For those of us who have shoebox condos so tiny that we’re bound to stub our toes when we walk from bed to bathroom, any space-saving hack is certainly welcome. Read on to find how Kriz made a hanging corner shelf, to maximize that vertical space that usually is considered a dead space.
What is Dead Space?
What’s dead space, you ask? Well, it’s that awkward part of the room that usually does not find any use for itself, except to remain empty. Think of space under the stairs, or above/below kitchen cabinets, or above the water closet, and so on.
Here are some of the things you can do.
Under the Stairs
Since you are not going to host Harry Potter any time soon, and besides he’s moved on to adulting for years now, use that space under the stairs for additional storage. Some people really have custom-made cabinets to fit under the stairs. If you have that kind of money, go for it. That would make your tiny condo really look tidy.
However, if you are challenged in the budget department, just buy some modular shelving to fit into that space. You could use it to store your shoes, or serve as a larder for your stash of chips or staples.
Under the Hanging Kitchen Cabinets
Hang your cooking utensils in bit of wall space under your kitchen cabinets. Then you will have those things on hand. This is a good trick especially for those who love to cook. For small condos, you would need whatever kitchen counter space you can get for food prep!
Use Modular Furniture
Micro living is one of today’s lifestyle trends. The reasons for choosing a space which is less than 30 sqm are varied. For most people, it’s a combination of convenience and cost.
Using modular furniture, like a sofa-by-day and bed-by-night, can really save you a lot of space. There are so many options now because this trend has entered the mainstream.
Read Home Design Inspirations for Micro Living.
The Finnish Dish-Drying Method
I’m a fan of not having everything on display on my kitchen counter. So I towel-dry all the wet dishes, glasses, pots and pans after washing, and put them back in the cabinets. How I wish the someone would copy this genius dish-drying trick common in Finland and make it available here in the Philippines. It’s called astiankuivauskaappi. Say what?
Instead of a usual cabinet above the sink, what you will find inside are dish racks or other racks that allow water from your dishes and glassware to drip into the sink below. No need to towel-dry! So simple and efficient.
Bench Seat
If your windows do not go all the way to the floor, you can always have bench seats made. Pile some cushions on top to make the space more comfortable. I would certainly do this if you the view outside the windows is stunning. If it’s just the building across the street, forget it.
An additional tip is to use the space below your bench seat as additional storage.
More Ideas
Read Design Ideas for Small Spaces to get some more tips on how to make use of the limited space you have.
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