How to make the most of unused spaces

Even the most beautiful homes have awkward spaces that you just can't figure out what to do with. Perhaps it's a cramped corner, a narrow entryway or an open plan room with a lot of dead space in the middle. Don't let these areas be forgotten. Check out our tips to turn unused spaces in your home into functional, stylish features. 

Transform empty corners

Whether it's the bedroom, living room or balcony, there's always a way to jazz up empty corners. Create a reading nook with a plush armchair or make a cosy cushion spot for little ones with blankets and fairy lights.

If you have your reading areas covered, how about a little plant sanctuary? Play with varying heights using plant stands, or invest in a bookcase or shelving unit and create an arrangement of trailing plants.

Small corners in living rooms and dining areas are also perfect for bar carts. Styled beautifully with your favourite drinks and glasses, bar carts function both as a decorative feature and as an entertaining aid. Empty corners can also be ideal for housing additional storage. Think cupboards or tall display cabinets for extra linen or servingware. 

Turn cupboards into cloffices

2020 saw many of us being innovative with our spaces to create home offices. According to Pinterest Predicts 2021, a 'cloffice' will become the new home office, especially for people living in smaller spaces with no spare rooms to transform into a study. To make your very own cloffice, take out some of the lower shelves of an extra wide built-in cupboard to create space for a desk or make your own fold-out desk with some hinges and an extra piece of wood or shelf. This tiny homes concept can also be applied to cupboards under the stairs. 

Maximise the middle of the room

Larger spaces can sometimes feel incomplete or a bit empty. If you have an open plan space and the main pieces of furniture are spread out, there can be a lot of dead space in between. Consider adding an open bookcase to house ornaments and your collection of books. It's a great way to section off a zone, plus the objects in the bookcase can do wonders in absorbing sound which can be handy when different parts of the space is being used by different family members.

Don't like the idea of something tall and bulky in the middle of your open plan space? Consider a console table instead to break up the space. 

Dress up hallways

The long stretch of a hallway can feel cold and dull when left empty. Liven up walls with vibrant wall art and don't forget to work with levels so the lower parts of the wall aren't left out. Mirrors can also brighten hallways and create the illusion of more depth, plus they're super-handy for quick checks before you bolt out the door. For the corner near the entryway, consider practical furniture such as a bench, shoe rack or cabinet or a coat rack. If your entryway is too small, you can still make it functional with wall hooks and racks, and a simple basket for shoes and bags.