Compact coffee table in the living room
This small pedestal coffee table takes up less floor space, providing more legroom for you and for your guests.
Another space-saving trick: daybed-style sofas with only one arm, arranged adjacent to a side table in the corner.
ALSO SEE: Hide-a-Bed sofas from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s
Wood grille divider for midcentury space-saving small home decor
A handsome wood grille, attached to ceiling, wall, and floor separates the dining room from entrance hall in the Clinton Peets’ home, Sherman Oaks, California.
The open-work panels supply design interest to both areas. They require no extra floor space, and permit the passage of daylight into the dining room. Panels are painted charcoal gray. Decorated by Susan Ross.
An angled dining area in this mid-century modern home
Short on space? Try setting a dining nook at an angle to keep the furniture compact when not in use, while still allowing for passage into the room beyond.
MORE: Tour the ultimate mid-century modern house: The Scholz Mark 58 Home of the Year
Space-saving small home decor: Pegboard shelving
Pegboard corner supports brackets for the decorative arrangement of books, magazines and hampers in the home of Mr and Mrs Ray Knipple, Smyrna, Georgia.
Wicker hampers provide ideal storage for such articles as accessories, pocketbooks, and sweaters.
Translucent screen divider between kitchen and family room
This lightweight screen divider takes the place of a bulky wall, but clearly and fashionably separates the two living areas.
MORE: 130 vintage ’50s house plans used to build millions of mid-century homes we still live in today
Kitchen storage: An antique hat rack
Antique hatrack used to display a collection of old mustache cups is ideal for a narrow kitchen wall. Colorful dish towels add variety. A small nail or tack on pegs will keep mugs from slipping.
The expanding ’50s kitchen for a small home
Save counter space with pull-out shelving to use as needed — such as to cool cookies, as shown here. The main kitchen countertop also pulls out for an expanded workspace.
ALSO SEE: How to be a perfect ’50s housewife: In the kitchen
Space-saving small home decor: Bonus storage in an alcove
Shallow cupboards fill 13-inch alcove in the dining room of Mrs L Dickson Griffith, of Darien, Connecticut. The slate surface is oiled for sheen. White cafe curtains hang above it on brass rod.
’50s bedroom: No room for a full canopy bed?
Tailored canopy bed is made from a panel of fabric running up a wall and onto the ceiling and held in place by brass rod at corner line. Fabric matches spread and trim bolster.
Triple duty furniture for the vintage ’50s bedroom
This cozy covered nook serves as a sofa, daybed or a regular bed. A sleek and simple fabric canopy gives privacy and a cozy feel.
MORE: A 1950s home tour: See inside a small house in San Francisco
