Foam Innovation for Small Spaces

It's well known that foam is one of the most popular materials in the design and function of children's playrooms – so much so that we dedicated a whole guide to how foam can form the basis of customised playroom toys, protective wall and furniture covers, and playmats. But many companies and individuals are now following interior design and architecture firms in using foam to maximise space, in playrooms and beyond.

Foam in a Hungarian church

A recent interior design project by PRTZN Architecture shows foam's flexible applications in older, more traditional settings, even though it's a modern engineered material. At a church in Hungary, the firm was commissioned to transform a tiny room into a comfortable space for adults and children. Estimated at 12 square metres, this narrow room is filled wall-to-wall with modular foam blocks cut to size that act as both floor space and storage units – useful for toys and for the church's own items. Foam's durability let the architects design a bespoke solution that fits and accentuates the building's original features, such as angled walls and obscure corners.

Solving small-space problems

Foam helped address several issues common to old, poorly insulated spaces. Narrow dimensions can be hard to furnish, and cement, tile or marble floors don't offer enough warmth or comfort for a room meant for relaxing. In traditional settings, modern armchairs and chaise lounges can be too bold and encroach on the space, so the alternative is modular foam blocks or foam-covered ottoman-style elements that provide seating and storage discreetly.

Choosing foam for small spaces

Denser, durable polyurethane foams such as "High-Firm" and "Severe" offer customisable ways to transform traditional and unorthodox spaces. In the Hungarian church, what looked like a firm foam floor was actually built from block foam components and storage boxes in cube and triangle shapes. This brought three benefits for the children: a new elevated floor to play on, a storage solution, and a toy in itself, with interchangeable shapes ideal for stacking and rolling. The right foam depends on purpose, whether the space is indoor or outdoor, and how much use it will get – medium to high-density foam suits playrooms, withstanding weight yet staying soft and safe. Our guides to foam home storage and the DIY foam ottoman have more.

We pride ourselves on providing solutions for all environments and tasks, whatever the complexity or size. To consult one of our friendly advisers, please contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How can foam help maximise a small space?

Modular cut-to-size foam blocks can act as both flooring and storage, and foam-covered ottoman-style elements provide seating and storage in an understated way. Foam's durability lets it be shaped to fit angled walls and awkward corners.

What foam is best for small-space furniture?

Denser, more durable polyurethane foams such as "High-Firm" and "Severe" offer durable yet customisable solutions for traditional or unorthodox spaces, while medium to high-density foam suits playrooms, being able to withstand weight yet still soft and safe.

Can foam improve cold or narrow rooms?

Yes. Foam provides more warmth and comfort underfoot than cement, tile or marble, and modular foam blocks or foam-covered seating sit more discreetly in a narrow space than bold modern armchairs or chaise lounges.