For many, living in NYC means making do with a very small space. In such tight quarters, it’s important to get creative with space planning. If you live in a studio, you may want to consider some studio apartment layout ideas. There are many things that you can do to make your NYC studio apartment appear roomy. Here are four easy strategies you can use to maximize your space.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a simple way to make a small space feel bigger. When formulating studio apartment layout ideas, consider using reflective surfaces wherever you can. Large mirrors are especially effective at bouncing light around and tricking the eye into thinking a space is more expansive than it actually is. Beyond using wall mirrors, try leaning a large mirror over a dresser or console table (carefully!). If you lean a mirror on a dresser or table, you can then layer art in front of it to achieve a casual, lived-in effect. Another option is to lean a full-length mirror against a wall. Mirrors not only make the apartment feel bigger, but they come in handy as well! You can also use mirrored furniture, which lends a chic and modern look.

2. Lucite

When considering studio apartment layout ideas, try to see if you can fit a piece of Lucite furniture into your floor plan. Lucite pieces take up zero visual space, thus creating a sense of openness and a continuity in the line of sight. They look modern, airy, and light. Lucite pieces visually “float,” which in a studio is a really useful quality for increasing the feeling of openness.

3. Divide Carefully

When living in a studio, it can be tempting to want to create rooms by putting up some sort of faux wall. However, in some cases, this can make the space feel smaller by cutting off your sight line. One solution is to try a divider that isn’t solid. Look for a bookshelf like the Ikea Kallax or a thin screen of some sort. You can often find beautiful vintage screens if you scour NYC’s copious flea markets and antique shops.

4. Declutter

The best way to make a small apartment feel bigger is to cut down on the amount of stuff that you have. Constantly edit your belongings, otherwise your “stuff” can start to take over. Donate unused goods to Goodwill — or sell them online to make yourself a little extra cash!

Overall, just keeping these few small considerations in mind can keep your studio apartment feeling large, open, and spacious.

Image Source: Flickr

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