How small spaces appear large

The mini PV system for the balcony has been ordered, the box opened. And now? The big question is: "How do I securely fasten the balcony power plant so it doesn’t take off at the first gust of wind?" Don’t worry, with these tips you’ll navigate the installation jungle safely step by step.

Using Walls Instead of Losing 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 the seven largest German cities have increased by around 75 percent since 2013. This makes the efficient use of every available square meter increasingly important.

A key principle of optimizing living space is therefore: Everything that can be mounted on the wall should not occupy valuable floor space. Wall solutions such as wall shelves, hanging cabinets, or TV mounts create additional storage without taking up valuable floor area. At the same time, the floor remains visible all the way to the corners. This makes rooms appear larger and tidier. This effect can be crucial, especially in small apartments.

In the past, large, bulky wall units dominated many living rooms. Today, slim wall shelves and flat-screen TVs create a modern, open spatial feel. They provide additional storage without reducing floor space, thus contributing to more efficient use of space.

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 for secure wall mounting

Depending on the building material, different fastening solutions are required to, for example, also mount heavier wall cabinets and bookshelves. It should not be forgotten that higher tensile forces can also occur:

Hollow brick: Long-shank anchors like the SXRL provide secure hold while protecting the sensitive webs of the building material.

Aerated concrete: Special solutions such as the aerated concrete anchor FPX-I with 4-way expansion or injection systems with the multifunction mortar FIS V Plus ensure a stable anchoring.
Concrete and solid brick: The DuoPower anchor (8 x 40) or long-shank anchors like the SXR (8 x 80) offer a reliable solution.

If you are not quite sure which anchor is the right one, you should seek professional advice or use digital support – for example, the fastening advisor in the fischer DIY App.

Practical: The AI building material recognition in the fischer DIY App provides hints about the anchoring base based on tapping sounds and directly recommends the appropriate fastening solution – whether concrete, aerated concrete, brick, or drywall. To be absolutely sure, a test drill 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

Utilize hidden storage potential

Additional storage space is often located exactly where it is hardly noticed in everyday life. Areas under stairs, niches, or free wall surfaces can be optimally used with shelving systems and storage solutions. Foldable wall tables also help save space in everyday life and create additional work and storage surfaces when needed.

Televisions can also be mounted directly on the wall. This often eliminates the need for bulky TV or hi-fi furniture. The result is a more modern, open feeling 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

Optimize living space smartly

More living space is not created solely by additional square meters, but through intelligent use of existing areas. Those who plan rooms structurally, consistently include wall surfaces, and use suitable fastening solutions can make even small apartments 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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Make use of height and save space

Using Walls Instead of Losing Floor Space

The right fastening for secure wall mounting

Utilize hidden storage potential

Optimize living space smartly