Proven Tips for Maximizing Apartment Space You Need to Try

In studio apartments, every inch of space counts.

Creating a functional yet cozy vibe in your living space requires some creativity. It’s true that cozy small spaces can sometimes feel a bit cramped, especially when winter approaches and you spend more time indoors.

Consider trying interior design strategies to make your compact living area feel more open and inviting. Give efficiency and functionality a top priority. Every piece of furniture in your house should be functional and add to your comfort level.

If you own or rent a small French studio or apartment, consider the activities you would like to use it for and only then make the necessary arrangements around. For instance, first, make sure you have space for a queen-size bed, a desk, and a seating area before arranging everything else around them.

Embrace an organizational style that can create the impression of airiness and openness of space.

Hassle-free and handy tips

Check out these awesome tips to help you maximize space and organization in your home:

1. Hang Plants: If you’re running out of space for your plants, try hanging them from the ceiling to create an oasis without taking up surface area.

2. Utilize Over-the-Door Storage: Keep your entryway clutter-free by using an over-the-door rack on your closet door to store shoes, hats, gloves, or toiletries in a small bathroom.

3. Opt for wall-mounted TV and entertainment units over bulky TV stands. Look for wall-mounted entertainment units that offer storage options while adding style to your decor. These units will organize your electronics and media without cluttering the floor.

4. A drop-leaf table can be a lifesaver in a small dining area. Fold down the leaves when not in use, and when needed, expand the table to accommodate guests or provide a surface area for activities like working or dining.

5. Nested tables are great for providing extra surface area when needed. They can also be conveniently put away when not in use.

6. Not a single space? When you include a thin, narrow cabinet for storage, you’d be shocked at how much stuff a small cabinet can hold.

7. Not a suitable closet? Not an issue. You can install shelves, racks, and bins right onto your wall and then just use curtains on a tension rod to conceal the remnants of this temporary closet.

8. Because of their versatility, nesting baskets are excellent for organizing small spaces. They can fit into every spot, such as kitchen counters, cabinets, closets, and shelves.

Levitate Your Storage Game

Are you running low on space to showcase your books, plants, or decorative items? You might consider installing floating wall-mounted shelves or incorporating a leaning ladder shelf into your decor.

Floor-to-ceiling floating shelves efficiently use vertical space that would otherwise be wasted. They also create an illusion of height within the space, and they can be used to add a feature wall to any room.

Also, consider utilizing built-in bookcases, as they contribute to the living area’s finer arrangement and attractiveness.

Lift your gaze!

Over a door, sky-high shelves hold books and other mementos and keep them out of the way. Houseplants can live in any home, especially with this clever hack. Above a door frame is a charming location for a tiny indoor garden. You can use this concept of unused space anywhere you have an internal door or wall cutout.

Double Duty: Inside Cabinet Door Storage

Here’s a trick for maximizing space in your living area: utilize the inside of doors and cabinet doors for storage solutions. For example, in the kitchen, you can install a rack to store pot lids or a spice rack that can be hung inside a cabinet door.

Another idea is to attach a pegboard for hanging measuring cups and utensils or place your knife rack inside the cabinet door. Also, consider using a shoe organizer that can be hung on the back of your door as a storage solution.

Small Space, Big Personality

In smaller apartments, your living room and bedroom might share an area. Whether you have a combined space or separate rooms for these, the organization’s core principles remain the same.

Not all studio apartments require a traditional bed. In fact, skipping one can help save a lot of space.

If you live in a studio apartment, think about installing a Murphy bed. These beds can be neatly folded up into the wall, allowing you to store them away during the day. This will open up plenty of space and give you some added privacy.

Another option is to go for a daybed. During the day, it acts as a sofa; at night, it transforms into a cozy sleeping spot with its mattress.

Given its size, your bed is most likely one of the most oversized items in your apartment and may occupy a significant amount of space. A great way to add extra space is to loft your bed and use the space underneath. You could add a tiny desk and workstation or perhaps a cozy chair and side table for a reading nook.

