Space is a luxury

Making the most of your living space
By Taro Yanagisawa, BoConcept Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan

One of the biggest challenges living in a city the size of Tokyo is making the most of your living space. Japanese homes are relatively small compared to other parts of the world, and this is especially true in big cities, where housing prices are very high. A typical Japanese home is less than 1,100 sq. ft., and usually combines the living and dining space in one. I live alone in an apartment with just 400 sq. ft., so you could say that personal experience has taught me to become an expert in optimizing limited space.

Design put to work

Many of our customers are passionate about beautiful design, but the size of their homes also means that the furniture they choose has to be functional. There is not enough room for things that only look good. They also have to work.

Sofa beds are perfect for studios or small apartments

1: Sofa bed, available in different colors. Shown in, beige Nu fabric. H35¼xW77xD38¾l 49¼". [Versa - 6050] 2: Ottoman, available in different colors. Shown in, beige Nu fabric. H15¾xW38½xD25¾". [Versa - 6060] 3: Nesting tables, 3 pcs, glass. H16¾l 15½l 14¼xW16¾l 14¼l 12xD16¾l 14¼l 12". [Occa - 2010] 4: Bookcase, white lacquer. H72xW17¼xD12". [Occa - 1005] 5: Dining table with built-in extension leaf, grey glass. H29½xW47¼l 94½xD31½". [Occa - 920] 6: Mariposa Delight chair, available in fabrics and leathers. Shown in, brushed steell Anthracite Nano fabric. H33¼l 19xW17xD22½". [Chairs - 137576] 7: Nesting tables, 2 pcs, black glass. H25½l 23½xW15½l 15½xD20¾l 20¾". [Occa - 2050] 8: 3-seater, available in fabrics and leathers. Shown in, rosso leather. H25¾xW86¼xD36". [Diva - D164]

I always suggest an extendable dining table for small-sized homes – especially when the dining and living areas are combined. It gives you more living space during the week, when the table is only used for the quick meals that are so typical of big city life. The table can then easily unfold to provide plenty of seating space for inviting friends over for dinner.

Small living rooms really benefit from nesting tables. Placed next to the sofa, they keep the center space of the living room clear. The small tables can then be easily moved around when table space is required, and they can be placed individually around the room as desired.

I like to use glass or shiny materials, as they help to reflect light around the room. The transparency of glass leaves an impression of endlessness and makes the room seem bigger.

Seats for sleeping

Most Japanese homes don't have spare rooms for overnight guests. Sofa beds are the perfect solution. Many people think that they have to compromise their love of design when buying a sofa bed. But our range of sofa beds combine aesthetics as well as function, so you can still achieve a great look, with ample seating that easily converts into a comfortable bed.

When it comes to space savers, I have to mention our Xtra ottoman. It is a great extra seat for the day – yet take the cover off and a folding bed is revealed! Xtra fits easily into any living room, functions perfectly as an ottoman or as an extra seat for guests and children, and you can choose exactly the cover you want to fit your style. Now that's what I call intelligent space management!

Nesting tables are easy to move around and save space

1: Ottoman with sleeping function, available in different fabrics. Shown in, olive Pipe fabric. H16¾xW27¾l 82¾xD27¾". [Xtra - 603031] 2: Nesting tables, 3 pcs, glass. H16¾l 15½l 14¼xW16¾l 14¼l 12xD16¾l 14¼l 12". [Occa - 2010] 3: Half table lamp, clear glass base with white shade. H26xW17¾xD5".