Looking to throw a killer dinner party but worried your dining space is on the small side? Smart storage choices will help you to keep clutter to a minimum and give you more freedom to move, especially when you’re living in a small or open-plan space.  Here are a few ways to level up your hosting game and make an impression on your guests.

1. Pull up a seat  Instead of high-backed chairs, choose dining benches that can be pushed in underneath the dining table when they’re not in use. Even better, ottomans with a lidded top will give you space to store all sorts of bits and pieces. Table and bench sets are also a stylish and versatile option that work well for busy families. Dinner time is a breeze, as is homework, games and crafts. Then simply tuck the bench seats under the table to create more space.

2. Separate your spaces  Use a tall storage unit or modular bookcase as a ‘storage wall’ to break up your living room and dining room space. Choose one with a variety of open shelves and sliding doors or closed drawers, so you can hide away the extra mismatched crockery but still show off your hottest decor. 

3. Raise the bar  Choose a chic bar cabinet for your drinks and glassware. A cabinet with wheels will give you added convenience, as you can easily move it to another room when you need extra space. If you don’t have space for a bar cabinet, a tabletop wine rack is  a more compact way to keep some bottles ready for popping.

4. Think multitasking magic  Choose a buffet table or sideboard that can serve as a multi-purpose storage unit. The right sideboard can double as a bookshelf or display cabinet, making the most of your living room and dining room spaces. If your space is too small for a sideboard or storage unit, opt for a narrow bookcase to make the most of an otherwise unused corner.

5. Add some optical illusions  There are a few tricks you can use to make your dining room look a bit bigger. Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains, to make the ceiling of the room look higher. Choose a few big accent pieces instead of lots of smaller knick-knacks, to keep the room from looking crowded. To hide clutter in a flash, opt for a woven storage basket or two, arranged in an empty corner alongside a tall lamp or an artificial potted tree.
Add a mirror to one wall, to reflect the space and bounce more light around the room. An eye-catching ceiling light will also draw your focus upwards, adding height to the space.
Browse the selection of home organisation solutions available from Freedom; you’ll find living room and dining room storage products that are practical, versatile and elegant