Smart Buys: Multifunctional Must-haves

For example, a bed with storage drawers underneath provides an excellent solution for keeping unused items. Sofas with built-in storage serve the same purpose very well. Likewise, utilizing storage chaises or ottoman benches can help reduce clutter. Their multifunctional nature is precisely what you need in a tiny apartment.

Ottoman beds offer much extra space, but don’t feel pressured to fill it to the brim. You can use it to store shoes, blankets, and out-of-season clothing that you don’t need on a daily basis.

In a studio or compact apartment, every piece of furniture should have a purpose. Instead of having a standard coffee table, consider getting an ottoman that doubles as both a footstool and storage space. A sofa with a pull-out bed could serve as your sleeping area, accommodating guests.

Similarly, fold-up furniture like dining tables, collapsible chairs, or wall-mounted desks you can pop out when needed can work wonders.

Cleverly Use Every Inch: Walls and Doorways

Use doorways and walls creatively. For example, consider placing hangers on your doors and bookshelves. The space above the doors can be perfect for a bookcase holding books you don’t read often.

When it comes to doors, look into getting a pocket organizer with a see-through window for the bathroom or bedroom. It’s also handy for storing toys in kids’ rooms.

Small Kitchens with Flair

The kitchen is often a high-traffic area in an apartment, so it can quickly become cluttered. Therefore, focus on maximizing storage space in your kitchen. You have various options, such as installing a basket door mount on your cabinets.

Trade the Table for a Kitchen Island

Among the furniture pieces that cause studio owners distress, the dining table stands out, but it can be skipped altogether. A dining table consumes space and is likely not utilized as frequently as anticipated.

Instead, opt for a kitchen island with a leaf for dining. Include two stools that can be tucked away in a closet, and now you have both food preparation and eating space.

Divide and Conquer: Room Divider Ideas

Thinking about your studio apartment in terms of zones can make envisioning the living room, kitchen, and bedroom areas easier. This approach also allows you to consider the level of privacy you desire within your living space. For instance, if you have a bed, plan how to maintain some privacy around it to prevent guests from sitting on it when they visit.

While many prefer the open floor plan look, room dividers provide privacy for studio dwellers. These foldable dividers are slim and space-efficient and can be quickly adjusted as needed. They are handy for creating an area within the bedroom zone where you might change clothes.

Hanging curtains can provide privacy without taking up room, serving as solutions for concealing areas like closets or beds when hosting guests.

Poufs to the Rescue!

While fitting one sofa may seem challenging in your studio apartment, there are ways to add more seating options. For chairs, think about adding poufs and floor pillows. These versatile pieces can be easily moved around the apartment and even act as side tables when needed. Floor pillows are great for seating and can be conveniently tucked under the sofa when not used.

Light Up Your Studio

Even if your studio apartment receives enough natural light during the day, you’ll still need lighting for nighttime navigation. Here’s how to brighten your apartment without sacrificing living space:

• Choose skinny floor lamps
• Install wall sconces

• Select pendants or canned lighting

Mirror, Mirror, on Every Wall

Adding mirrors to your studio apartment creates the illusion of a brighter space. Mirrors reflect light in dark corners and make the room feel more spacious.

Compact Genius: Foldable Desks

In apartments where a home office might not be feasible, you can easily create one by installing a foldable desk on the wall. Opting for a wall-mounted desk is a way to have a designated workspace without taking up floor space. It’s perfect for setting up a study area in your child’s room. A rolling cart that holds all your office supplies can fit underneath for retrieval and can be stored away when you’re done for the day.

Storage That Goes Where You Go

Even without a closet in your bedroom, you can still create a place to store your clothes tidy and orderly by adding a portable storage system. It has shelves where you can fold things like shirts and slacks and a hook where you can hang things.

Also, a tiered storage cart is a multi-purpose home accessory for creating extra storage in various areas, whether holding kitchen essentials, WFH (work from home) supplies in your home office, or toiletries and towels in the bathroom.

Add a secret element to the stairs

Although it’s not a product per se, if you can do any construction in your apartment, consider remodeling your stairs to hold pull-out drawers.

Spice It Up: Add a Dash of Décor

Don’t forget to mix decor into your living space. While you may feel inclined to keep items out of the way, adding tasteful decor can help create an intentional look for your small apartment.