Whether you're living in your first house in the 'burbs or a shoebox-size apartment in the city (welcome to my world), the last thing you want is for your daily devices to constantly be in your way. To free up more counter space, closet space and all-around living space, here are seven of the best options that are just a baby step away from their full-size equals.
Form versus function? You don’t have to choose. These pieces offer the best of both worlds.
You need to get out of the door in a hurry in the morning, so who has time to put away a toaster? Get this two-slice model instead. With its sleek design, it'll take up very little room on your counter—and look great too!
Sonos Playbase, $699, Sonos.com Designed to sit under your TV, this speaker is all of two inches tall—but it still delivers theater-quality sound. Great for streaming your Netflix binge of the moment or your Spotify playlist.
Your abode may leave something to be desired in space, but with the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link, that space will be full of clean, temperature-controlled air. The all-in-one purifier, fan and heater monitors your home's air quality, removes 99.97 percent of all allergens and heats or cools the room. Who would've thought something so compact and stylish could be so practical!
U by MOEN digital shower controller, from $1,225, Moen.com Set the time and perfect water temperature before you even step foot in the bathroom—using just your phone. (You can each set your own preferences on the in-shower controller too.)
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 vacuum, $399, Dyson.com It’s ultra-powerful and easy to maneuver into tight corners, making the typically dreaded chore a breeze. Plus, its self-adjusting cleaner head works across all floor types.
Do you really have space for a clunky ironing board? Probably not. Or maybe you just leave a burn mark every time you attempt to de-wrinkle something delicate. Um, remember your great aunt's tablecloth and the number you did on it? Skip the potential fire hazard and try a handheld garment steamer that will get out every tiny wrinkle in super-speedy form.
Miele CM6 espresso maker, $2,000, Williams-Sonoma.com Latte or cappuccino? No matter your drink of choice, whip it up with this barista-quality machine, which lets you set the temperature, grind and coffee-to-water ratio for up to four users.
The average hand vac definitely doesn't cut it when it comes to tackling those tough messes. But if you live in a small space, a bulky performer just has no place to go. The Dyson V8 cord-free vacuum is the solution you've been searching for. It can pull double-duty as a stick and hand vac, which means every spot can be reached. Plus, it holds a charge for a full 40 minutes (which is more than enough time to get the job done).
Karnes twin sleeper sofa, $2,899, CrateandBarrel.com You want a well-designed sofa; your partner’s arguing for an extra bed for friends and family to crash on. The compromise? This mid-century modern chair that pulls out to a twin.
If you're like me, you love listening to music pretty much 24/7. But a love for loud tunes doesn't require a giant sound system. These Bluetooth speakers are compact and portable—and still have great sound quality.
Foreo Issa electric toothbrushes, $199, Foreo.com Sonic technology and silicone bristles offer a gentle deep-clean for teeth and gums. Plus, the brush heads last for a full year. Choose from four stylish colors.
I'm a smoothie person and I like fresh juices. But let's be honest, the juicer hasn't made an appearance since 2007. Why? It's too clunky and super annoying to clean. Now that Vitamix has come out with a personal-size blender, you can have the power of a full-size one (it's the same motor!) in compact form. Get ready to start blending up your breakfast on a daily basis.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link, $600, Dyson.com Talk about a triple play: It captures common allergens and pollutants from the air, is a fan in the summer and a heater in the winter, and it connects to an app so you can monitor your air quality.
I have to have a cup of dark roast before I head out in the morning, but I can't stand dealing with coffee grounds, nor do I have the space for a whole coffeemaker. This single-serve brewer is my AM BFF. It only takes up a tiny corner on the counter and packs the caffeine punch you demand.
Piper nv security system, $280, GetPiper.com This small but mighty device features a night-vision camera and siren, plus pet-friendly motion sensors. Use it to automate lights and appliances, then check in anytime from your phone.
Sleep Number 360 smart bed, from $1,200, SleepNumber.com It can sense movement and adjust for maximum comfort. There’s also a foot-warming feature, plus a built-in snore detector that raises part of the bed to help you both catch zzz’s.
Feed and Go smart pet feeder, $250, FeedandGo.com This Wi-Fi feeder has six trays for food, treats and meds. Schedule meal times, then watch your pet nosh via webcam. READ MORE
