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The excitement of a new year brings fresh inspiration, and as 2022 unfolds, I'm thrilled to share ideas on various topics that have been on my mind for a while. One subject that has particularly captured my attention is the challenge of setting up a crafting space. With the growing influence of social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially when we see beautifully organized craft rooms online. But let's face it—most of us don't have an entire room to dedicate to our hobbies. Instead, we carve out small spaces in our homes to nurture our creative passions. This post is dedicated to those of us who make the most of smaller spaces, whether it's a corner in the living room or a cozy nook in the dining area.
Finding Your Crafting Space
The first and often the most challenging step in creating a crafting area is finding the right space. For years, my crafting was limited to the dining table, a common scenario for many. It wasn't until we moved into our current home four years ago that I was able to claim a dedicated spot for my hobbies. However, I didn't want to be isolated in a separate room upstairs; I wanted to stay connected with the household activities. That's how I ended up setting up my crafting nook in the far corner of our living/dining room. This corner, tucked behind the door and slightly hidden, became the perfect spot—a little oasis within the heart of our home.
You might have a similar underutilized corner or even a nook under the stairs that could serve as your crafting haven. A great example of maximizing small spaces is Medina from @Grillodesigns, who transformed an under-the-staircase nook into a functional desk space. Her work is a testament to the idea that you don’t need a large area to create something special—you just need to be creative with what you have.
When working with limited space, it’s essential to be realistic about what you can achieve. Unlike a dedicated craft room, you won’t be able to store all your materials in one place. However, prioritizing the most important tools and keeping them easily accessible can make a world of difference. For me, having my sewing machine plugged in and ready to go at all times has been a game-changer. It eliminates the hassle of setting up, allowing me to quickly sew whenever inspiration strikes—even if it's just for a few minutes before heading out.
Choosing the Right Furniture
When space is at a premium, multifunctional furniture becomes your best friend. I’m a huge fan of pieces that serve multiple purposes, like my IKEA bureau, which sadly is no longer sold. This versatile piece of furniture is the heart of my sewing corner. It houses my sewing machine, allowing it to remain plugged in and ready to use at a moment’s notice. The bureau’s best feature is its foldable table, which helps hide any mess when not in use, making it incredibly easy to tidy up my crafting area in seconds.
Another example of multifunctional furniture in my space is my dressing table seat, which doubles as a stepping stool. This little stool is invaluable for reaching the top shelves of my storage units—an essential tool for someone on the shorter side!
When selecting furniture for your crafting nook, think about how each piece can serve multiple functions. A shelving unit, for example, could start its life in your craft area and later be repurposed in a child’s room. This approach not only maximizes your space but also ensures that your furniture remains useful as your home evolves.
Making the Most of a Small Space
One of the key considerations when setting up a crafting area in a small space is how to make the most of the available room. In my case, my crafting nook is a compact 90 cm wide and 47 cm deep when closed. While it may sound small, this space is perfectly sufficient for my needs. When not in use, it’s neatly tucked away, taking up no more room than a standard cabinet.
If you’re working with a similarly small area, consider using furniture that can be easily stowed away or folded up. For example, you might use a dining chair as your crafting chair instead of investing in a separate piece that takes up more space. Think outside the box—sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.
Personalizing Your Crafting Space
Finally, don’t forget to add personal touches to your crafting space. Just because your area is small doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and reflect your personality. Whether it’s a favorite piece of artwork on the wall, a color scheme that inspires you, or simply the way you organize your tools, these details make your nook uniquely yours.
A crafting space, no matter how small, should be a place where you feel comfortable and inspired. It’s where creativity happens, so make it a space that brings you joy.
Conclusion
Creating a crafting nook in a small space is entirely possible with a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning. By selecting multifunctional furniture and being realistic about what you can achieve, you can carve out a perfect spot for your hobbies. Remember, it’s not about the size of the space but how you use it. Whether you’re working from a dining table, a corner of the living room, or a tiny nook under the stairs, your crafting area can be a haven of creativity. So embrace the space you have, personalize it, and let your creativity flourish!
The Wall