My sewing "area" is about a third of my family room. It's approximately 11 X 8 I have a large closet, two wall units, one on each side of my sewing table plus a chest of draws. All that holds my books, fabric, thread, rulers, etc. I put up a folding table when needed to cut, I also utilize my dining room table when I need a larger lay-out area and I hang a flannel table cloth over the closet doors when I need to lay out my blocks. I also use a small table top ironing board. I seem to get along just fine in those tiny quarters. I call it my "happy place".