If you reside in a small space, it’s likely that you’re going to have trouble figuring out how to make everything fit while looking nice. With the proper styling, you can make a tiny space feel organize and breathable. When it comes to finding the perfect small space hacks, the sky is the limit with IKEA items. We want to show you a few of our favorite items when taking advantage of these endless possibilities. All it takes is a little creativity for your DIY skills to turn any IKEA piece into a functional addition to your small space.

 

Take advantage of vertical space 

When city populations are expanding, they build up, not out, and we should do the same in our homes as we accumulate more stuff. Any designer will tell you that taking advantage of vertical space in a small home is one of the best things you can do. Install hanging or overhead storage to use that valuable space, but don't fill the wall, or else it could have the opposite effect you're going for.

Take your home to new heights with wall cabinets, high shelving, or mounting floor units for extra organized storage. Mounted pieces are perfect for keeping mess off the ground, and when styled properly, they're very appealing to the eye.

This BESTA wall cabinet is the perfect addition for a smaller home to maximize vertical space.  

This 15" Besta TV stand can easily be turned into overhead storage by mounting it on the wall. It provides a decorative closed storage option for a tight bedroom, and you can accessorize it to match your aesthetic.

Rosa doors in charcoal black with Elisabeth chrome knobs on a BESTA unit (item 004.740.70) looks clean and sleek mounted above a bed for extra storage. 

 

Utilize carts and islands  

Mobile carts and kitchen islands have been used all over the home for years, but now it’s time to maximize function while fitting your style.

Turning a cart into a movable coffee station, mini bar, or just easy-access storage can save so much counter and cabinet space. A coat of stain or paint could change the whole look, and adding hardware or hooks makes it even chicer. You can’t sacrifice function for style in a small space, and with a mobile cart, you don’t have to.

This FOERHOEJA kitchen cart from IKEA got a total makeover into this cute kitchen addition by Kate from Shelterness.com.

 

If your small space has a tiny kitchen to match one, of the best things you can do is get a small kitchen island. They provide ample storage space while adding a little extra countertop space. If you don’t have room for a dining table, not to worry, you can put some barstools next to your island and make it a 3-in-1 storage, counter, and dining area. If you use IKEA furniture, you can usually add a fresh coat of paint to match your current room palette. 

This VADHOLMA kitchen island from IKEA makes the perfect 3-in-1 addition to any small kitchen area. 

 

DIY small sideboards

One of our personal favorites for small space organizing options is creating mini sideboards. Your home doesn’t always need a giant credenza; sometimes, it just needs that little extra decorative storage space. There are so many possibilities for turning simple pieces into beautiful sideboards. Adding legs or doors to any piece with enough height and room for storage can create a unique unit for your home.

The simple, versatile, and inexpensive open bookshelf concept has endless possibilities. A nondescript structure that provides ample storage possibilities can easily be given a unique personality.

A blogger from Reddit.com added a base and doors to a compartmented KALLAX as a small sideboard with built-in storage.

 

Norse Interiors’ Sektion collection can turn the basic IKEA kitchen cabinet into a stunning sideboard. This simple Frame obtained beautiful doors and matching panels for a whole new identity. The number of items hidden behind these doors would shock you, and that’s a wonderful thing when organizing a small space.

Cane doors in earthy sand and Agnes brass pulls from Norse interiors on an IKEA Sektion frame (item 902.654.68) is just what this small space needed. 

 

It doesn't matter if you opt for new or upcycle old, if you've done a great DIY project in your small space, share it online and tag #norseinteriors. We love to see your creative ideas and eye for detail. 

 

You might also be interested in reading Styling small spaces like a pro.