Best buys for small spaces

This streamlined glossy console table lifts up to hide two concealed storage compartments, so you can stow away your laptop and work papers at the end of the day. Flip top console table, £349 Buy online at dwell.co.uk Photograph: PR In small spaces, it’s better to make a feature out of functional storage. These fabulous baroque-inspired book shelves do just that - a quirky take on a classic shape that is fun and funky. Baroque bookshelves, from £45 Buy online at grahamandgreen.co.uk Photograph: PR The right lighting can brighten up pokey rooms and study corners. You might not have enough space for a full curved floor lamp, but a cleverly chosen Anglepoise is a practical but still very stylish choice. Anglepoise silver lamp, £90 Buy online at heals.co.uk Photograph: PR A more fashionable take on your bog-standard box shelves. This unit is streamlined with shelves placed at different heights and widths, so you can alternate books and decoration pieces - try attaching compact or clamp spotlights from Ikea to make certain boxes stand out more than others. A brilliant way to showcase and store. Piu shelving unit, from £495 Buy online at heals.co.uk Photograph: PR Photograph: guardian.co.uk Most interior designers agree that in a small space, you can either create a splash on the walls or the floor - but it's best to avoid both unless they complement each other. This rug is subtle yet detailed and would work beautifully with soft grey walls. Daborn rug, £399 Buy online at habitat.co.uk Photograph: PR Whereas this one adds tons of colour and won’t necessarily restrict you to one colour scheme if you’re looking to avoid the matchy-matchy look. Mosaic rug, £249 Buy online at habitat.co.uk Photograph: PR Organise yourself with this playful storage-with-style piece, worked in metal. Perfect to hang above a compact console table for work, or even in the kitchen if you want a utilitarian vibe. Comes in red, black and white. Vitra Uten.Silo hanging storage, from £181 Buy online at nest.co.uk Photograph: PR