FLAT dwellers have an average of just 43 square metres to pack their lives into – less than the size of four parking spaces.
Getting smart with furnishings and storage will give rooms the illusion of space and provide more places for possessions.
Open up your home with these tips from Instrument Furniture, along with my ideas for good buys.
CUPBOARD LOVE: In your bedroom, choose a wardrobe with drawers and hanging space, giving maximum storage without needing extra furniture.
Sliding doors will work better in small spaces. Go as big as possible, without overwhelming the space.
Instrument’s Cleo 32 wardrobe is down from £546 to £491. See Instrument.London.
LIGHTEN UP: Dark colours make a room feel smaller. To trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger, choose lighter colours.
You can currently save £4 on a 2.5l tin of Dulux emulsion at Wilko, down from £19 to £15.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: Mirrors can reflect light into darker parts of the room, making the space feel bigger.
Try a Jewel round mirror from Dunelm, £14.
PICTURE THIS: Use a focal point, like artwork or accent walls, to make a room seem larger.
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For eye-catching artwork check out Dunelm, Homebase or Habitat, where you can get a bright Yaaas print for £3 down from £5.
FAB FLOOR: Rugs should tie the room together. One that is too small will make the room feel smaller.
George has a Homemaker black and white rug, 160cm x 230cm, for £30.
TWO IN ONE: Multifunctional furniture keeps the space efficient. Think folding tables, sofa beds and stackable furniture.
Make way for the Norden gateleg table from Ikea, £199, which has drawers and folds down to seat two or up for four. It can also be used as a desk.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
GROW your own greens, whatever the season, with a four-tier portable greenhouse from Homebase, down from £30 to £15.
SAVE: £15
Cheap treat
BUY two selected bottles of wine for £11 at Morrisons, including Signal Post Shiraz, £7.25 a bottle, saving you £3.50.
Top tips
JOGGERS should hot foot it to their nearest Runners Need store on a Monday, when anyone who has taken part in a running event during 2022 can get 15 per cent off any full-price kit.
Just present a finishers’ medal or run completion email in store on that day of the week.
Top swap
THE KitchenAid stand mixer, a star of Great British Bake Off, is at least £349.
Or mix things up with the white stand mixer for £74.99 at morphyrichards.com.
SAVE: £274.01
Leah’s little helper
IF you tuck into a Wagamama takeaway, you will soon be able to return the bowls to any of its restaurants to stop them ending up in landfill. In return, you’ get a free side dish the next time you eat in.
The bowl bank programme is being rolled out now and will be available everywhere by the end of October.
Shop and save
POWER up with two packs of eight AA or AAA Duracell batteries for £10 with a Tesco Clubcard, or £7.50 each.
SAVE: £5
Hot right now
ASDA has discounts on baby products at george.com until Thursday, and in stores and at asda.com until October 11.
Time to start thinking about Christmas presents?
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