bedroom wall for an elliptical cross trainer! I also need a tall fan in front of it blowing directly on my face/torso. The space would look less cluttered if a fan could be mounted on some kind of an arm that came out of the wall (up high). Do you know of anything like that?

I live in a very small house and run an animal rescue group out of our home as well. I’m embarrassed to say we’re overcome with clutter and somewhat hopeless that we can clean up this small living space and make it enjoyable to be in.

I found your web site and am looking for a small desk to replace the one I got in grade school. It is 15 inches deep by 46 inches wide. It has 4 drawers. All the desks I have seen are deeper like 24 inches deep. Do you have any suggestions?

I will be purchasing a small (600 square metres) one bedroom condo unit. I would like to know what wall color would make my space look bigger. I love optimistic, warm colours. Or is cool better?

I live in a efficiency apartment that has 2 rooms and a bathroom. I have a computer and some books. I bought a desk but it was too big. I also realized that I did not want my bedroom to feel like an office.

I can’t work out whether you are based in America or the UK or somewhere else—some of the websites on your site are UK—but I can’t find a UK website or address dealing with the Sapien bookcases—only US and they don’t deliver here (UK). Do you know of anyone who would deliver that bookcase (preferably the tall one) here?

I have a very narrow hallway/entryway and I don\’t know what to do when a lot of people come over…where do I put their shoes and jackets. My closed it way at the end of the hallway. I need a piece of furniture that I can put into my hallway for shoes and jackets.

My name is Amber. My partner and I have a cute home in Mullumbimby with two rather long rectangular rooms which we are struggling with. One has a lot of light and has become the T.V., computer and play room (for our two kids under six) and the other, a quiet room situated between bedrooms and is also the entrance of the house.

I thought of a few more questions regarding small spaces and remembered how helpful you were with my desk/bookcase issue. I decided on the floral printed desk which is perfect!! Just to refresh your memory. I am living in an efficiency apartment. There are 3 rooms. A full bathroom, a bedroom and a living room/kitchen area.

I have a very narrow space between my fridge and cabinet (4 to 5 inches wide) that is unused and I would like to find a roll-out tall shelf system that could go there. I would put my spices on it, so it can be shorter shelves in addition to normal sized ones. It can be anywhere from 12 to 16 inches deep. Any ideas?

I have a room that is only 78 inches wide. I would like to put two small beds in this room, but, I can only find twin beds that are 39 inches wide. Are there any beds less then 39 inches wide and where can I order them?

I have a small square kitchen that has enough room in one corner for a small bistro table or a storage cart. I am trying to find countertop height table with two drop leaves and storage underneath for cookbooks and a couple small appliances. It would serve as a breakfast, quick dinner for two table most of the time and an extra workspace when entertaining guests . I did see something similar at one time - before I needed it. Do you have any suggestions where I might find something like this or an alternative?