You can make good use of horizontal space in your home with tables, chairs, desks and sofas; but what about all that vertical space? Vertical space is mostly used for pictures, paintings and wall hangings; and yes, bookcases and the occasional wall unit do use that vertical space. Whether small or large, vertical space is invaluable.
In considering the home with little floor space, where do you go? If you have the time, money, space and expertise and expansion ability you go "out"; but if you can't expand, consider going up with the walls space you already have.
Small living spaces pose a challenge with which most of us have had to contend at one time or another. A small bedroom can be made into an office or small kitchen area can be converted. First, consider what you have stored in these spaces and edit what isn't absolutely necessary; you must be ruthless in this department. Second, can you add a bookcase or wall or corner cabinet? There are loads of places to find these items that will fit into every budget.
Adapt when you can. Recently, I was visiting a cousin who had had put a two-shelf lawyer's book case on top of his old roll top desk; instantly had made better use of his vertical space--not to mention saving his back in the mean time, by not having to bend down to access the books that would have take up space on the floor. Brilliant! We laughed at the simplicity of the idea. These items have been in his family for generations, and his was a thrifty move to use what he had on hand.
With flat screen TVs becoming the norm these days, they too are making it up onto the vertical plane. Wall mounted TVs don't have to be the old fashioned eye sores of the past. There are many ways to change the utilitarian look of your TV. Have a custom frame built for it or contract a company that will place artwork on a rolling screen to disguise the TV when not watching programs on it.
Another great idea came from a networking friend. He suggested putting a series of family photos on rotation while the TV is "at rest". I love this idea for family reunions or parties. Again your imagination is a great resource; use it.
