{"id":125456,"date":"2023-03-13T04:38:01","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T11:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=125456"},"modified":"2023-05-04T00:52:47","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T07:52:47","slug":"how-to-build-diy-compact-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/self-storage\/how-to-build-diy-compact-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Build Compact Furniture To Maximize Your Apartment Space"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the housing market continues its overall upward price trend and urbanization becomes more prevalent, many people find themselves living in smaller homes with limited space. But just because you live in a smaller apartment doesn\u2019t mean you have to give up things like style and functionality when it comes to furniture. On the contrary, constraints breed creativity! Add a bit of planning to that, and you can build your own compact furniture, specially tailored to your home and needs.<\/p>\n

If you are new to woodworking, you might want to start with a simpler project to learn the fundamentals and work your way up. Building your own furniture requires patience, attention to detail and most of all, the willingness to accept and learn from mistakes.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re ready to start, here are the tools, the resources and the inspiration you need to build your own DIY compact furniture, plus some tips on what to do with your old furniture.<\/p>\n

What equipment do I need to build my own furniture?<\/h2>\n

Of course, today a lot of furniture comes in kits that include all the needed materials, but you still need to supply the tools and the elbow grease! Here are some of the tools and equipment you\u2019ll need to build your own multifunctional furniture:<\/p>\n

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  1. Safety gear<\/strong> \u2013 Safety, of course, comes first! Eye protection, ear protection, gloves to protect against splinters and a dust mask are must-haves for woodworking.<\/li>\n
  2. Measuring tape<\/strong> \u2013 Remember the golden rule: measure thrice, check twice and cut once!<\/li>\n
  3. Saw<\/strong> \u2013 The type of saw will depend on what you build. You should at least have a handsaw, but for better and faster results, we recommend a jigsaw or a circular saw.<\/li>\n
  4. Drill<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll probably need to drill holes for screws or dowels. Make sure you have the right drill bit sizes! Always use a nail or a sharp object to make a small pilot hole so that you place your bit properly when you start drilling for real.<\/li>\n
  5. Screwdriver<\/strong> \u2013 Get a screwdriver set with swappable heads \u2013 It will take up less space and be easier to adapt to the needs of the build on the fly.<\/li>\n
  6. Hammer<\/strong> \u2013 Not just for hitting nails, you can use hammers to gently tap sections into place or extract crooked or misplaced nails.<\/li>\n
  7. Level<\/strong> \u2013 Check your work often to ensure it\u2019s even and stable.<\/li>\n
  8. Sandpaper<\/strong> \u2013 Smooth out rough edges and surfaces with sandpaper. This will not only make it look like a finished item, but it will also get rid of potential splinters.<\/li>\n
  9. Paints, stains and finishes<\/strong> \u2013 When you have the piece built, it needs a final layer not just for looks but also to protect the wood from the elements.
    \nWhere to find furniture plans and schematics<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There are many resources available today for the avid woodworker. You can find online plans on sites like Wood Magazine<\/a>, Woodsmith Plans<\/a> or Woodshop Diaries<\/a>. They usually include lists of needed tools and materials, dimensions and photos for inspiration.
    \nNow that you have the tools and the resources, it\u2019s time to start building! What you\u2019ll build will depend on what furniture you need to get the most out of your space at home, so start with the room that needs space the most.<\/p>\n

    Popular ideas for compact furniture<\/h2>\n

    Murphy bed<\/h3>\n

    The most popular mattress size in the US is the queen bed, measuring approximately 5\u2019x7\u2019. That\u2019s 35 square feet of surface which you only use at night. A Murphy bed is a bed that you can fold up and store vertically against the wall when not in use. This is a great solution for people who want a comfortable sleeping area but don\u2019t have enough space for a traditional bed.<\/p>\n

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    A post shared by Russell Eckhart (@1happyclamper)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n