Alternatives for Compact Spaces

Compact spaces can be challenging to furnish with functional items, but never fear! Dwell Home Furnishings and Interior Design can help you find the right solution. Everyone needs a place to put their mug and reading material, even if the space is small. Consider these end table alternatives for compact spaces and be sure to stop by the Dwell Home Furnishings showroom in Coralville to see the available options for your small space.

End Table Alternatives

Creative solutions to small niches can bring more style to your seating area. Think outside the box! Bar carts, plant stands, nesting tables, and floating shelves could all solve the problem of a tiny side table space.

Consider pull-up or nesting tables or stools to function as an end table, side table, or accent table. Drink tables or pull-up tables come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and they’re the perfect place for your drink.

Nesting tables or stools can provide multiple surfaces that you can pull out as needed. The flexibility will set you free! You can keep the tables or stools nested until you need them. Or you can pull two out for staggered heights to add visual interest while you keep the tiniest table tucked next to your favorite seat.

Another option to consider is to add floating shelves on the wall to create a visually interesting and functional design. Wall shelves and floating cubes save floor space while offering opportunities to display favorite pictures and memorabilia. Look for quality, sturdy shelves that can become a conversation piece when installed in creative configurations. Folding shelves, corner shelves, and other solutions can further solve your storage problems.

One tip for wall shelving is to review the installation instructions and the hardware prior to purchase. Some have invisible hardware, while others have brackets that fit with specific design styles. You may need to locate the wall studs so they can bear the weight of your items, such as candles, books, a picture or two, and so on.

Speaking of lighting, remember that you don’t have to rely on a table lamp. Sconce lighting or a hanging light fixture can be added to fulfill your lighting requirements.  With smaller rechargeable lamps and lighting fixtures being a popular new technology, having the flexibility to move lighting around the space without limits is great for compact living.

Made for Compact Spaces

Luckily, more quality furnishings are being made for compact spaces. Many have charging stations built in so you can easily recharge your devices while you recharge your energy, and some are designed to be out of sight, out of mind. These slim and narrow side tables, consoles, and accent tables are abundant if you know where to look.

Hidden options include a slender sofa console, which adds a narrow surface between the back of the sofa and the wall. This solution may be just big enough for a slender lamp, and it provides a great place to put drinks, your phone, and a book or tablet. It’s hardly noticeable visually, but incredibly functional!

Also good for compact spaces are C-style sofa tables, which can move easily and keep your cuppa joe and reading material nearby. Today’s sofa tables provide stylish options that are made to complement your décor.

Small Spaces Design Tip

Consider light colors or clear materials like glass and acrylic—as opposed to dark, heavy wood—to reduce visual weight.

When designing for small spaces, you don’t have to sacrifice style or function. Look to our blog for inspiration, and visit with the interior design experts at Dwell to put it all together for you.