There are a few tried-and-true tricks for making the most of small spaces. Take advantage of vertical space, for one, and use multi-purpose items whenever possible — a bookshelf can be a room divider, a desk can be a nightstand, and an ottoman can be both extra seating and extra storage, if you play your cards right. But one of my favorite small-space tricks is one that you can pull off with the assistance of an under-$20 hardware store buy: Use casters to make furniture mobile.
Adding casters to furniture feet is a super easy way to give your furnishings the adaptability that’s crucial in small spaces — when you need them, they can be front and center; when you don’t, they can be tucked out of the way to clear up floor space. Caster Swivel
The tactic is perfect for utilitarian pieces that you only use part-time. Want proof? You can see the hack in use in a couple of the Small/Cool 2023 spaces.
First up: a workspace that I designed with functionality top-of-mind. (The theme, fittingly, is A DIY-Buy Paradise.) While there are plenty of DIY touches in this space (hello, wallpaper details!), one of my favorites is the ultra-practical addition of casters to the feet of the wood desk. The wheels make it easy to fit a home office almost anywhere: You can move the desk to an open area during the workday, then move it out of the way once the clock hits 5 p.m.
Rubber Trolley Wheel The casters I used come in at just under $9 for a pack of two, meaning you can do the whole project for under $20. All you’ll need is a drill fitted with a bit that’s the size of your caster’s threaded stem. Drill a hole directly into the bottom of each leg of your desk, then thread the wheels in until they fit snugly. If you want an extra secure, extra permanent hold, you can add glue as well.