Why do Muji-style storage solutions often fail? Space proportions are key.
In recent years, MUJI-style home furnishings have become very popular among Hong Kong families. The simple, white space, and natural wood colors, combined with storage cabinets and open shelves, look refreshing and soothing. However, many people have found after moving in that, despite buying MUJI-style storage cabinets and boxes, their homes still look cluttered, oppressive, and even "the more they organize, the messier it gets."
The problem often lies not in the storage products themselves, but in the imbalance of spatial proportions . The success of the Muji style is not due to a particular cabinet or color, but rather to the balance achieved between the size, white space, and usage habits of the overall space.
From a practical home perspective, this article breaks down the common reasons for failures in Muji-style storage and how to make a space truly "quiet and peaceful" through proportion adjustments.
First, the core of Muji-style organization is not actually about "storing more".
Many people mistakenly believe that the Muji style equals a lot of storage, so they buy tall cabinets, wall-to-wall cabinets, and layers upon layers of storage boxes, which actually makes the space feel heavy.
In fact, the Muji style emphasizes:
- The ratio of storage capacity to space area
- Relationship between cabinet height and line of sight
- Matching actual usage frequency with storage location
If storage cabinets take up too much wall space, even if the color is light and the lines are simple, it will make the small space feel oppressive.
👉More storage is not necessarily better; just the right amount is.
II. Most common mistake: Cabinet proportions that are "too tall, too deep, or too close together"
1️⃣ The cabinet is too tall, disrupting the visual balance.
In Hong Kong apartments, ceiling height is generally limited. If a lot of tall cabinets or floor-to-ceiling cabinets are used in the living room or bedroom, it will visually create a "wall-like" effect, making the space appear narrow.
General recommendations:
- Public spaces mainly feature low or medium-low cabinets (approximately 80–100cm in height).
- Tall cabinets are concentrated in areas with high storage needs, such as clothing or miscellaneous items.
2️⃣ If the cabinet is too deep, its actual usability will be reduced.
Many storage cabinets are more than 45-50cm deep, resulting in a situation where "the front is piled with clutter, while the back is never used."
The Muji style emphasizes "visibility at a glance," and excessively deep cabinets would contradict this original intention.
3️⃣ Overly dense storage units eliminate white space.
The walls were filled with cabinets and the shelves were piled with storage boxes. Even though they were neatly arranged, the overall space still felt cramped.
White space is an important part of the Muji style.
3. How should one make a Muji-style storage solution with the correct proportions?
Cabinet height ≤ 1/3 of the room height
For example, in a space with a ceiling height of about 2.6 meters, the height of the main storage cabinets should be controlled at around 90cm to maintain an open view.
The ratio of storage to display is approximately 7:3.
With 70% hidden storage and 30% open or semi-exposed storage, the space will feel more breathable.
Traffic flow takes precedence over storage capacity
All cabinets should be placed away from main aisles to ensure that opening cabinets and pulling out drawers does not impede movement.
Fourth, the Muji style actually emphasizes "usage habits".
The reason why many Muji-style storage solutions fail is not due to design problems, but rather because they ignore the pace of life:
- Frequently used items are placed in high places
- Low-frequency products occupy prime locations
- Storage methods do not match the habits of family members
Truly practical Muji-style storage should be:
"Reserve the most convenient and frequently used positions for the things that are used the most."
Instead of sacrificing convenience for neatness.
V. Material selection also affects the sense of space.
Muji style does not mean "all white".
Light wood color, solid wood grain, and matte finish all help to reduce the visual impact of the cabinet.
In particular, solid wood or wood veneer cabinets blend into a space more easily than glossy or dark-colored panels, reducing the feeling of oppression while enhancing the overall texture.
Conclusion: When the proportions are right, the Muji style naturally comes together.
The reason why Muji-style storage is "timeless" is not because it has the most storage, but because the proportions of the space are just right. When the height, depth and blank space of the cabinets are balanced, the storage naturally does not appear cluttered, and the space is closer to the essence of life.
Instead of simply increasing storage capacity, it's better to re-examine the proportions of the space and your usage habits. As long as the proportions are right, even with limited storage, the minimalist style can still truly take root in Hong Kong homes.
💡Further Reading:
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