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Setting Up Home in a Small Space
Better Homes and Gardens

82009smallspace1.jpgMoving into a small space requires some advance planning, especially if you've got to buy new furniture or make tough decisions about which of your existing pieces will fit in your new home. One 600-square-foot apartment featured in Better Homes and Gardens shows how it can help to keep a few simple principles in mind...

 
 

82009smallspace2.jpg

Choose furniture that allows you to see through to the floor, creating an illusion of more space. The bedside table in the top photo is a good choice, with a lighter feel than a traditional nightstand.

Consider dual-purpose pieces. This stainless steel table (above left), from a restaurant supply store, is wide and long enough to function as both dining table and desk.

Try replacing heavy doors with draperies. The owner of this apartment used a floor-to-ceiling drape for her closet. She also replaced some interior door panels with frosted glass to create a more open feeling.

For more small-space tips and to see the full sildeshow of this pretty little apartment, click over to Better Homes and Gardens.

(Images: Shawn Gilliam/Better Homes and Gardens)

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inspiration, small space, Better Homes and Gardens, closet doors

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Comments (7)

Ooh, I like the frosted glass on the door a lot! *wagging tail*

posted by Laughing Tiger on August 20th 2009 at 9:26pm
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ooh, 600 sq feet, just the size of apartment I'm looking for.

posted by dkzody on August 20th 2009 at 10:20pm
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i loved this profile in the magazine. still have the copy. (how could i not love it? look at her bedding and sofa pillows. plus all the light.)

posted by Lady J on August 21st 2009 at 9:50am
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Lady J - can you tell me what issue (month/year) this spread appeared? thanks!

posted by berryblu on August 21st 2009 at 12:41pm
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sept 2008

posted by Lady J on August 22nd 2009 at 1:12pm
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Have to disagree about using curtains instead of closet doors. It looks to me that the curtains intrude into the room more than regular doors. Also, if you have doors that open you can store so much on the inside of the door and put a mirror on the outside. Finally, the last thing you need in an apartment is a huge, almost floor to ceiling, dust catcher. If you have no door, I'd rather use a shade to mask the closet.

posted by LauraE on August 23rd 2009 at 8:50am
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i have that kind of closet picture with upper storage and would gladly get rid of the sliding doors. they block access, make it stuffy in there and are ugly as sin. i use floor to ceiling curtains over them. it makes the hallway feel a bit cramped but looks divine.

posted by Lady J on August 24th 2009 at 2:08pm
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