MH London’s guide for compact living    

Small spaces can be big on charm with the right ideas in place. They are stylish, comfortable, and full of character it’s all about thoughtful design. Whether you live in a flat, a cottage, or a modern townhouse, there’s always a way to make your space work beautifully for you.     

At MH London, we design furniture & home decor that can help you style your abode in a better, and more intentional way. If you are looking to transform your compact home into a functional and fabulous retreat, here are some smart small space styling and living tips.

1. Furniture that works hard (and looks good doing it)

When you have limited space available for styling, your furniture should be more than just aesthetic—it needs to multitask. That means choosing pieces that serve multiple purposes, like a coffee table with hidden storage, sideboards that double as display surfaces, or mirrors that hold your everyday essentials.

Product Spotlight: Our Hale Nightstand offers the same: Its sleek and modern design is paired with a spacious drawer & display shelf for displays, lamps, or bedside essentials. Simple in design and handy in use, it will add the right amount of style, making it ideal for space optimization in small homes. 

2. Embrace vertical space

Your floor space might be limited, but your walls are full of untapped potential. From tall bookshelves to floating nightstands, these wall-mounted furniture for small rooms will elevate your style (literally) and reduce floor clutter.   

Try this: Our Penny set of 2 is minimal, modern, and makes the most of your vertical display space. It’s ideal for small entryways, offices, or kitchens that need just a little extra storage or a touch of personality. 

Want to go a step further? Install multiple floating shelves in a well-layered layout for added dimension, or mount an off-the-floor nightstand beside your bed to free up floor space entirely.

3. Let there be light

Relying on a single overhead light can make a space feel flat and smaller than it actually is. Layering different sources of light, table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces - adds warmth and depth, making your space feel more expansive. Along with aesthetics, it is the perfect small space living tip.

Styling tip: Position lamps in different corners of the room to visually stretch the space. Also, using warm-toned bulbs adds a cosy, inviting vibe.

4. Use mirrors to trick the eye

One of the most common and smartest small room design hacks is using mirrors. They reflect light and create the illusion of more space, especially when placed across from a window or light source.

Best pick: Our Manom wall mirror with shelf is clean, modern, and a game-changer for small entryways or living rooms. Its reflective surface bounces natural light beautifully, making your space feel instantly bigger and brighter.

5. Light colours with layers in texture

Solid dark colours can make a compact room feel even smaller. We have the perfect trick on how to maximise small spaces. Stick to light, neutral tones like soft greys, off-whites, and beiges to keep the room open and airy. But there is more! Layer in texture through wooden furniture for beautiful natural variations, vases with carving, and natural materials to avoid a flat, bland look.

Consider combining materials like rattan, linen, and wood to add variety and charm to even the smallest spaces.

6. Slim silhouette, big impact

Big, chunky furniture eats up space and can make rooms feel suffocated. Pick slim silhouettes and sleek legs, which help open up the visual flow of the room, a classic space-saving idea for small homes.

One of ours: The Ellis side table has a narrow profile but big personality. It fits beautifully under the sofa or bed or as a statement perch in tight corners.

Tip: Avoid wide, low pieces that hug the ground as they tend to make a room feel heavier. Raised, streamlined furniture keeps things light and breathable.

7. Designated functional zones

Open-plan interiors or studio layouts benefit from a little structure. Use rugs, lighting, or well-thought-out furniture placement to create zones for lounging, dining, or working. It is the ultimate solution for how to make a small room look bigger. 

This trick also works in bedrooms, use a small bench or ottoman at the end of the bed or a hanging pendant light over your bedside table to create distinct spaces within a room.

8. Hide clutter with style

What makes a small space feel smaller? The answer is visual clutter. Small room storage ideas that help you organise the mess - stylishly, of course, are sideboards, nightstands with drawers, or coffee tables with hidden compartments.

Also try baskets, under-bed storage boxes, and decorative trays to keep things tidy without losing your personality.

9. Play with proportions and scale

Don’t make the mistake of only choosing tiny furniture for a small room. It can actually make the space feel more scribbled. Instead, go for a mix of sizes, one larger piece (like an oversized artwork) can balance the room and make it feel more even. 

Tip: A bold mirror, large plant, or unique light can help balance the room without overwhelming it.

10. Choose quality over quantity

In small spaces, less is more, however this ‘less’ needs to be eye-catching. Instead of filling every corner, invest in a few high-quality pieces that reflect your style and serve a purpose. An ideal solution for small room design hacks. 

From MH London: Our handcrafted furniture is made to last, designed in-house, and created with real homes in mind. No wasted space. No extra fluff. Just statement design, thoughtful details, and timeless style.

Make Room for What Matters

How to make a small room look bigger? You don’t have to give up on your style. In fact, it is the perfect opportunity to be intentional and to focus on what brings joy, comfort, and function into your home. Every choice counts, every corner matters. And with the right approach and the right furniture, your space can be the Pinterest post you have always pinned, no matter its size.

At MH London, we make the most of it with beautiful, functional designs handcrafted for real life. Explore our collection and discover pieces that elevate your space - stylish, smart, and made to fit beautifully into the way you live.