Small Space Living: How To Make The Most Of Your Apartment

I have always lived in small apartments, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy with it. In fact, I’ve learned to love the freedom and flexibility that comes from living in a small space.

If you’re thinking about downsizing or just need some tips for making your home feel bigger, here are some things I’ve learned over the years about how to make the most of my apartment.

Hacks To Make The Best Of Small Spaces

Key Takeaways
1. Maximize storage with creative solutions like multi-functional furniture and hanging organizers.
2. Keep your small living space cozy with soft lighting, comfortable textiles, and natural elements.
3. Declutter your space regularly to streamline possessions and create a more open ambiance.
4. Consider furniture size and functionality when downsizing to a smaller living space.
5. Use rugs to create separate zones in a small living room and place larger pieces along the walls to open up the center of the room.

Table of Contents

Multi-Purpose Furniture

The first step to creating a multi-purpose space is to choose furniture that can be used for multiple purposes.

For example, instead of having two separate pieces for your living room and bedroom, you could use one piece of furniture that serves as both a coffee table and nightstand.

This way you save money on buying multiple pieces of furniture, and you also create more floor space in your apartment (which is always at a premium).

In addition to using multi-purpose furniture in the home, try using multi-purpose items outside the home as well.

For example, instead of packing multiple bags while traveling abroad, pack one bag with everything you need: clothes/shoes/toiletries/etc..

If you’re struggling to find storage solutions in your small apartment, there are plenty of creative hacks to make the most of your space. Check out our guide on Maximizing Storage in Small Spaces to learn how you can declutter and get organized!

Use Vertical Space

The first thing you should do to make the most of your space is to utilize vertical space.

Use shelves, storage areas and hooks on walls, ceilings, and floors. Try hanging things from the ceiling; this is especially useful for extra blankets or jackets, which can be folded over and hung up on a hanger attached to a string that’s looped around something in the ceiling (think along the lines of an upside down clothesline).

You may even be able to store items like books in cubby holes cut into your wall. If you have an empty spot on one side of your room (such as under a window), consider installing shelving so that it fills up all available space.

Maximizing your vertical space is key to creating extra storage and freeing up floor space. Here are some tips for utilizing vertical space in your small living area:

Point	Description
Wall-Mounted Shelves	Install wall-mounted shelving to store books, plants, and decorative items.
Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves	From Ikea’s Billy Bookcase, these shelves can easily store and display all of your favorite reads while adding dimension to your living space.
Wall Hooks	Use wall hooks to hang hats, coats, and bags, freeing up space in your closet.
Vertical Storage Containers	From brands like The Container Store, vertical storage containers fit perfectly under the bed, freeing up closet space.
Floating Cabinets	Floating cabinets, like those from Wayfair, add storage without taking up floor space.

By utilizing vertical space in your small living area, you can make the most of every inch and create a more functional and organized space. With the use of wall-mounted shelves, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, wall hooks, vertical storage containers, and floating cabinets, you can keep your items in order and your living space neat.

Make It Multifunctional

Sometimes the best way to create a space is with furniture that serves multiple functions. For example, a sofa bed can be used as seating for guests and then transformed into a bed for overnight guests (if you don’t have room for two separate pieces).

Multipurpose furniture can also be more affordable than buying multiple items: if you buy a sofa bed instead of two separate pieces, you won’t need to buy an extra mattress or futon frame.

Here are some other examples of multipurpose furniture:

Living in a small space can be refreshing, but it can also be challenging to find ways to make your home feel more spacious. Our guide on Decluttering Your Studio Apartment offers top tips and tricks to help you streamline your possessions and create a more airy ambiance.

Create Focal Points

Focal points are important in small spaces because they help guide you around your home. The focal point of a room is the first thing you see when you walk in, so it sets the stage for everything else that follows.

The easiest way to create a focal point is with artwork or plants. If you have large walls and not much furniture, consider hanging some art on those blank surfaces; otherwise, fill up an empty corner with something green like a plant or succulent that adds life to your space.

Focal points can also be created using furniture pieces (like a bookshelf) or smaller objects like decorative bowls full of colorful stones and rocks from your travels!

Point	Description
Bright Colors	Use bold, bright colors on a wall or piece of furniture to draw the eye towards it, and create a cheerful ambiance.
Bold Patterns	Incorporate a statement piece with a bold pattern to add texture and movement to the space.
Large Artwork	Install a large piece of artwork to draw the eye and create a dynamic focal point.
Mirrors	Hanging a statement mirror can reflect light and open up a small space, making it feel more spacious.
Statement Lighting	Install a bold light fixture in the center of the room to draw attention to the space.

Creating a strong focal point in small spaces is key to creating a cohesive and impactful design. Incorporating design elements like bright colors, bold patterns, large artwork, mirrors, and statement lighting can elevate your space and create a polished look.

Declutter Regularly

How to deal with sentimental items: The important thing here is not to get rid of something that you can’t bear parting with, even if it’s a little dusty or has one cracked corner.

If an item has a special meaning for you and the space in your living room does not allow for its display, there are some other options: hang it on the wall or put it in a basket by the door where you’ll see it every day but don’t have to look at it all day long—just like that old car photo from high school!

