6 Ways You’re Wasting Space in Your Home Without Realizing It, According to Designers

Whether you live in a small apartment or a palatial estate, we all have a finite amount of room—so it’s important to make the most of it. However, you might be wasting valuable space without even realizing it. While it might not seem like a major problem, this can lead to clutter, messes, or the frustrating feeling that you don’t have enough room to store all of your things. 

The good news is that there are solutions. If you’re renovating (or redecorating) your current home, here are six ways you might be unknowingly wasting space, according to interior designers.

Putting the Sofa Against the Wall

It may seem like placing a sofa against the wall will make a room feel larger—especially in small living rooms or apartments—but it often has the opposite effect. Instead, try pulling the sofa away from the wall and, if space allows, add a small accent chair. If there isn’t room for extra seating, opt for a slim table behind the sofa and pull the sofa just an inch or two in front of it. Use the table to display picture frames, books, or decor.

Choosing Aesthetics Over Comfort

Another way people waste space in a small living room is by prioritizing aesthetics over comfort, according to Lindsey Zborowski, design manager at Wayfair. “In a seating area, all seats are valuable,” she says. “Too often we focus on the large soft seating pieces for comfort and then tend to sacrifice that same comfort on the surrounding accent chairs. Instead of focusing on how it looks, focus on how it feels. Keep in mind that if it isn’t comfortable, it won’t get sat in!”

If your current seating isn’t comfy enough but you’re able to replace the furniture, consider getting new pillows to make it more comfortable—it might just do the trick.

Installing Two Sinks in Your Kitchen 

Unless you require a Kosher kitchen or are a professional chef, there’s rarely a need for two sinks. Adding an extra sink wastes valuable counter space that you could use for food prep. The trend of installing a sink on an island can also be costly, especially if additional plumbing is required.

If you’re in the middle of a kitchen renovation, it’s best to skip this feature. The same applies to oversized farmhouse sinks; while a large sink is practical for cleaning pots and pans, it doesn’t need to be the size of a bathtub.

Not Building Cabinets to the Ceiling

Short cabinets not only waste valuable storage space, but they also need to be dusted and cleaned. If you’re installing new kitchen cabinets, have them built to the ceiling, Sally Soricelli, founder of Nestorations, explains. “Kitchens are prime real estate for maximizing space, yet we often waste space in our kitchens,” she says. “One smart solution is to go vertical, extending your upper cabinets to the ceiling for added storage.”

Another option is incorporating tower cabinets, also known as hutch cabinets. “These sit on your countertops and stretch upward,” Soricelli says. “They offer lots of storage without feeling bulky, as they’re typically shallower than the base cabinets below.”

Ignoring the Space Under Your Stairs

The space under your stairs is often overlooked. “This underutilized area is filled with potential,” Soricelli says. “Transform it by adding or expanding a closet, installing custom built-in storage, or even creating a whimsical secret play space. With a little creativity, every square inch can work smarter and harder for you.”

In Your Closet

Closets, especially bedroom closets, are another area where space is often wasted. Your closet should work for you and not the other way around—fortunately, making better use of your closet doesn’t require a major investment.

While a custom closet is ideal, even simple updates—like installing an extra bar, a few shoe racks, or adding shelves can make a significant difference. These updates are renter-friendly and can easily maximize your space.