Micro living spaces and the furniture industry

Abstract

In our increasingly urbanized world, housing shortages, space constraints, economic concerns, and other factors have led individuals to experience isolation within crowded environments, prompting a growing desire to "live in smaller spaces." This wish, emerging from the minimalist living philosophy, has been materialized through the creation of apartments or houses smaller than 40 square meters as a modern solution to challenges. The significant reduction in living spaces has affected not only architecture but also various sectors, most notably the furniture industry. Products have been redesigned to cater to micro-living standards, or existing products have been adjusted to meet these newly defined requirements. This article explores how the shift toward micro-living has transformed consumer behavior, influenced design innovations, and reshaped the furniture industry. The analysis is structured around several interconnected themes to provide insight into the current and future impact of micro-living on the furniture sector.