How to Choose Furniture when Downsizing?

There are a myriad of reasons why one would choose to downsize. Some people move into the city to be closer to work, others decide to enjoy their golden years in a home with less maintenance, and some even prefer a smaller place altogether. 

Whether you're moving to a smaller home, apartment, or simply choosing to live with less, downsizing is a powerful way to refresh your lifestyle. But less space doesn’t mean less comfort—or less style! With the right furniture choices, you can make your new space feel open, functional, and beautifully you.

At Global Living, we help people every day create thoughtful, stylish interiors that work smarter in smaller spaces. Here's our guide to downsizing with confidence—with furniture that fits your life, not just your floor plan.

📐 1. Start Fresh, But Stay True to Your Style

One of the biggest mistakes people make when downsizing is thinking they have to abandon their style just to make things fit. In reality, downsizing gives you the chance to refine your space and focus on the pieces that truly reflect your taste. 

Rather than trying to fit everything from your previous home into a smaller layout, start by identifying your must-haves. Maybe it’s a statement armchair, a particular wood tone, or a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Choose furniture that matches your style in scaled-down proportions, and you’ll feel at home from day one.

From our experience, many people who downsize quickly discover that some of their existing furniture just won’t fit their new space. Often, it’s the large dining table, the oversized chaise lounge, or those bulky bookshelves that have to go first.

At first, it can feel like you’re letting go of pieces that add character to your home—but it doesn’t take long to realise that smaller, well-designed furniture can be just as charming, if not more. In fact, compact pieces often bring a fresh sense of style, functionality, and comfort that suits your new lifestyle perfectly. 

 

🛋️ 2. Make the Most of Every Piece

When space is limited, every item in your home should work harder—serving not just one, but often multiple purposes. That’s where multi-functional furniture becomes your best friend. By choosing smart, adaptable pieces, you can transform a compact space into one that feels efficient, organised, and welcoming.

Take the sofa bed, for instance. It’s perfect for accommodating overnight guests when you don’t have a dedicated spare room. And many models go one step further by offering built-in storage compartments—ideal for stashing extra bedding, pillows, or seasonal items. Similarly, a drop-leaf dining table can shift effortlessly from a compact everyday setup to a full-sized table when friends or family come around. Even small touches like an ottoman with hidden storage or a coffee table with drawers can make a big difference in keeping things tidy.

Storage-friendly solutions are essential when you’re working with less square footage. Look for clever designs that combine style with practicality. For example, modern shoe racks are often slim enough to sit neatly by your entrance, doubling as a console table where you can place keys, mail, or decorative items.

In the bedroom, thinking vertically can free up valuable floor space. Choose a bed frame with added height to slide storage boxes underneath, or go for a bed with built-in drawers for a more integrated solution. It’s a great way to maintain a clean, clutter-free room without sacrificing storage capacity.

You can also get creative with other furniture pieces. A deep bookshelf can easily function as a compact desk—simply pull up one of your dining chairs and you’ve created a practical little home office. The possibilities are endless when you focus on versatility and purpose.

Ultimately, the key to furnishing a smaller home is choosing pieces that blend form and function. Prioritise furniture that works as hard as you do—space-smart, adaptable, and full of hidden potential. With the right choices, your downsized home can feel more open, organised, and enjoyable than ever.

📏 3. Measure First, Buy Smart

When you're moving into a smaller home, it’s tempting to get swept up in excitement and start shopping right away. But before you fall in love with a piece of furniture, it’s important to take a moment to plan with precision. Measurements are your best friend in a compact space—not just of the rooms themselves, but of all the spaces your furniture has to pass through.

Doorways, staircases, hallways, and even elevator dimensions can all impact what pieces actually make it into your home. The last thing you want is a sofa that looks perfect online but won’t fit through your front door. Take the time to measure everything, and keep those dimensions handy—you’ll thank yourself later.

Once you know what you're working with, you'll be better equipped to choose pieces that truly suit the space. In smaller homes, it’s often wise to lean toward modular or low-profile furniture. These designs are more flexible, lighter to move, and easier to rearrange if your needs change.

