Outfit your sweet new space like a pro with these small apartment furniture tips and suggestions.
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Furnishing a Small Apartment: Top Space-Saving Ideas for Cozy Living
When living in a small apartment, making the most of your limited space requires thoughtful furniture choices. The right pieces can create a stylish, functional and comfortable space without overcrowding your living areas. From multipurpose designs to compact and sleek styles, there are plenty of creative furniture ideas that can help you maximize every precious square foot while also reflecting your personal taste.
Whether you’re looking to add storage, seating or decorations, these small apartment furniture ideas will make your space feel more spacious and inviting.
Rolling Cart
A multipurpose cart can be a lifesaver in a small space, and the IKEA Rashult delivers. Use it as a small-but-mighty organizer in the kitchen as a rolling pantry, the foyer to hold keys and small items, or the bathroom for towels and supplies. Other styles have a countertop, if you need more of that.
Tuck it in a closet to get it out of the way or if you need organization there. The higher sides on the shelves keep things from falling off when you roll it around. And it’s a steal at $30.
Bathroom Etagere
The most basic of bathrooms gets an immediate upgrade with an etagere that simply slips over the toilet and up the wall. Some are even freestanding, which eliminates wall repair and saves your damage deposit when you move out.
These are especially great if you lack a medicine cabinet or under-sink storage. They come in a range of styles, sizes, and configurations.
This bathroom etagere is a great example for farmhouse modern lovers. Consider whether you’d like a little privacy for your bathroom storage. Prescriptions or hygiene items you want to stow away will require some cabinet fronts.
Area Rug
Area rugs can define ambiguous spaces, creating zones that let spaces flow while feeling open and airy. They can also cover up subpar or generic carpeting or flooring. An eye-catching area rug also adds texture, pattern and color that delights the eye.
A large-scale pattern can trick you into thinking the space as larger than it is. Directional patterns, like on this Jason Wu rug, elongate the space as they draw the eye. Update your apartment with these innovative and stylish decorating ideas that won’t make you lose your deposit.
Mirrors
If you can’t paint or use reusable/removable wallpaper, mirrors are masters of space illusion. Choose a frame that matches your personal style, or go frameless for a seamless sight line.
This Paris Apartment-style set includes an oval mirror, a leaning full-length mirror (so glam!) and a mantel mirror. Each reflects light and opens up your small space. And we bet you’ll enjoy these for many years to come.
Ottoman with Storage
If you need a place to put your feet up, store your remote and favorite blanket and balance a snack plate, pick an ottoman with storage. This one from West Elm lets you choose your dimension and customize it to your living room, hallways and stairways.
The smooth wood top means you don’t have to buy a separate tray to balance food and drinks. Keeping things clutter-free is one step toward a polished apartment look, and this unfussy ottoman delivers.
Barstools
If you have a bar-height counter in your apartment, you could forgo a dining table to save space. These metal barstools maintain a low profile and stack for easy storage and moving. And the stools come in five colors!
Modular Sofa
The sofa is the centerpiece of a living space and a workhorse piece of furniture, so investing in quality is never wrong, But sofas can be too big to pivot on stair landings or fit through narrow doorways.
Choosing a modular sofa works to your apartment-dwelling advantage in a couple of ways. First, you can configure your sofa to your room-size specifications. Second, modular sofas can be rearranged, broken apart and restyled when you want a new look or set up for a party.
This option from PB Teen (yes, PB Teen!) marries style with function and quality. Customize the upholstery and really make it a statement piece.
What to Consider When Furnishing a Small Apartment
Furnishing a small apartment can be pricey and challenging, especially when dealing with tight spaces. Avoiding costly mistakes can save you the hassle of returning or reselling furniture that doesn’t work for your space. Here are some key considerations:
Cost
Set a budget and stick to it. You can find quality, stylish pieces at affordable prices, but sometimes it’s worth investing a little extra in staple items.
Size
Measure everything—the furniture, your doorways, hallways, stairwell landings and elevators. Double-check dimensions to avoid the frustration of discovering that your new sofa won’t fit through the door. Compare your measurements with online specs or bring a tape measure to the store.
Transportability
If you might be moving soon but want pieces that can last, consider ease of assembly and disassembly. Think about how challenging it will be to move the item in and out.
Style
Have fun with your choices! Small spaces can still benefit from color, pattern and texture, making them feel bigger and more vibrant. The online resale market remains strong, so don’t be afraid to choose unique or bold pieces. Life’s too short to settle for a boring space, whether 200 or 2,000 square feet.
Sustainability and Durability
FAQ
How can I decorate my apartment on a low budget?
Look for deals online, or check out local thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales for budget-friendly finds. Small items like mirrors (to make spaces look bigger) and rugs (to define areas and add coziness) can have a big impact without breaking the bank.
How to maximize a small apartment?
Create specific zones for different activities and choose multi-functional furniture. For example, a foldable side table can double as a small dining table or desk. Room dividers also help create privacy in open floor plans.
How can I make my apartment look stylish?
Declutter! Maximizing storage and keeping surfaces tidy instantly makes an apartment look more stylish. Decorate with pieces you love and keep it simple to avoid overwhelming the space.
