The Seattle Times — How to use floating and modular furniture in small spaces

Amber Katz, The Seattle Times

Worried that a small space means you’ll have to think small when it comes to decor? Good news—that’s not always the case! Jennifer Gardner shared her tips for making the most of seemingly inflexible spaces. 

For example, a floating console in a tight entryway opens up a world of possibility! From mirrors that reflect light to open space below for a small ottoman, it’s the perfect hack that multitasks.

Expert-approved inspiration awaits! Let us know if you try any of these tips in YOUR space.

Ready to soften hard angles? Read the full article here or down below! 

How to use floating and modular furniture in small spaces

When square footage comes at a premium, innovative design solutions make the most of limited space. In a small room, many assume pieces need to fall under the small-space solution furniture category.

“We tend to think small because the space is small,” MG2 interior designer and materials manager Eleazar Juarez-Diaz says. “We say things like ‘this coffee table is too big; there won’t be enough space left,’ without thinking about how much open space you actually need and how big of a piece you can actually get away with.”

The best-designed ones often feature large-volume furniture that strategically fits into the space, giving it a grander feel while still allowing for sufficient room for circulation, Juarez-Diaz adds. Here, we tapped designers for tips on making the most of your limited space with furniture.

Expand an entryway

In a tight entryway, designer Jennifer Gardner created a custom floating console that maximized space. “The drawers offer the perfect landing spot for keys and mail, while the open space below allows for a small ottoman — ideal for taking shoes on and off without blocking circulation,” she says. A mirror above helps reflect light and make the area feel more spacious, and a lamp adds a warm, welcoming glow.

Choose mobile furniture

Stroop Design founder Vince Stroop says furniture on wheels allows for effortless reconfiguration, making a space more adaptable to different needs.

“Consider rolling coffee tables, dining tables, kitchen islands and bar carts that serve multiple purposes and shift easily when needed,” he says. “This flexibility allows a single piece to function differently throughout the day for dining, working or entertaining.”

Opt for an ottoman

“One of my favorite modular furniture pieces is the ottoman that doubles as a coffee table,” Maple & Plum’s Meghan Price says. “It’s a versatile furniture piece in that you can use it as extra seating when you have large gatherings, or as a comfortable footrest when lounging,” she says. “It’s one of those items that works for your lifestyle in several ways.”

By adding a tray on top, you have somewhere to place your drink and snack.

Snag seating with storage

“Sofas that provide storage are great, but are often not the most comfortable. When it comes to your sofa and your bed, always choose comfort over built-in storage,” Juarez-Diaz says. When selecting a piece for a living room, we tend to gravitate toward smaller seating that is pushed against a wall, where you might be left with significant negative space on both sides.

“Why not select a sofa that takes up the entire length of the wall and looks perfectly nestled in the space?” he says. “Maybe you sacrifice one or both end tables and use occasional tables that can be easily moved around to put your drink on while you sit in your spacious cozy sofa.”

Add benches that can provide seating, storage or serve as a coffee table. For a cleaner look, you can tuck items inside when not in use.

Define zones

Stroop says thoughtful lighting can create a sense of flow and purpose.

“Use furniture groupings and varied lighting sources to delineate different areas, such as a work corner, dining space or lounging zone,” he suggests. “Avoid bulky floor lamps and opt for compact tabletop lighting, wall-mounted sconces, pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting to free up valuable floor space while adding warmth and ambience. “

Customize your cabinets

“If the cabinetry is for your home that you are planning to live in for a few, or many, years, consider a custom kitchen built to get exactly what you need and want,” says Lea Howlett, founder of High Road Woodworks, a custom cabinet company in Seattle. “The materials will be better, it will fit the space better and it will make your life easier and more enjoyable for years to come. It will probably also add more value to your house, too.”

If cost is a primary concern, choose semi-custom cabinets available at big-box cabinet companies. But don’t let them tell you they are custom. They are not, Howlett cautions.

Choose a floating vanity

Floating vanities are a smart solution for small bathrooms.

“By lifting the cabinetry off the floor, we not only created the illusion of more space, but also made the room feel lighter and easier to clean — always a win in high-traffic areas,” Gardner says. In one project, she and her team integrated an LED light fixture beneath the vanity. “This subtle glow acts as a soft night light, enhancing both function and ambience without overwhelming the design. It’s a simple detail that adds comfort, polish and just a touch of spalike serenity.” 

Create an efficiency wall

“A well-designed wall-mounted organization system can streamline daily life while reducing visual clutter elsewhere,” Stroop explains. “Incorporate hooks, pegboards, magnetic panels and small shelves to create a control center for essentials.”

This space can house a calendar, charging dock, keys, bags and small catchall trays for everyday items like change, lighters, pens, wallets, umbrellas and sunglasses. “By concentrating frequently used items in one area, the rest of the home remains open and uncluttered,” he says.

Climb the walls

Don’t discount a Murphy bed. These are a common solution and have come a long way in their design and function, Stroop says. “Over-the-door shoe organizers are great for office supplies, makeup, medicines, and all the little things that take up space and add clutter,” he says.  

Even the smallest spaces can be hardworking and beautiful with the right design approach. Floating shelves that seem to defy gravity, modular sofas that reshape to fit the occasion.

The key is to understand dimensions and not to approach the design with a small-space mentality, Juarez-Diaz explains. “Think big, within reason, by understanding your dimensions and perhaps using online programs to do a furniture layout and really understand what you’re working with,” he says.

—Amber Katz, The Seattle Times