3 clever hacks to maximise space in your home

From space-saving tips to home décor ideas, there are many ways to give your home that much-needed “upgrade” without having to pay through your nose or move to a bigger one.

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your space or simply make it more conducive for work (with WFH being the new norm), here are 3 hacks to make your home look more spacious so you won’t feel cooped up even after spending extended time indoors.

1. Go vertical with your storage solutions

One of the best ways to increase storage without compromising on floor space is to build your storage options upwards. If you don’t want to spend money on custom built-ins, stacking new or existing shelves would be the perfect solution.

Try repurposing cube shelves to create custom cabinetry that’s not only unique but tailored to your space constraints. You can even stack them a little higher to create floor-to-ceiling “bookshelves” which create an optical illusion of a higher ceiling while providing that added storage you need.

If stacking isn’t an option, you could also install these shelves above any low-lying consoles or furniture you may already have at home.

And if you’re into DIY, why not make your own space-saving bed by turning basic cabinets and drawers into a multi-functional platform storage bed. Not only will this save your room some space, but it could also be a cost-efficient alternative to a ready-built storage bed instead.

2. Change up your home office

With working from home being the new normal for most Singaporeans, home offices have become a staple. For those who don’t have the luxury of designating a separate room for work, your bedroom will usually double up as the default office space.

However, if you’re starting to feel like your room’s a little too claustrophobic for comfort, it may be time to switch things up so that you don’t compromise on your place of rest.

A great budget-friendly hack is to use a wall-mounted or floating desk like this minimalist one from IKEA which costs just S$59 and can be folded away when not in used. Alternatively, you could also opt for a non-foldable option and pair it with floating shelves to maximise overhead storage without taking up too much floor space.

Don’t have extra wall space to mount a floating desk? A bed tray or foldable bed table is an affordable alternative which can double-up as a portable workstation on your living room sofa or wherever you’re seated at home.

If you find yourself constantly hunched over your coffee table or working on your bed, this solution is for you. The best part is that you can simply store this table away after your workday without taking up extra space in your home.

3. Play with colour and light

Did you know that you can make your home appear larger than it actually is? All it takes are 2 simple tricks – paint and mirrors.

If your home is ready for a fresh new coat of paint, try opting for lighter colours such as white, beige or pastel as they do a better job of reflecting light to make your space appear brighter and roomier. You can also experiment with a semi-gloss paint finish which can help light reflect even more.

However, this doesn’t mean saying no to your favourite dark colours! Black and navy-blue lovers would be relieved to know that these two colours could still give your space that added depth and grandeur especially for rooms which receive little to no natural light.

Alternatively, placing full-length mirrors in your living room or walkway can also create the illusion of a larger space. Hanging oversized mirrors at eye-level and pairing them with either natural or artificial light can also give your home the extra ‘oomph’ when it comes to reflecting light around your home.

Don’t forget the most important step

As you jazz up your home with these few hacks, don’t forget to ensure that your carefully curated space and items are financially protected against unexpected and unfortunate events such as a fire, burst water pipes, or theft.

How? By getting a comprehensive home insurance like FWD Home insurance, which protects your home building, home contents and renovations from as low as S$31.¹

This means that our home insurance will cover the loss and damage to your household items or personal belongings including furniture, domestic appliances and clothing caused by an insured event, so you won’t be stuck in a situation where you’re unable to cover the costs of replacing them due to financial reasons. In fact, you’ll even have the option to cover your pet dog or cat against these insured events too!

Ready to protect your “upgraded” home? Find out more here.