Today’s commercial real estate market is hypercompetitive. Many businesses are left with no choice but small spaces. Thankfully, designing commercial spaces with limited square foot areas is easy. You just must know the right strategy and use ergonomic and space-efficient solutions.
SOSS has shared an article about minimalist interior design and its advantages for small spaces. We will discuss topics like multi-functional furniture and smart storage strategies to create efficient and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Keep reading to learn how you can make the most out of every square foot.
The Challenges of Smaller Spaces
Office spaces, retail stores, and even cozy cafes may not always have the luxury of extra space. The limited room makes it hard to add new furniture. If you do include new items, things can start feeling cramped quickly. Plus, customers and staff may have a hard time moving around. Accessibility becomes an issue. Finally, there’s the matter of aesthetics. Tiny spaces usually don’t have enough storage areas. Without any room to hide items, the place can look cluttered constantly.
Designing commercial spaces with compact areas requires a strategic approach. You must be clever in using every inch available. That way, you can maintain functionality and aesthetics at the same time.
Design Tips and Strategies for Smaller Spaces
Here are a few strategies that contractors and interior designers can leverage to make the most out of limited space.
Creative Shelving Options
Shelves let you take advantage of vertical spaces without occupying precious square feet. Wall-mounted shelves are always a good idea. Floating and corner shelves also provide additional storage with little to no footprint.
Under-the-Bed Storage Spaces
Some commercial settings have lounges or rest areas. If yours does, make sure to use furniture that has hidden compartments underneath. The under-the-bed storage provides an easy way to hide small to medium-sized items like towels, magazines, and blankets.
Multifunctional Furniture
We recommend avoiding furniture that has a singular purpose. When it comes to designing commercial spaces that have limited areas, multifunctional furniture is the more practical choice. The best ones are those that double as storage. One example is an ottoman or sofa that has a hidden compartment.
SOSS concealed hinges are the perfect products for such types of furniture. You can easily incorporate swinging cabinets and drawers that remain hidden, creating truly concealed storage solutions.
Streamlined Furniture
Compact and streamlined furniture allows for a clutter-free and seamless appearance. Look for items with slender profiles and clean lines that enhance the room’s flow.
Wall Fixtures Over Stands
Stands can take up valuable floor space. Instead, we recommend using wall-mounted solutions like TV mounts or the aforementioned hanging shelves. These installations free up room for movement and other elements.
The Benefits of Concealed Hinges in Compact Furniture
Compact, multifunctional furniture serves as the foundation of minimalist and functional design for small spaces. These provide extra storage without taking up floor space.
Concealed hinges — like those from SOSS — play a crucial role in these pieces. These components are the key to creating clean and minimalistic looks for compact furniture. You can’t achieve such seamless aesthetics with traditional butt hinges. The pins will always show, disrupting the lines and adding to the clutter.
Invisible hinges are completely hidden from view once the compartment door is closed. The first benefit is the improved aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the hinges contribute to the piece’s overall functionality. Some of our products allow for soft closing, pop-up mechanisms, and more! These added features contribute to a more organized and stylish commercial environment. Plus, customers and staff who interact with the compact furniture have a more convenient and even enjoyable experience.
Optimizing Storage With Concealed Hinges
What specific configurations can designers use to leverage invisible hinges for functional furniture? Here are a few options you can try.
- Hidden Cabinets and Cupboards: With the help of invisible hinges, you can create concealed cabinets on walls and furniture. These are ideal for spaces that have a lot of vertical space but limited floor area, such as cafes and offices.
- Lift-up Drawers: Lift-up or pop-up drawers are possible with concealed hinges. These configurations are ideal for furniture in high-traffic areas. Instead of swinging doors that could get in the way of moving people, the pop-up drawers remain unobtrusive.
- Fold-Away Furniture: Concealed hinges are ideal for fold-away desks, tables, or other transformable furniture that can be stowed when not in use. Thanks to this, you free up valuable space for easier movement.
Wrapping Up: Designing Commercial Spaces With Limited Floor Areas
Each extra square foot in commercial spaces is a luxury. You’ll have to be smart and deliberate about the choices you make when designing the interiors. That way, you can maximize functionality and achieve a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
Using compact, multifunctional furniture is one of the best strategies you can use. With the help of invisible hinges from SOSS, you can install pieces that are ergonomic and clean. Plus, the hidden storage you can integrate can be completely hidden, creating a truly seamless and clutter-free look.
Browse our inventory today to see the products available.
FAQs
What Types of Furniture Should I Use for Small and Compact Spaces?
The best furniture to use when there’s a limited floor area are ones that have multiple functionalities. For example, pieces with hidden storage offer extra space to hide away clutter. These added uses ensure that the furniture can more than make up for the space it occupies.
Why Should I Use a Minimalist Interior Design for Small Areas?
A minimalist approach ensures that small spaces don’t look and feel cluttered. By keeping the visual noise at a minimum, the area becomes more inviting to customers. This aesthetic also showcases the owner’s commitment to organization and cleanliness.