Did you know that the concept of furniture as we know it didn't exist in India until the 1500s?
No, that doesn't mean we slept standing up. Just that in ancient India furniture was more decorative in nature, ornate pieces mostly meant for use by royalty. Common furniture such as tables, chairs, desks, even beds, etc. were practically unheard of. Europeans, followed by the English, brought with them the demand for furniture that was western in design and style but was made using materials available in India. And like so many other influences, this helped to shape the evolution of furniture in India in terms of design and functionality.
We have a nice little blog post about farmhouse-style furniture in India, too!
Furniture needs space. But it needn't be something that only occupies it, rather it must effectively utilize and enhance it, especially in modern space-constrained city homes.
Here are 10 simple tips for maximizing small spaces with furniture
1. Choose furniture with legs, as it allows for more light and air to flow around the space and makes the room feel more open.
2. Use furniture that is versatile and can be used for multiple purposes, such as a coffee table with storage or a daybed that can be used for seating and sleeping.
3. Consider using wall-mounted shelves and storage units to save floor space and create more storage.
(Find more examples of beautifully handcrafted CustHum-made wall-mounted shelves)
4. Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space and light in the room
5. Avoid using large, bulky furniture pieces and opt for smaller, more streamlined pieces instead.
(Bordeaux - Mid-Century Work Desk with Storage)
6. Use light colors for the walls, floor, and furniture to make the space feel more open and airy.
(Wisteria - Rustic-Modern Wooden Chest of Drawers)
7. Consider using a fold-down desk or table that can be easily stored when not in use.
(Get more ideas for handcrafted wall-mounted/Murphy drop leaf tables here)
8. Use furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans with hinged lids or sofas with hidden compartments.
9. Consider using a Murphy bed or other space-saving bed solutions to create more space during the day.
(Helen - Expandable Sofa-cum-Bed)
10. Use under-bed storage containers to make use of space that would otherwise be wasted
(Marbella - Farmhouse-style Solid Wood Cot with Under-bed Storage Box)