10 Essentials Every Small Home Should Have

There's an art to living thoughtfully in cramped quarters, but there's a science to choosing pieces that will make the most of your square footage. These decorative essentials seem to pop up in the most stylish small spaces again and again. So tell us, are these space-saving pieces in your home? Source: A Beautiful Mess

Nesting Tables
Decor Fix

Nesting Tables

Three tables for the space of one? That's the beauty of nesting tables. Fan them out when you need more surface area, move them around if you have guests, then tuck them in when you're done.

Bonus tip: choose an acrylic option, like the set Decor Fix blogger Heather Freeman has to take up less visual space!

Poufs
House*Tweaking

Poufs

If you're a pouf pessimist, you're underestimating their versatility. Set snacks out on your coffee table, and watch your friends flock to the poufs for prime seating. Position one in front of a chair, and you have an instant lounger. Place one next to your sofa, set a tray on top, and admire your new side table. Best of all, they can be stacked or stored under your coffee table when you aren't using them.

Floating Shelves
Little Green Notebook

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are ideal for adding more storage than your floor plan allows for. This cramped bedroom didn't have room for a nightstand, but Jenny Komenda from Little Green Notebook created a smart floating-shelf alternative.

Large Mirrors
Janis Nicolay Photography

Large Mirrors

If you can't knock down walls, add mirrors. They have the power to reflect light and visually expand a room, so it looks much larger than it actually is.

Pro tip: try styling a large mirror (like the one in Jillian Harris's home) by layering it behind another piece of furniture.

Hanging Storage
SF Girl by Bay

Hanging Storage

You may not have a walk-in closet, but even an unused nook or corner can serve as an impromptu closet if you hang a DIY copper-pipe rack.

Baskets
A Beautiful Mess

Baskets

Whether you choose larger lidded options to slide under a console table or line shelves with smaller versions, baskets are essential for organizing clutter.

Rolling Carts
A Beautiful Mess

Rolling Carts

There are a myriad of ways to utilize a rolling cart. It can be used as everything from a bar cart (or better yet, coffee station!) to a nightstand. Wheels make it easier to move to different spots . . . like the living room, if you're entertaining.

Pretty Boxes

Pretty Boxes

The key to making any bookshelf look immaculately streamlined is to load it with beautiful boxes. It's the perfect way to hoard anything from receipts to your washi tape collection without having your belongings look like a mess. Source: Manuel Rodriguez for One Kings Lane

Under-the-Bed Storage
Tony Vu for One Kings Lane

Under-the-Bed Storage

A bed skirt and a plastic pull-out container is your ticket for storing seasonal clothes without anyone having to know. You have the space, so why not use it?

Hanging Coatracks

Hanging Coatracks

Sure, you could hang coats or hats from these racks, but there's no need to stop there. Display a set of cabinet-hogging mugs in your kitchen, or organize necklaces in your bedroom. The possibilities are endless. Source: Esther Sun via Style Me Pretty Living

Stackable Storage
West Elm

Stackable Storage

If you're short on counter space, think vertically. This stackable apothecary set is ideal for keeping bath and beauty supplies within reach.

Slim Hangers

Slim Hangers

Former-reality-star-turned-fashion-designer Whitney Port uses these slim hangers to pack in as many clothes as possible in her cute closet space. Source: Justin Coit for Domaine Home