Custom designed furniture, built in Melbourne | With over 20 Years Experience offering a personalised service with 3D visualisations

Maximising Small Spaces with Custom Furniture

Custom white and timber desk with lighting and shelves

Living in a smaller space doesn’t mean compromising on style or functionality. With furniture design and clever planning, you can turn even the smallest areas into practical and beautiful spots. At CM Furniture Design, we specialise in creating custom furniture solutions that maximise every square inch of your home. Let’s explore how you can make the most of your small spaces!

Small Bookcases for Big Impact

Bookcases aren’t just for books—they’re a versatile way to add storage and style to any room. In smaller spaces, compact bookcases can fit perfectly into unused corners, providing a home for books, décor, and more. For a seamless look, consider designs that blend with your existing furniture or feature adjustable shelving for flexibility.

White custom bookcase

Small compact bookcase


Under-the-Staircase Storage

The area beneath a staircase is often underutilised, but it holds tremendous potential for storage. From pull-out drawers and cabinets to open shelving, this space can become a practical area for items like shoes, wine, cleaning supplies, or even a mini home office.

Custom Wine Rack under stairs

Custom wine rack under stairs


Floating Shelves to Fill Empty Walls

Floating shelves are a stylish way to add functionality to any empty wall. Whether it’s above a couch, around a doorway, or in the kitchen, these shelves can showcase your favourite pieces while keeping your space tidy. We have crafted shelves to fit tight alcoves or stretch across larger spaces.

White Fitted Shelving

Custom shelves with LED lighting

 

Custom fitted shelving with LED lighting C073
Custom fitted shelving with LED lighting C073


Additional Cupboard Storage

Transforming an unused nook or awkward empty space into a custom-built linen or storage cupboard is a smart way to add valuable storage without sacrificing floor area. By fitting shelves, drawers, or closed cabinetry into the space, you can keep towels, bedding, or household essentials organised and easily accessible, all while making the most of every corner in your home.

Below is an example of a client who had an unused space next to their balcony originally intended only for a powerpoint, so we organised our electrician to relocate the powerpoint and we installed a custom linen cupboard to make the most of the area. Our realistic renders will show you how it will look when installed into your space. Note: The handles were changed later on to match other cabinetry hardware.

A functional home office in a small space

By custom-building desks, shelving, and storage solutions tailored to fit snugly within a nook or unused corner, you can maximise productivity without sacrificing a whole room. Thoughtful details like integrated cable management, built-in lighting, and multi-purpose furniture help keep the area organised and clutter-free, making the space feel welcoming and inspiring for work.

Custom floating desk with drawers
Custom floating desk with drawers
Corner black home office desk with floating shelving
Corner black home office desk with floating shelving

 

Custom fitted white desk in alcove
Custom fitted white desk in alcove

 

Custom desk and bedroom wardrobe cupboard
Custom desk and bedroom wardrobe cupboard

Tips for Making the Most of Small Spaces

  • Go Vertical: Tall furniture pieces make use of height without taking up floor space.
  • Multi-Functional Furniture: Choose items like day beds with hidden storage or murphy beds that fold away into a home office.
  • Light Colours: Opt for light-coloured furniture to create an airy, spacious feel.
  • Declutter Regularly: A clean, organised space feels larger and more inviting.
  • Use Mirrors: Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space.
  • Maximise Corners: Corner desks, shelves, or seating can make awkward spaces functional.
  • Create Zones: Use rugs, shelving, or lighting to define different areas in a small space, making it feel larger and more purposeful.
Murphy Desk Folded Down
Fold down bed and desk C-096

 

Custom home office desk in tight corner

Small corner desk in landing upstairs

Built in Bench Seating With Storage
Built in Bench Seating With Storage

How Custom Furniture Makes a True Difference

Every home is unique, and custom furniture makes it possible to solve specific challenges while adding a quality piece that feels like it’s always belonged there. At CM Furniture Design, we help you make the most of your space by pre-visualising your furniture in your home — so you can see exactly how it fits and looks before it’s built.

 

Ready to Transform Your Space?

If you’re looking to maximise the potential of your small home or need custom furniture tailored to your lifestyle, CM Furniture Design are here to help.

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