Living in a small apartment can be challenging, especially when it comes to making the most of the space available. However, with some creative thinking and clever design ideas, you can maximise every inch of your home and create a functional, comfortable living space that feels open and spacious. In this blog post, we’ll explore space-saving ideas for each room of your apartment, along with general tips for creating a more spacious and clutter-free home. Whether you’re living in a studio apartment or a one-bedroom flat, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to help you maximise a small apartment and create a beautiful and practical living space.
Tips to Maximise Space in Your Apartment per Room
Hallway
- Hang hooks and racks: Install hooks and racks on the walls to hang coats, hats, bags, and keys. This will keep these items off the floor and make the hallway feel less cluttered.
- Use a slim console table: A slim console table can be used as a catch-all for mail and other small items, while still allowing for easy passage through the hallway.
- Create extra storage: If your hallway is wide enough, consider installing shelves or cabinets to provide extra storage space for shoes, linens, or other items to maximise space in a small apartment. Consider a DIY radiator cover to provide an extra place to store things.
Kitchen
- Utilise wall space: Mount shelves or hooks on the walls to store pots, pans, and cooking utensils. You can also hang a magnetic strip to hold knives and other metal tools.
- Choose multi-functional appliances: Opt for appliances that can perform multiple functions, such as a blender that can also chop vegetables, or a slow cooker that can be used to cook multiple dishes at once.
- Install a folding table: If your kitchen is too small for a traditional table, consider installing a folding table that can be easily stowed away when not in use.
Lounge
- Opt for modular furniture: Modular furniture pieces, such as a sectional sofa or a bookshelf that doubles as a room divider, can be configured in different ways to fit the size and shape of your living room.
- Hang curtains: Hanging curtains from ceiling to floor can create the illusion of a taller room and make the space feel more open.
- Choose furniture with built-in storage: Furniture with built-in storage, such as an ottoman with a hidden compartment or a coffee table with drawers, can provide additional storage space while keeping the room clutter-free.
Bedroom
- Use a storage bed: A storage bed with drawers underneath can provide extra storage space for clothing, linens, and other items, eliminating the need for a separate dresser.
- Opt for a wall-mounted desk: A wall-mounted desk takes up less floor space than a traditional desk and can be used as both a workspace and a vanity, and maximise the space in a small apartment or flat.
- Install shelves: Install shelves above the bed to provide additional storage space for books, plants, and other decorative items.
Bathroom
- Install shelves and cabinets: Utilise wall space by installing shelves or cabinets to store towels, toiletries, and other items. Use space that is otherwise empty, such as below the sink, or above the toilet.
- Choose a slim vanity: Opt for a slim vanity that won’t take up too much floor space but still provides enough storage for toiletries and grooming supplies.
- Hang baskets: Hang baskets on the walls to store washcloths, hand towels, and other small items.
- Check out our 9 ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger.
General Tips to Maximise Space in a Small Apartment
Eliminate Clutter
- Clutter can make a small apartment feel even smaller. To maximise your space, declutter your apartment by getting rid of things you no longer use or need. You can donate, sell, or recycle items that are in good condition, and throw away anything that is beyond repair.
Make use of different levels
- Another way to maximise space in a small apartment is to make use of different levels. For example, you can install shelves or storage baskets above your bed or on the walls to create more storage space. Additionally, using a loft bed can create more floor space below for a desk or seating area.
Use muted coloured paint
- Choosing to paint your walls in muted colours such as soft grays or beiges can help to create an illusion of more space. This is because lighter colours tend to reflect more light, making the room feel more open and airy. Added bonus: muted colours help bring a Parisian feel to your home, if that’s your thing!
Use Mirrors
- Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of more space in a small apartment. You can hang a large mirror on the wall or lean it against a wall to create a sense of depth and space. Additionally, mirrors can help to reflect natural light, making your apartment feel brighter and more open.
Desk as a Bedside Table/Nightstand
- For those who work from home, having a desk in the bedroom can be a practical solution. A desk can double up as a nightstand, or even as a dressing table, by adding a mirror and some storage containers.
Use Furniture with Multiple Purposes
- Using furniture that serves multiple purposes can help to save space in a small apartment. For example, a sofa bed can be used as a guest bed, a storage ottoman can be used for seating and storage, and a dining table with folding leaves can be used for eating, working and entertaining.
Invest in Storage
- Maximising storage space is key to making a small apartment feel more spacious. Look for furniture that has built-in storage such as a bed frame with drawers or a storage bench. Additionally, invest in storage baskets, shelves, and organisers to make the most of your space.
Summary – How To Maximise Space in a Small Apartment
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. By implementing space-saving ideas in each room, such as utilising vertical space, investing in multi-purpose furniture, and decluttering, you can make the most out of your space. In the hallway, consider using wall-mounted storage and hooks to keep items organised. For the kitchen, utilise drawer organisers and invest in a rolling kitchen cart. In the lounge, use a sectional sofa and invest in space-saving coffee tables. For the bedroom, invest in a bed with built-in storage and consider using a desk as a nightstand. And in the bathroom, use open shelving and a hanging shower caddy. Remember to keep colours muted and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. Although this might be a relatively small project for you to undertake, try to get some practise budgeting for when you start a larger project?
