I Fixed My Subscribers’ Impossibly Small Rooms

Summary of the video’s key space-fixing ideas (3 redesigns)

1) Small family living room: maximize function + calm visuals on a low budget

A cramped, long, narrow living room has to serve many roles: a sofa bed (easy to open), dining, a toddler Montessori play area, a dog separation zone (for a mini poodle), plant propagation, and a small art workspace—without making the space feel busy.

Main planning moves

• Map circulation first
  • Identify the main travel route from the entrance to the south-facing windows.
  • Fix the conflict where the dining table blocks/complicates movement.
• Choose “best areas” for key functions
  • Use the south-facing arched windows as the visual/light anchor for the main zone.
  • Add secondary light feel from a hallway window spilling into the room.

Storage re-layout (to reduce visual clutter)

• Move shelving/storage next to the entryway (shortest wall) instead of along the long side
  • Helps the room feel less narrow (less “shipping container”).
• Repurpose existing IKEA shelving into a taller, more integrated system
  • Reduces the cramped effect of lots of eye-level protruding storage.
• Unify storage with a long shelf above the doorway
  • Built-in style (carpenter) or off-the-shelf assembly.

Fill an awkward notch with a functional bench

• Add a storage bench along the notch wall
  • Works like a media console (TV + storage).
  • Creates a clear purpose where the room currently wastes space.

Rework seating/dining so it flows

• Move the dining table to the window-side best location
  • Takes advantage of light and stops blocking circulation.
• If possible, use an extendable dining table (hidden leaf) for hosting.
• Place the sofa opposite the TV, keeping clearance so the sofa bed still opens.
• Use furniture as “connectors”
  • Put an antique bureau desk under the plant propagation area.
  • Use ottomans to add flexible seating around the dining area.

Cozy, cohesive style on a budget

• Build the aesthetic around stronger existing pieces:
  • Antique bureau desk and blue sofa bed.
• If budget allows, reduce mismatched elements:
  • Replace mixed/cheaper lighting components with more cohesive styles.
• Improve the light treatment:
  • Swap roller blinds for traditional wooden slats.
  • Add long, generous linen curtains to soften and temper south-facing light.
• Choose a larger rug:
  • Go for a bigger Persian-style rug instead of small rugs (also helps toddler play comfort).

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2) Tiny bedroom (living/studying style): create calm + dry-towel solution without drilling

A renter/house-share bedroom feels cramped and “busy,” with storage in trunks/boxes. The goal is more space and a practical place to dry a towel without drilling.

Storage/organization and towel solution

• Use Command Strips for a towel rail:
  • Mount a towel rail on the back of a door (bathroom or bedroom door).
  • Helps the towel dry and looks intentional rather than temporary.
• Bathroom style tweak mentioned:
  • Replace small bath mats with a single long runner / larger bath mat for a more cohesive look.

Bedroom layout upgrades

• Push the bed right up against the wall
  • Creates a “daybed-like” back surface.
  • Frees circulation space for an open feel.
  • Allows cushions on the wall for daytime sitting.
• Remove/replace space-hogging furniture:
  • Ditch the large lounge chair to gain usability.
  • Use an ergonomic desk chair (with recline and wheels).

Add flexible surfaces + hidden storage

• Use a long desk spanning the wall for studying + multi-use
  • Optional: store items underneath for routine-friendly organization.
• Repurpose existing furniture if needed:
  • Flip a Kallax unit on its side to create a work surface.
• For a tidy, hidden-storage look:
  • Use IKEA tabletops + Alex drawers
    • Desk area becomes a cleaner, concealed storage system.
    • Prevents visual clutter.
  • Optional advanced idea: pair Alex drawers with a standing desk frame for counter-height flexibility.

Visual fixes and lighting

• Replace a standout curtain hardware choice:
  • Swap a black curtain rod for a single white curtain rod to blend in.
• Improve mood/space feel with lighting:
  • Skip harsh ceiling light.
  • Use low-level lighting (desk + bed area), such as battery LEDs with a sconce effect.

Make it feel personal

• Add plants and peel-and-stick wallpaper for warmth, character, and color without major work.

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3) 9x13 ft bedroom used for sleeping + studying: prioritize light + a dedicated study feel

A small student room has a large tall window and awkward circulation/feng shui issues (door and bed create an uneasy feel). The key problem: the bed is too big, and the walls/window/heat placement limit options.

Core approach: design around studying first

• Place the desk so you can see:
  • The door and the window at the same time (clarity/comfort for studying).
• Since the bed is mainly for sleep, let studying drive the layout.

Fix bed placement with a Murphy bed

• Avoid putting the bed under the window due to radiator hazard (heat + furniture/feet).
• Replace the oversized bed concept with a twin Murphy bed along the wall:
  • When folded away, the room reads as a dedicated workspace, not a bedroom.

Storage + decor that “anchors” everything

• Add a long shelf above the Murphy bed
  • Holds lighting/decor and visually unifies the room.
• Use the radiator-adjacent side for a small open wardrobe
  • Optional: place it on wheels for easier access.
• Match storage “language” with the desk side:
  • Hide storage with drawers and organized surfaces under/around the desk.

Warmth + acoustic softness

• Add linen curtains to frame the big window and soften the space.
• Replace an overly contrasting blind:
  • Swap a black roller blind for a white roller blind to reduce contrast.
• Add low-level lighting throughout.
• Use budget-friendly cohesion tricks (including peel-and-stick vinyl as needed).
• Add a large rug to increase warmth and absorb sound.

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Notable locations/products/speakers mentioned

• Speaker: Daniel (referred to as “Daniel” guiding the redesigns)
• Communities/platform: Reddit → architect redesigns (Redesigns Reddit page / submissions)

Key products/brands

• IKEA shelving, Kallax (repurposing), Alex drawers, IKEA trip suggestions
• Command Strips (for renter-friendly mounting)
• Murphy bed (twin size)

Design materials

• Linen curtains
• Persian-style rugs
• Wooden slats for window coverings
• Peel-and-stick wallpaper/vinyl