Living in a small space doesn't have to mean propping your TV precariously on a pile of old boxes, or books falling on your head every time you turn over in bed.
These tiny houses and flats from around the world make the most of their limited square footage without compromising on charm. In fact, being small is a central part of their appeal.
From the lakeside artist's studio in Stockholm to the Oregon-based cabin in the woods, these pint-sized abodes boast a series of clever design details that ooze character and make for a cosy, functional and uncluttered living space.
So whether you're strapped for cash or fancy downsizing to something a little more minimal, take inspiration from our pick of the world's most beautiful small homes:
The cabin in the woods
This contemporary Oregon cabin took its owners four months to build and cost $22,000 (£131,000).
Photo: TinyHouseBuild/Rex Features
The cabin in the woods
Indoors it is sleek and modern, with plenty of windows and bold block colouring conjuring up a sense of simplicity and space.
Photo: TinyHouseBuild/Rex Features
The lakeside artist's studio
This wonderfully bucolic loft on the Stockholm archipelago is the creation of Swedish artist Carouschka Streijffer.
Photo: Carouschka 2000
The lakeside artist's studio
It features neutral hues, upcycled furnishings and a hammock to save on space.
Photo: Carouschka 2000
The Mountain Retreat
The US-based couple behind this gorgeous little haven were inspired to live a more simple life - "less possessions, less debt, less stress."
Photo: almostglamping.com
The Mountain Retreat
It's beautifully finished inside with intricate window designs and a clever use of lighting.
Photo: almostglamping.com
The cubed apartment
These minuscule apartments are stacked up on top of one another in the dense hubbub of central Tokyo.
Photo: Rex Features
The cubed apartment
Space is utilised to the max with a light, airy décor and neat storage boxes lining the ceiling-high shelves.
Photo: Rex Features
The trucker's home
This is one road trip you really wouldn't want to miss out on - a tiny apartment in the inside of a lorry...
Photo: tinyhouseswoon.com via Pinterest
The trucker's home
The inside of a lorry's never looked so good. The pine wood flooring and shelves make for a serene, relaxed hideaway.
Photo: tinyhouseswoon.com via Pinterest
The mobile eco-hub
Architect Marek Jan Stepan Brno built this minimal house concept called Freedomek (FreeHouse) in Brno in the Czech Republic.
Photo: Rex Features
The mobile eco-hub
Innovative and comfy, it is off-grid and cheaper than most other houses with a living space of just 40 square metres.
Photo: Rex Features
The blue house
This tiny Maryland home measures 238 square foot and cost Greg Cantori and his wife $19,000 (£11,300) to build. They downsized in order to retire and spend half their time aboard a sail boat.
Photo: Rex Features
The blue house
It comes with a porch, a tiny stainless-steel fireplace, a washer-dryer and a bathroom with a full-sized shower and a composting toilet. In the main living room there is a small kitchen and sitting/dining area. An upstairs loft area is home to not one but two bedrooms.
Photo: Rex Features
The Swedish micro apartment
This itsy one-bed apartment boasts 94 square foot in living space and was designed with cash-strapped students in mind.
Photo: idesignarch.com via Pinterest
The Swedish micro apartment
It's cosy and functional within, with smooth finishes, tiered levels and plenty of essential shelving.
Photo: idesignarch.com via Pinterest
The cream-coloured studio
This lovely little home combines a classic cream base with funky dashes of colour and personality such as the floral cushion, the red retro kettle and the "Simplify" lettering on the mezzanine level.
Photo: via Pinterest
The stylish study
What this glorious study lacks in square metres, it more than makes up for with character. We love the low-hanging lights, pot plants and splashes of vibrant colour.
Photo: stagetecture.com via Pinterest
The urban pied-à-terre
Hanging a bed halfway up the staircase is a wonderfully innovative way of saving on space. Plus you have all the excuse you need to take a nap halfway through the day...
Photo: theultralinx.com via Pinterest
The bunk bed bolthole
Bunk beds in a cupboard? Yes please. It's a delicious use of space, especially with the rustic chic vibe going on in this weeny slice of homely paradise.
Photo: tinyhouseliving.com via Pinterest
The one with the rugs
The brightly woven rugs on the floor and walls here breathe life into what could have been a crowded space without overwhelming it. Even the cat's a fan...
Photo: via Pinterest
The stainless steel flat
A groomed, urbane interior like this isn't to everyone's taste but we rate the way the stainless steel staircase is used as a statement from which all other details take their lead.
Photo: via Pinterest
The boho hangout
We imagine Carrie Bradshaw would be right at home in this boho delight of a room. The clothes rail is pretty and saves on the need for a bulky wardrobe, while the trunk table can double up as storage space.
Photo: via Pinterest
The mezzanine-level loft
Props to the clever use of basket storage on the ladder staircase here , not to mention the cream and wood finish which gives everything a sense of lightness and cohesion.
Photo: via Pinterest
The Gothenburg room
As we've seen, a raised bed works wonders in a flat measuring 29 metres square, as with this charming Gothenburg retreat. The white colouring creates space but a few cleverly placed (and beautifully designed) accoutrements stop it from being bland or clinical.
Photo: delikatissen.com via Pinterest
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