Look for pieces with slim arms, narrow profiles, or open bases. Furniture with exposed legs or elevated frames helps maintain sightlines, creating a more open and airy feel. Bulky, boxy furniture tends to visually close off a space, while well-proportioned, thoughtfully designed pieces help it breathe.

You might also want to sketch out rough floor plans or tape out furniture dimensions on the floor to see how everything will sit together. A little pre-planning can go a long way in ensuring your new space feels comfortable, balanced, and effortlessly liveable—right from day one.

🪑 4. Comfort and Function Go Hand in Hand

One of the most valuable lessons when downsizing is learning that less really can be more—as long as you’re choosing the right pieces. With limited floor space, there’s no room for clutter or “just in case” furniture. Instead, the goal is to invest in fewer items, but better ones—pieces that are thoughtfully designed, built to last, and adaptable to different needs.

This naturally shifts your focus from quantity to quality and functionality. Every piece of furniture has to earn its place in your home, which means considering how it will work across different situations. For instance, if you're entertaining guests in a smaller space, you may not have extra lounge chairs. That’s when it pays to have dining chairs that are not only stylish but also comfortable enough to be pulled into the living area. These same chairs might also double as your go-to seating for working on a laptop, especially if your new home doesn't have a dedicated study.

The sofa is another key piece that deserves careful thought. For many people who are downsizing, the living room may only have space for one single lounge suite, so it’s crucial that it ticks all the boxes—comfortable, durable, easy to clean, and just the right size. A great option to consider is a sofa paired with an ottoman. While ottomans are often overlooked, they’re incredibly versatile and can serve multiple purposes:

• Slide it next to your sofa to stretch out and relax
• Top it with a tray, and it becomes a functional coffee table
• Use it as an extra seat when guests drop by - it's a compact, stylish solution that adds instant flexibility
• And bonus point if it offers storage too!

These smart, space-friendly combinations can make a huge difference in the way your home feels and functions.

Ultimately, when space is limited, you want furniture that offers comfort, practicality, and resilience. Whether it’s your lounge suite, dining set, or occasional chair, your furniture should support your lifestyle—not restrict it. Investing in multi-use, high-quality pieces will help you enjoy a downsized space that still feels rich in comfort, style, and possibility.

✨ 5. Embrace Modern Furniture for Ergonomic Living

One of the most effective ways to optimise a smaller living space is by choosing modern, ergonomic furniture that’s designed for real-life living. When you’re downsizing—especially into a retirement home or smaller townhouse—every inch counts. That’s why modern furniture, with its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and space efficiency, can completely transform the feel of your home.

Many people making this transition, particularly retirees, can feel hesitant at first. There’s a strong attachment to older, more traditional furniture—solid wood cabinets, large dining sets, or bulky lounge chairs that have been part of the home for decades. But what we often see is a quiet revelation once they experience the difference: modern furniture creates space, lets in more light, and makes the home feel less crowded and more calming.

What makes modern design so effective in smaller homes is its commitment to clarity and practicality over ornamentation. Neutral tones and natural materials help create a soft, serene atmosphere, while clean lines and uncluttered forms bring in a sense of order and balance. The result is a space that feels light, open, and easy to live in—exactly what you want when you're simplifying your life.

One of the most enduring examples of this design philosophy is Scandinavian furniture. Popular since the post–World War II era, the Scandinavian style was born out of necessity during a time when resources were limited and living spaces were becoming smaller. Families were rebuilding their lives in compact homes and apartments, and the furniture that emerged from this period was defined by its efficiency, clean design, and clever use of materials.

That same design logic applies today—perhaps now more than ever. With urban living on the rise and homes shrinking in size, Scandi-style furniture remains a go-to for its adaptability and timeless appeal. It often features soft wood tones, light fabrics, rounded edges, and subtle details that blend seamlessly into a room.

