Conquering Tricky Layouts and Maximizing Small Spaces

Seeing Opportunity in Every Space

Some properties are instantly easy to stage—perfectly proportioned rooms, intuitive layouts, and plenty of natural light. Others are… more complicated. From narrow living rooms to awkward corners and unconventional open spaces, tricky layouts can make it difficult for buyers to imagine how they might live there. Small homes face similar challenges, where every inch of space has to be purposeful and appealing.

The good news? These hurdles can be transformed into selling points with the right strategy. At Hevenle Staging & Design, we see tricky layouts as opportunities to showcase creativity, thoughtful design, and functionality. The key is to work with the space instead of against it—highlighting its best features while addressing any limitations head-on.

Strategies for Staging Challenging Spaces

Embrace the Challenge

The first step to staging an unconventional space is to acknowledge its unique character. Instead of trying to disguise a layout quirk, find ways to make it a standout feature. A sharp corner can become a cozy reading nook. A narrow living room can be arranged to create an intimate gathering space. An architectural feature like a fireplace, exposed beam, or oversized window can serve as the focal point around which the rest of the room is styled.

We begin every tricky layout project by walking through the space and analyzing its flow. Where will buyers naturally enter and exit? Where does the eye land first? Which elements should be emphasized, and which should be softened or redirected? By answering these questions upfront, we create a staging plan that plays to the home’s strengths from the very start.

Define Functional Zones

One of the biggest challenges with awkward layouts—especially in open-concept spaces—is that buyers can’t immediately identify where each function belongs. Without clear boundaries, rooms can feel undefined and underutilized.

The solution is to create functional zones. Area rugs are an excellent tool for visually defining spaces without adding physical barriers. Furniture placement also plays a big role. For example, a sofa positioned with its back to a dining area can subtly separate the two spaces while maintaining an open feel.

In smaller or oddly shaped rooms, consider multifunctional furniture. An ottoman with storage can serve as both seating and a coffee table. A console table can double as a desk. By clearly showing buyers how each space can be used, you help them picture themselves living there comfortably and efficiently.

Choose the Right Scale for Furniture

Small or awkwardly shaped spaces can quickly become overwhelmed by oversized furniture. Even if a large sectional is comfortable, it might visually dominate a room and make it feel cramped. Instead, choose pieces that are proportionate to the space while still being functional.

Look for streamlined designs with clean lines, as bulky or overly ornate pieces can feel heavy. Armless chairs, glass or acrylic tables, and furniture with exposed legs can create the illusion of more space by allowing light to flow through and around them. When necessary, we custom-source furniture to fit the dimensions perfectly, ensuring the home feels balanced and inviting.

Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage

In small spaces or unconventional layouts, walls are valuable real estate. Too often, they’re underutilized, but they can be key to drawing the eye upward and making a room feel larger.

Strategically placed artwork can elongate a wall, while vertical shelving creates storage without taking up precious floor space. Even a tall mirror can add both depth and light, enhancing the perception of openness. In homes with high ceilings, we often use tall plants or floor-to-ceiling drapery to amplify that sense of verticality, giving the space a grander feel.

Keep the Palette Light and Cohesive

Color plays a powerful role in shaping how buyers perceive a space. Light, neutral palettes—soft whites, pale grays, muted taupes—can make even small or oddly shaped rooms feel more open and airy.

This doesn’t mean stripping the space of all personality. Instead, use pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. These accents can draw attention to focal points without overwhelming the senses. In tricky layouts, consistency is key; a cohesive color scheme across adjacent spaces creates visual flow and makes the home feel larger and more connected.

Create Visual Illusions That Work in Your Favor

Sometimes, staging is about more than what you put in a space—it’s about how you use it to influence perception. Angling furniture can break up harsh lines or awkward shapes. Layering rugs can help define multiple zones in one room. Even the placement of a mirror can redirect attention toward a desirable feature, such as a beautiful window view, and away from an awkward architectural element.

These subtle shifts can completely change how a buyer experiences a room, turning what might have been seen as a flaw into a memorable feature.

Tell a Lifestyle Story

Ultimately, buyers aren’t just shopping for a house—they’re imagining a life. Staging tricky layouts and small spaces is about painting that picture clearly.

An unused corner can become a charming breakfast nook. A narrow hallway can transform into an art display or a compact home office. A small balcony can be staged as an intimate seating area with bistro chairs and a side table. Every design decision should contribute to a narrative that helps buyers see the space not just as livable, but as desirable.

At Hevenle, we use staging to spark emotion. Whether it’s a cozy throw on a reading chair or fresh flowers on a kitchen counter, these details invite buyers to imagine themselves enjoying the home, quirks and all.

Turning Challenges Into Selling Points

Staging a home with a tricky layout or small footprint isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. By embracing unique features, defining each area with purpose, scaling furniture appropriately, using vertical space, and maintaining a cohesive palette, you can transform challenges into advantages.

The goal is to make buyers fall in love with the possibilities, not dwell on limitations. A well-staged home encourages them to dream about the life they could have there, even in spaces that might have seemed unconventional at first glance.

At Hevenle Staging & Design, we specialize in bringing out the best in every home, no matter its shape, size, or layout. With creativity, precision, and years of experience, we ensure that your property stands out in the market for all the right reasons. If you’re ready to turn your home’s quirks into its strongest selling points, we’re here to make it happen.