Make use of vertical space and save room

How to make small spaces feel larger

Make use of vertical space and save room

Living space is becoming scarcer, while rents continue to rise. Especially in cities, every square meter counts. Efficiently furnishing small rooms means, above all, one thing: making intelligent use of space. Even larger apartments often offer untapped potential for more space and a better quality of living.

The key principle is to use walls rather than occupy valuable floor space. This effect is often noticeable when moving: once furniture and decorations are removed, a room suddenly appears much larger. Rooms feel more open, circulation paths clearer, and the floor area more spacious. This sense of openness can also be achieved in everyday life – without giving up familiar furnishings. What matters is a well-thought-out layout and the targeted use of existing space.

 

Using Walls to Free Up Floor Space

In urban areas, living space is becoming increasingly scarce while rents continue to rise. According to a study by the ifo Institute (2025), asking rents for new leases in Germany’s seven largest cities have increased by around 75 percent since 2013. This makes efficient use of every available square meter more important than ever.

A key principle of space optimization is simple: anything that can be mounted on a wall should not take up valuable floor space. Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and TV mounts provide additional storage without consuming valuable floor space. At the same time, the floor remains visible all the way to the corners, making rooms appear larger and more organized. This effect can be especially valuable in small apartments.

In the past, large and bulky wall units dominated many living rooms. Today, slim wall shelves and flat-screen TVs help create a modern and spacious atmosphere. They provide additional storage without sacrificing floor space, helping residents make more efficient use of their homes.

High up instead of spread out. Those who live in metropolitan areas often have to make do with less living space. All the more important is intelligent furnishing that makes small rooms cozy and inviting. Wall shelves and hanging cabinets up to the ceiling, TV mounts for flat-screen TVs, and multifunctional furniture get the maximum out of every square meter. © fachrulrevlindi / 123rf

The Right Fastening Solution for Secure Wall Mounting

The choice of fastening solution depends on the wall material, particularly when installing heavier wall-mounted furniture such as cabinets, shelving units, or bookcases. It is also important to consider the higher pull-out forces that may occur:

If you are unsure which anchor is best suited to your application, seek professional advice or use digital tools such as the fastening advisor in the fischer DIY App.

A practical feature of the fischer DIY App is its fischer DIY App is its AI-powered building material recognition. Based on tapping sounds, it identifies the likely substrate and recommends a suitable fastening solution for concrete, aerated concrete, brick, or drywall. To confirm the wall material with certainty, a test drill hole is recommended.

More space, more life: With a few tips, existing square meters can be used efficiently and additional space can be created. Loft beds, for example, make optimal use of the room height and create space underneath for a workspace, storage, and more. Image: pixelnestmart / 123rf

Unlock Hidden Storage Potential

Additional storage space is often found in places that are easily overlooked in everyday life. Areas under stairs, alcoves, and unused wall space can be put to good use with shelving systems and smart storage solutions. Fold-down wall tables also help save space while providing additional work and storage space whenever needed.

Televisions can also be mounted directly on the wall. This often removes the need for bulky TV stands or hi-fi cabinets. The result is a cleaner, more modern, and more open sense of space. 
 
Wall instead of floor: Rental prices are tough, especially in big cities. All the more important is the smart use of every single square meter. Furniture and home accessories can be attached to the wall with anchors – even the bicycle disappears from the floor as a result. Image: shutterstock.com/photographee.eu

Make the Most of Your Living Space

More living space is not achieved by adding square meters alone, but by making intelligent use of existing space. Those who plan their rooms thoughtfully, consistently make use of wall space, and choose appropriate fastening solutions can make even small apartments feel significantly more spacious and functional.

Make use of every niche: With shelves and tabletops, the space under the stairs can be used effectively, for example as a workspace. The furniture is securely held in place by fastening it to the wall with the right anchors. Image: shutterstock.com/photographee.eu
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