Take, for example, a Scandinavian drop-leaf table. It’s an excellent solution for anyone living in a small space. It can function as a full-sized dining table when extended, a slim console when folded down, or even a practical desk. It’s this kind of flexibility and form-meets-function thinking that defines modern, ergonomic design.

Ultimately, choosing the right furniture isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what works for you. In a downsized space, where comfort, flow, and ease matter more than ever, modern design helps create a home that’s not just livable, but truly enjoyable. It enhances not only the way your space looks—but how you move, feel, and live within it.

🎨 6. Customise to Suit Your Space

One of the most empowering aspects of downsizing is the opportunity to curate a space that truly reflects your personal style. Rather than compromising on what you can bring with you, downsizing invites you to rethink what deserves a place in your new home. And when it comes to furniture, that means choosing pieces that not only fit physically, but also align with your taste and lifestyle.

This is where customisable furniture shines. From sofas and armchairs to dining chairs and ottomans, the ability to select your own fabric, colour, and material finish allows you to create furniture that feels uniquely yours. In recent years, customization options have grown tremendously thanks to advances in both natural and synthetic materials. Modern upholstery now includes a wide range of high-performance fabrics that are both stylish and practical—designed to stand up to real-life use, even in smaller, high-traffic living spaces.

The first step in choosing the perfect upholstery is to evaluate how a fabric will function in your home. One of the most common considerations—especially when moving into a smaller home or townhouse—is lighting.

Smaller spaces often have fewer windows and may be more enclosed, which can limit how much natural light filters through. In a long and narrow layout, for example, you might have a window at each end of the home but very little daylight reaching the centre. In such cases, opting for lighter-toned fabrics can help. Soft neutrals, off-whites, beiges, or pale greys can reflect natural light and visually brighten up your space, making it feel more open and airy.

Beyond appearance, you’ll also want to consider how your furniture will be used—and how often. If you’re downsizing into a home where there’s only room for one sofa, that piece is going to see a lot of action. Daily lounging, visiting guests, and even pets or grandchildren may all add to the wear and tear over time.

This is where understanding the durability rating of a fabric becomes crucial. One of the most reliable measures of fabric strength is the Martindale scale. This test involves rubbing the fabric in a figure-eight motion using metal plates until signs of wear appear. The number of rubs it withstands before showing damage determines its score.

For context, anything over 25,000 rubs is considered suitable for heavy domestic use. Some fabrics even score 100,000 rubs or more, meaning they can withstand intense daily wear before showing any signs of stress. If you want long-lasting upholstery that can handle real life without sacrificing looks, keep an eye on this rating—it’s often listed alongside the fabric samples when you’re shopping.

While all these practical points are important, there’s also a deep sense of satisfaction in creating a piece that’s truly your own. Customizing a fabric lets you tie in the furniture with your existing décor, colour palette, and personality. Maybe you want to match a particular rug or curtain, or introduce a splash of colour into a mostly neutral space. Or perhaps you want a warm texture that brings coziness to a minimal interior. Whatever your goal, customisation gives you the freedom to express your style in a way that’s thoughtful and intentional.

Downsizing doesn’t mean sacrificing the character or comfort of your home. In fact, it’s an opportunity to make every piece meaningful. With the right materials and a bit of planning, you can furnish your space with custom furniture that feels not just functional—but entirely you.

 

🧼 7. Prioritise Easy Living

One of the greatest benefits of downsizing is the opportunity to simplify your lifestyle. With fewer rooms to maintain and less clutter to manage, you can finally spend more time doing what you love—whether that’s reading a good book, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea. But to truly embrace this shift, it’s important to choose furniture that supports your new, more relaxed way of living.

Today’s furniture is designed with convenience and low-maintenance living in mind. Gone are the days when you had to tiptoe around a pristine white sofa or worry about every accidental spill. Modern materials have come a long way—stain-resistant fabrics, scratch-proof finishes, and removable, washable cushion covers are just some of the innovations that can make life much easier in a smaller space.

