Condo Furniture, Storage & Design Ideas That Increase Your Living Space
Coming home to a well-designed condo makes it easier to unwind and relax. Whether you're living in a sprawling penthouse or you're working with limited space, it's important to find condo design ideas that make the most of your space. Maximizing natural light, revealing hidden storage, and finding the right furniture for condos will make your unit feel like the biggest in the building.
Multi-Function Furniture Is the Name of the Game
To maximize condo space, begin by looking for high-quality furniture and accessories that are versatile and offer multiple functions. Any time a room has limited square footage, it's essential to entwine function with style. It's possible to find cleverly crafted pieces to serve more than one purpose.
The most common multi-purpose furniture for living room organization and design is the sleeper sofa. This dual-purpose item has been around for decades, but today's models are sleeker, more sophisticated, and stylish additions to living spaces. A traditional sleeper sofa typically has a pull-out bed with a full- or queen-size mattress. However, it's possible to find king-size or single sleepers as well. Modern sleeper sofas are available in a range of styles, bed sizes, and price points. Regardless of whether you're buying or renting a condo, multi-function furniture are some of the most practical storage solutions.
Other multi-function pieces of furniture include:
- Sleeper chairs: an ideal way to add a single bed to any room
- Drop-leaf console tables: with the sides lifted, it's a dining table
- Storage stools/ottomans: doubles as storage for blankets, toys, gaming system accessories, and more
- Coffee tables with drawers, shelves, or interior storage
- Nightstands that also function as mini-bookcases
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Vertical elements can help make a space look and feel more open. Instead of choosing a low-rise, horizontal bookcase, for example, opt for a narrower, vertical unit that stretches from floor to (nearly) ceiling height. A tall, narrow piece of furniture takes up less floor space and can make the room feel more open while providing extra storage.
When possible, built-ins, custom cabinetry, and floor-to-ceiling shelving are vertical options that help create storage and display space without adding bulk to the room. Floating shelves are another great way to work in vertical space as well. Consider using them in the main living area, especially on the wall above the sofa.
Utilizing vertical space isn't only about designing "up" on walls. The inside of a cabinet door also may hold a cutting board rack. The back of a bedroom door or the wall space behind the closed door can be used for hanging hats, scarves, and other accessories when the hooks are added.
Design Ideas to Make Condos Feel Larger
Sometimes a little trick of the eye is what's needed to make a space appear larger than its actual footprint. Two of the most common techniques are using a lighter color palette and incorporating mirrors, glass, or reflective surfaces. Mirrors, in particular, can be an easy solution to creating what appears to be a more open space.
Add a floor-to-ceiling mirror with an elegant frame to a narrow or smaller entrance. Depending on the condo's overall design theme, consider mirrored or high-gloss panels for a smaller kitchen. Definitely add a full-length mirror to a bedroom closet door to spread natural light throughout the condo.
Minimizing clutter is another easy way to open up a space, plus it makes it easier to clean. Consider monochromatic furniture with slim lines instead of overstuffed pieces, adding throw pillows for texture and pops of color. In smaller bedrooms, loft beds not only create the illusion of more space, but by taking advantage of the vertical, there is room for a desk, dresser, or chair under the bed.
Choose window coverings wisely. Heavy curtains or dark-colored blinds may make a room feel smaller. If possible, look at lighter colors and fabrics that feel airy. If darker drapes fit the design theme better, go for it. But when possible, open those drapes up and allow the natural sunlight to stream in as that helps make the space look and feel larger.
Furnishing a Vacation Rental Condo
Are you purchasing a condo in a vacation destination? If you're planning on renting it out as a short-term property, then there are a few additional considerations you'll need to make about furnishing your vacation rental to take advantage of the space you have.
The first step is to understand what guests in your market want. Do your research and find out what type of furniture and amenities are most popular with travelers. Even better, talk to frequent guests or other vacation rental owners in your area.
Once you have a good understanding of what guests are looking for, you can start shopping for furniture and decor that meets their needs. Condo maintenance responsibilities for owners include everything within your four walls, so ease of care and maintenance is another important consideration. Vacation rental properties see a lot of wear and tear, so it's important to choose furniture and fabrics that can withstand heavy use.
Finally, don't forget about outdoor spaces. Many vacationers enjoy spending time outdoors, so make sure to create inviting and comfortable outdoor living areas. By following these tips, you can furnish your vacation rental property in a way that will please even the most discerning guest.
Storing Skis & Sports Gear in a Condo
Vacation rental condos often have additional storage requirements than a primary residence. For example, your condo might not have an expansive entrance or mudroom, which can make it hard for guests to accommodate skis, beach gear, or other sports equipment. However, there are some easy tricks and tips for maximizing the space for sports gear storage.
- Designate and design a closet for sports equipment only, adding hooks, shelves, and storage cubes to keep items organized.
- Take advantage of vertical space with an old-school locker or mesh rack with shelves and hooks.
- A bench with interior storage space may work well in an entrance. It provides not only a space to sit and get on shoes/boots but can also store items like hats, gloves, and scarves.
For condos in ski communities, it's recommended that ski boots be stored at room temperature, so it's better to avoid storage areas that can have fluctuating and extreme hot/cold temperatures. Skis usually need to be stored standing up or on their sides. When storing ski boots for the off-season, place the boots in a bag and keep them in a closet or space with moderate temperatures.
Some condo communities will have on-site ski storage, but you can also redesign one of your closets to be the perfect ski storage space.
Maximizing Space in a Steamboat Springs Condo Merges Style & Function
There are several ways to maximize the existing space in a condo so the home has style, form, and function. Whether living in a condo year-round or seasonally, it's essential to have a home that fits its owner's lifestyle and needs. Creating illusions of more space and adding design elements, plus multi-function furniture and accessories, can help make this a reality.
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