How to deal with clutter that isn’t sentimental: Go through every inch of your home and throw out anything that doesn’t belong there anymore; this means anything from clothing past its prime (you never wore those jeans anyway) to papers overflowing from your desk drawers (your boss won’t be happy if those tax documents end up falling into his hands).

Small space living can feel daunting, but with the right organizational tools and mindset, you can create a cozy and welcoming home. Explore our comprehensive guide on Small Space Living to discover techniques for maximizing your space, simplifying clutter, and improving your quality of life.

Create Storage Space In Unexpected Ways

If your apartment has a small kitchen, you might not have room for a lot of storage. But you can still find new ways to store things in the kitchen by thinking outside the box (or cabinet).

For example, a kitchen island can be used as extra storage space if it’s not being used for food preparation. If your apartment has an entryway with a console table or sideboard, consider using them as “extra” bookcases or cabinets where you could store items that aren’t currently being used.

And if there are any wall shelves in your living area or bedroom, think about hanging baskets on them instead of putting plants on them—you’ll gain more real estate and have another place to put items like toys and games.

If possible, don’t forget about furniture that could be repurposed into storage units such as dressers and nightstands!

Dressers that sit atop legs instead of wheels are sturdy enough to stand upright while holding items on top; they also often have drawers underneath which are perfect spots for hiding away all those things (like shoes) people tend not know where else would work well storing them out of sight yet accessible when needed again later down the road.

Living in a tiny apartment is no easy feat, but there are plenty of solutions to optimize your space. In our guide on Efficiently Organizing Your Tiny Apartment, we share top tips for storage, furniture arrangement, and organization to make your home feel more spacious.

Think Carefully About The Color Scheme Of Your Room

Good color choices can make the difference between a shoebox and a spacious home. You want to use color to create a sense of space, but you also want to avoid making your room feel too small by using dark colors.

When choosing paint or wallpaper, try to choose light-colored patterns that brighten up your space. Also consider using warm colors like reds and yellows for an energetic feel, or cool blue tones for a calming effect.

Make The Most Of Natural Light

Making the most of natural light is one of the easiest ways to create a comfortable and inviting space. The best light is natural, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo artificial lighting altogether.

Natural light can be used effectively in many ways:

Curtains or blinds can be pulled back and shut to block out sunlight when necessary, but also allow it when you want some indirect illumination.
Opaque mirrors can reflect light into dark corners (or provide additional surface area for art).

Lamps produce soft pools of warm glow that’re easy on the eyes and help create a cozy atmosphere—and they’re perfect for adding some mood lighting at night!

Tips for Making the Most of Natural Light
Use light, sheer window treatments to allow plenty of natural light into your space.
Arrange furniture to optimize natural light- place larger pieces on the opposite side of windows.
Utilize mirrors to help reflect natural light throughout your space.
Choose paint colors that reflect or complement natural light- brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer great selections of light-reflecting colors.
Supplement natural light with ambient or task lighting as needed- look for energy-efficient bulbs from brands like Philips or GE.

Use Rugs To Define Distinct Areas In Your Home

Rugs are a great way to define areas of your home. Use them to separate spaces, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and dining rooms.

Rugs will give you the opportunity to make each room feel more distinct and less like one large space.

This is especially important if you live in an apartment or other small space where boundaries tend not to be as clear cut between rooms as they would be in a larger house.

By using rugs, you can create the illusion that there are multiple smaller rooms when there may only be one concrete structure with no walls separating spaces.

Limited space in the living room can make it such a challenge to furnish and decorate. But with clever storage solutions, you can create a sense of openness without compromising on style. Discover expert tips and tricks in our guide on Maximizing Space in Your Living Room to make the most of your space.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to make the most of your apartment, the best place to start is with a clear vision of what you want.

Once that’s in place, it’s time to get creative! You can use any number of techniques from decluttering and organizing your space to rearranging furniture or creating focal points to create a small living area that feels large enough for all your needs.

FAQs

How can I maximize storage in a small apartment?

There are plenty of ways to maximize storage in a small apartment. Consider investing in multi-functional pieces of furniture, utilizing vertical space with shelves or hanging organizers, and regularly decluttering unnecessary items to streamline your possessions.

What is the best way to declutter a small living space?

Decluttering a small living space can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by identifying your most essential possessions and make it a goal to remove anything that isn’t necessary. Utilize storage solutions like baskets, shelves, and under-bed storage to keep your space organized.

How can I create a cozy ambiance in my small apartment?

To create a cozy ambiance in a small apartment, consider using soft lighting with warm hues, adding comfortable throw pillows and blankets to your furniture, and incorporating natural elements like plants or flowers.

How do I decide what furniture to keep when downsizing to a smaller space?

When downsizing to a smaller space, prioritize furniture that is multi-functional and fits appropriately in your new space. Consider donating or selling any pieces that aren’t critical to your daily life or that take up too much space.

How can I arrange furniture in a small living space?

When arranging furniture in a small living space, consider placing larger pieces along the walls to open up the center of the room. Use rugs to create separate zones, and avoid cluttering the space with too many decorative accents.

Hellen James

Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.