Easy care isn’t just about cleaning—it’s also about how your space feels. A big part of downsizing is reducing the visual clutter that can make small homes feel busy or overwhelming. By choosing furniture with integrated storage, like beds with drawers or coffee tables with compartments, you can keep everyday items like books, remotes, or blankets tucked neatly out of sight.

The result is a living space that feels open, peaceful, and manageable—a welcome contrast to the overstuffed feeling many of us experience in larger homes. A minimalist aesthetic doesn’t mean stark or cold; it means intentional, with everything in its place and nothing taking up space unnecessarily. When surfaces are clear, and items have a dedicated home, cleaning becomes faster and the entire room feels more breathable.

Ultimately, the beauty of downsizing lies in creating a home that works for you, not the other way around. With the right choices, your furniture becomes part of your daily rhythm—easy to maintain, a pleasure to use, and always ready for the life you want to live.

Less space doesn't have to mean more hassle. In fact, with modern materials and thoughtful design, it means quite the opposite: less cleaning, less stress, and more freedom to enjoy your home, your way.

8. Accessorise with Intention

In a smaller home, less is truly more—and nowhere is this more important than with your accessories. While a few carefully chosen pieces can elevate a space and make it feel welcoming, it doesn’t take much to tip things over into clutter. Many people find that after moving into a smaller home, even a couple of decorative purchases can make the space feel busy and crowded.

That’s why it’s so important to be intentional when selecting accessories. Just like your main furniture pieces and colour scheme, your smaller decorative items should be chosen with care and a clear purpose. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, it can actually be quite liberating—you only need a few standout pieces, which makes it easier to find, appreciate, and even change things out when you feel like refreshing your space.

Here are some simple, smart tips and tricks for accessorising in a small space:

Mirror, Mirror...

Mirrors are one of the most effective accessories in small-space living. Not only do they add a sense of depth, they also bounce natural light around the room, making everything feel brighter and more open.

Tips:

• Hang a mirror opposite or adjacent to a window to maximise the light it reflects
• Choose mirrors with light or minimal frames to keep things visually airy
• A large floor mirror leaned against a wall can be both functional and stylish

Functional décor

When space is limited, it helps if your accessories also serve a purpose. Look for beautiful pieces that are useful: a sculptural lamp, a stylish wall hook, or a decorative tray that keeps your keys and remote tidy.

Tips:

• A woven basket can double as storage and décor
• Use a decorative ladder to hang throws, towels, or magazines
• Opt for candle holders or vases in neutral tones that blend with your colour palette

Colours

Too many contrasting colours can make a small room feel chaotic. Keep accessories within your existing colour scheme to maintain a sense of flow and unity.

Tips:

• Stick to two or three main tones and repeat them across different textures (linen, ceramics, wood, etc.)
• Add pops of colour sparingly with items like cushions, a small piece of art, or a single vibrant plant pot
• Neutral colours and natural materials tend to keep spaces feeling calm and open

Go vertical

When you can’t spread out, go up! Wall-mounted accessories help free up surface space while still adding personality to your home.

Tips:

• Choose a few pieces of art or photography that speak to you, rather than covering every wall
• Use floating shelves to display small plants, books, or keepsakes
• Hang items in clusters (like a gallery wall) to add interest without overwhelming the room

Add some life

Plants can instantly freshen up any space, but in a smaller home, a little greenery goes a long way. They add texture, improve air quality, and soften the lines of your furniture.

Tips:

• Choose low-maintenance, compact plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents
• Use plant stands to add height without taking up extra surface area
• Group 2–3 plants together in a corner or on a shelf for maximum impact without spreading clutter

 

Final Thoughts

Downsizing isn’t about having less—it’s about living more intentionally. With thoughtfully chosen, well-designed furniture, your smaller home can feel even more comfortable and welcoming than a larger one.

At Global Living, we’re passionate about helping people create homes that work beautifully, no matter the size. From space-saving sofas to versatile dining solutions, we’ll help you find the pieces that turn your downsized space into a true sanctuary.

Visit us in-store or browse online to get inspired. Let’s create a home that feels just right.