Living in a compact modular home doesn’t mean giving up comfort or style. With smart design choices, you can make every square meter work hard, without it feeling cluttered. Below are ten proven hacks CHOMEX designers use to maximize functionality and aesthetics, each paired with a product idea from IKEA that fits small modular spaces perfectly.
1. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Choose pieces that do double duty. A sofa that turns into a bed or a coffee table that lifts into a desk instantly transforms a single room into a multi-use space.
💡 Try: FRIDHULT Sleeper Sofa – a compact pull-out sofa bed ideal for day-to-night use.
2. Maximize Vertical Space
Use the height of your modular unit. Install shelving and cabinets that reach up rather than out to free floor area and draw the eye upward.
💡 Try: KALLAX Shelving Unit – sturdy, modular, and easily stackable for vertical storage walls.
3. Choose Light Colors
Bright, neutral tones make compact interiors feel airy and open. Combine whites and light woods with soft textiles to expand perceived space.
💡 Try styling with light finishes like BILLY Bookcase in White to maintain brightness and display minimal décor.
4. Mirrors to Multiply Light
Place mirrors opposite windows or light sources to bounce light around and visually double the room. Even small mirrors have a big spatial effect.
💡 Try: TOFTBYN Mirror – simple and large enough to open up narrow modular hallways.
5. Sliding Doors Over Swing Doors
Hinged doors eat valuable floor area. Sliding or pocket options create seamless flow and keep layouts efficient.
💡 Try: VIHALS Cabinet with Sliding Doors and NORDKISA Open wardrobe with sliding door. The sliding panels inspire similar compact movement solutions in modular cabinetry.
6. Modular Lighting Layers
Blend ambient, task, and accent lighting. Wall-mounted or under-shelf LEDs save floor space and improve mood.
💡 Try: NYMÅNE Wall Reading Lamp, IKEA LED strip kits for layered lighting control.
See also RÖDFLIK Floor/reading lamp and VARMBLIXT LED table/wall lamp
7. Keep the Floor Clear
Wall-mounted furniture helps create visual calm and easy cleaning. Floating pieces lighten the room both physically and visually.
💡 Try: EKET Wall-Mounted Cabinet Combination or EKET Wall Cabinets – modular cubes you can stack or float above the floor.
8. Fold, Stack, and Store Smartly
Go for collapsible furniture that adapts to your needs throughout the day. Fold-away tables and nesting chairs are perfect for hybrid living.
💡 Try: BJURSTA Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table – folds flat when not in use to reclaim space instantly.
9. Use Glass and Open Dividers
Define zones without blocking light or flow. Glass or slatted dividers help preserve openness while subtly separating functions.
💡 Try: RISÖR Room Divider to create flexible zones, or KALLAX Shelf unit divider that doubles as storage.
10. Add Personality Through Texture
Small spaces thrive on tactile variety. Mix wood, fabric, and metal finishes for depth instead of cluttering with large objects.
💡 Try: ÖSTAVALL Adjustable Coffee Table – smooth lines and subtle textures bring modern warmth without bulk.
Smart design turns limitation into creativity. Whether your CHOMEX home is a 20-foot pod or a double-unit layout, these principles and a few strategic furniture choices help you live larger in less space.
