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Small Apartment Ideas: 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Space

Living in a small place has its benefits and challenges. Here are five small apartment ideas, from furniture choices to color schemes to organization strategies, that will help you make the most of your space.
Ginnie Leeming

Do you live in a tiny New York apartment? You’re not alone! Although there are benefits to living in a compact place (less cleaning), there are challenges, too. These five small apartment ideas will help you maximize even the most minimal square footage.

Consider the Room’s Function

Of course you want a beautiful home, but it should also fit your needs. So take some time to evaluate how you’ll use your apartment’s rooms.

Start by listing everything you do in each space. For example, you may use your living room for watching TV, reading, eating, and working. If so, you’ll need a comfortable seat with a view of the TV, as well as a work space. At the same time, think about how you do these activities: If you eat dinner on the couch and rarely entertain, do you really need a dining table?

Choose Furniture Wisely

You’ll likely live with your furniture for years, so keep these tips in mind before buying:

  • Look for furniture that fits the scale of your apartment. Your sofa doesn’t need to be tiny, but you probably don’t want a room-size sectional, either.
  • Consider furniture’s visual weight. For example, a glass coffee table will feel smaller and appear to take up less space than a chunky coffee table of the same size.
  • Find pieces with multiple functions, such as a storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers.
  • Create a simple floor plan to determine furniture layout. Autodesk Homestyler is a free online option.
  • Place a large mirror on an empty wall to reflect light and create more visual space.
  • Use rugs and furniture to define areas in an open floor plan.


Use Color Strategically

If you’ve read about color psychology, you’ll know that certain colors work better for some rooms than others. You’ll want to avoid red walls in the bedroom, for instance, because the effect is more energizing than relaxing. Once you learn a little about color, you can use it to your advantage.

Consider how you want the room to feel. If you’re going for a light and airy space, try using shades of white for the walls and furnishings. Add color with accessories to keep the room from feeling too monochrome. Conversely, you could go for a jewel box effect and use vibrant colors and materials on the walls, furniture, and accessories. Doing so will create a luxurious feel, although your room may seem smaller.

Small Apartment Ideas: Use Neutral Colors

Image Source: freeimages

Go Vertical

Floor space is precious in small apartments, so get creative! These small apartment ideas will help you maximize vertical space:

  • Add hooks to an empty closet wall to hang purses, belts, and hats.
  • Make the most of unused space with over-the-door hangers, which can hold everything from shoes to cleaning supplies.
  • Tall bookshelves maximize storage and have a small footprint.
  • Add shelves above a desk to hold important papers.
  • Store cookbooks on top of your refrigerator.
  • Take advantage of those little nooks many New York apartments have.

Small Apartment Ideas: Use Floor to Ceiling Bookcases

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get Organized

Clutter makes a small apartment feel even tinier. Take a few minutes to get organized; it’s amazing what a difference it makes!

  • Donate or sell items you no longer use.
  • Group similar items — DVD’s, office supplies, or important papers — together.
  • Reduce visual clutter, and store items in boxes or baskets. Shop for storage that enhances your decor.
  • Keep it up! Spend a few minutes every night picking up your place.

Lastly, have fun! Try a few of these ideas, and you’ll fall in love with your apartment all over again.

Image Source: Flickr/Nicola Holtkamp

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small apartment ideas
Ginnie Leeming
Ginnie Leeming

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13 comments

  2. […] Small space living usually means living without a formal dining table, so when it comes to entertaining, don’t feel the need to attempt an elaborate, formal sit-down dinner. Instead, let things be more relaxed and casual. Set out bowls of quality snack foods, nuts, and fruit, and let everyone serve themselves and eat what they please. Leave out small plates and napkins so people can walk around and chat while they eat. This way, the oven won’t be on (which might make the apartment uncomfortably warm), and you can mingle and enjoy the party instead of stressing out in the kitchen. You can also pick up cute food items like mini cupcakes that guests are sure to find charming and delicious — no need to cook everything yourself. In a small space, where the proportions of the room pose a bit of a challenge, it’s best not to heap on other challenges. Keep it simple! […]

    Reply

  3. […] Small space living usually means living without a formal dining table, so when it comes to entertaining, don’t feel the need to attempt an elaborate, formal sit-down dinner. Instead, let things be more relaxed and casual. Set out bowls of quality snack foods, nuts, and fruit, and let everyone serve themselves and eat what they please. Leave out small plates and napkins so people can walk around and chat while they eat. This way, the oven won’t be on (which might make the apartment uncomfortably warm), and you can mingle and enjoy the party instead of stressing out in the kitchen. You can also pick up cute food items like mini cupcakes that guests are sure to find charming and delicious — no need to cook everything yourself. In a small space, where the proportions of the room pose a bit of a challenge, it’s best not to heap on other challenges. Keep it simple! […]

    Reply

  13. Before moving into small Apartment I was always worried about the decoration as there is less space in my apartment and that’s why I was looking for about how I can utilize the space with great decor Idea and believe me your blog Ideas Help me A lot.Thanks for Sharing you ideas.

    Source : https://goo.gl/vOJwmZ

    Reply

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