Small homes and studios
Multi-use storage Furniture Planning for Small homes and studios
Specify the occupied size, operating clearance and route into the building before choosing furniture by catalogue dimensions.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Use templates at the size of the actual furniture. Include seated users, open drawers and reclined positions where relevant.
- Compare
- Decide which items need to move independently and which benefit from built-in anchoring.
- Before buying
- Confirm that the largest pieces can turn at the entrance, lift lobby and corridor, or specify assembly in place.
Worked example
A utility room needs a tall cleaning cupboard, but the vacuum and mop handles vary in length and the door is narrow.
Measure the longest tools and cabinet delivery path before choosing an off-the-shelf unit. Consider adjustable interior fittings and verify the door swing leaves a usable loading position.
How to test it
Overlay the furniture in its stored and in-use positions, then check both against the measured plan.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Concentrate tall storage along one wall and keep frequently used items at reachable heights.
- Detail
- Use adjustable shelves and a ventilated section for cleaning equipment.
- Trade-off
- One large storage wall is efficient but can make the room feel narrower.
- Inventory items before sizing shelves
- Check doors do not collide with furniture
The Elixir portfolio
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