Small spaces require creativity and flexibility to use them most efficiently.  Think outside the box and make your home more interesting at the same time.  Use these ideas to multi-task and increase the functionality of your small space:

•  Don’t use your dining table much?  Push it against the wall and use it as a desk, buffet, or library table.  You can always pull it out into the room when you need it for dining.  

• Do double duty. Use a daybed rather than a typical bed in a guest room so it can be a sitting room, office, and guest room.
• To define spaces without chopping up the visual square footage, use decorative screens or bookcases to create partial walls that still allow light to flow through and/or around.  A backless bookcase as a room divider lets light through and increases the function of the room.  I have a large backless bookcase from IKEA that I can use against the wall or out in the room as a room divider.
• I love creating a library/dining room combination, like I did in this previously underutilized space.  Line one wall with bookcases and stack some books creatively on the dining room table – instant library, but still extremely functional for dining.
  

• Rethink every inch of available space, especially where your home’s architecture forms nitches.  Place a bookcase or desk with mounted shelving above at the dead end of a hallway to create a small library or computer area.
  

• Look for places where you can “tuck in” functional furniture.  Slanted ceilings upstairs?  Use the low ceiling to tuck in a sofa or a bed against that wall.  Make sure to tuck in the bed with one side against or almost against the wall.  Very European!

.