Living in a small space can have many benefits, such as lower rent, less maintenance, and more convenience. But moving into a small space can also pose some challenges, especially if you’re used to having more room. How do you fit all your belongings and furniture into a tiny apartment? How do you make it feel cozy and comfortable without feeling cramped? How do you avoid clutter and chaos?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We spoke to three experts who shared their tips and tricks on how to make moving into a small space easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re downsizing by choice or by necessity, these pro tips will help you make the most of your new home.
Contents
- 1 1. Pay Attention to the Layout
- 2 2. Look for Hidden Storage Opportunities
- 3 3. Measure Everything
- 4 4. Invest in Multipurpose Pieces
- 5 5. Use Mirrors and Light Colors
- 6 6. Be Selective About What You Keep
- 7 7. Use Baskets and Boxes
- 8 8. Add Some Plants
- 9 9. Use Curtains and Screens
- 10 10. Add Some Personality
- 11 11. Think Outside the Box
- 12 12. Choose a Focal Point
- 13 13. Use Multipurpose Rooms
- 14 14. Add Some Texture
- 15 15. Go Minimalist
- 16 Conclusion
1. Pay Attention to the Layout
The way a small space is designed can make a big difference in how it feels and functions. Molly Franklin, a real estate agent with the New York-based Corcoran Group, suggests looking for features that maximize the space and create separation. “Galley kitchens and sleeping alcoves are clutch. An open kitchen eats up an entire wall and can make orienting your furniture difficult.” She adds that “an alcove for a bed can give you a sense of privacy should you have guests over.”
2. Look for Hidden Storage Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges of living in a small space is finding enough storage for all your stuff. Franklin advises looking for built-in storage solutions and noting the size and height of the closets. “Small spaces are best served by smart storage as clutter can quickly overwhelm.” She also recommends looking for ways to use vertical space, such as shelves, hooks, or racks.
3. Measure Everything
Before you move into a small space, make sure you know the dimensions of your furniture and the rooms. Lauren Riefflin, StreetEasy Home Trends Expert, says, “Go into a home tour knowing the dimensions of your big furniture items, like a bed, couch, dressers, and desk, and leave with the precise dimensions of each room in the apartment.” This will help you plan ahead and avoid buying or bringing items that won’t fit.
4. Invest in Multipurpose Pieces
When it comes to furnishing a small space, think outside the box. Riefflin suggests “investing in pieces that are multi-purpose.” Look for “a dining table that has wine or bar cart storage, a floor lamp that has shelves, an ottoman that has storage, or a bookshelf that has drawers.” These pieces will help you save space and keep your things organized.
5. Use Mirrors and Light Colors
A simple way to make a small space feel bigger is to use mirrors and light colors. Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of depth, while light colors make the space feel airy and bright. Riefflin says, “Mirrors are your best friend in a small space—they can double the size of any room.” She also recommends using light colors for the walls, curtains, rugs, and furniture.
6. Be Selective About What You Keep
Moving into a small space is a great opportunity to declutter and get rid of things you don’t need or love. Riefflin says, “Be ruthless about what you keep—only bring items that serve a purpose or bring you joy.” She suggests following the KonMari method by Marie Kondo, which involves sorting your belongings by category and keeping only those that spark joy.
7. Use Baskets and Boxes
Even if you have enough storage space in your small apartment, you might still want to use baskets and boxes to keep your things neat and tidy. Baskets and boxes can help you group similar items together, hide unsightly clutter, and add some texture and color to your space. Riefflin says, “Baskets are great for storing blankets, pillows, magazines, toys, etc., while boxes are great for storing documents, photos, jewelry, etc.”
8. Add Some Plants
Plants are not only good for your health and mood, but they can also make your small space feel more alive and inviting. Riefflin says, “Plants add life and color to any space—they can also purify the air and reduce stress.” She suggests choosing plants that are easy to care for and suitable for your lighting conditions. Some examples are succulents, snake plants, pothos, or ferns.
9. Use Curtains and Screens
If you want to create some privacy or divide your space into different zones, you can use curtains and screens to do so. Curtains and screens are flexible and easy to move, and they can also add some texture and color to your space. You can use them to separate your sleeping area from your living area, to hide a messy closet, or to create a cozy reading nook.
10. Add Some Personality
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style and personality. You can still make your space feel like home by adding some personal touches and decor that reflect your taste and interests. You can display some artwork, photos, books, plants, or collectibles that make you happy and show off your character. Just remember to keep it simple and avoid overcrowding your space with too many items.
11. Think Outside the Box
One of the best tips for small space living is to think outside the box and be creative with your solutions. You can find inspiration from other people who live in small spaces and see how they make it work for them. You can also experiment with different ideas and see what suits your needs and preferences. There is no one right way to live in a small space, so have fun and enjoy the process!
12. Choose a Focal Point
A focal point is a design element that draws attention and creates visual interest in a room. It can be a fireplace, a window, a piece of art, or anything else that you want to highlight. Choosing a focal point can help you organize your space and avoid a cluttered look. Riefflin says, “A focal point can make a small space feel more intentional and less like you just threw everything in there.”
13. Use Multipurpose Rooms
If you don’t have enough rooms for all your needs, you can use multipurpose rooms that can serve different functions depending on the time of day or the occasion. For example, you can use your living room as a home office during the day and as a dining room at night. Or you can use your bedroom as a yoga studio in the morning and as a cozy retreat in the evening. You can use furniture and accessories that can easily transition from one use to another, such as a sofa bed, a folding table, or a room divider.
14. Add Some Texture
Texture can add some warmth and coziness to your small space, as well as some contrast and variety. You can use different materials, fabrics, patterns, and finishes to create texture in your space. For example, you can use a fluffy rug, a velvet pillow, a woven basket, or a metal lamp to add some texture to your space. Texture can also help you define different zones in your space and create some visual interest.
15. Go Minimalist
One of the best ways to make your small space feel bigger and more comfortable is to go minimalist. Minimalism is a design philosophy that focuses on simplicity, functionality, and quality over quantity. It means having less stuff, less clutter, less stress, and more space. Minimalism can also help you save money, energy, and time. You can start by decluttering your space, choosing neutral colors, selecting high-quality furniture and decor, and keeping only what you need and love.
Conclusion
Living in a small space can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and fun. With some creativity, planning, and organization, you can make your small space feel bigger, brighter, and more comfortable. You can also express your personality and style in your space and make it feel like home. Whether you’re moving into a small space by choice or by necessity, we hope these tips and tricks will help you make the most of it!
