When you’re searching for a new place to call home, there are a few important factors you should keep in mind.
Is the price within your budget? Is the location reasonable and safe? But one of the more important things you should consider is if the place is livable for your lifestyle. That means size is a big factor when it comes to choosing your next home. For example, can you afford to live in a city like Denver, Colorado where rent prices are on the rise or should you look into other less expensive suburbs? Is the location reasonable and safe? Unfortunately, sometimes budget and size do not align. Sometimes, you have to settle for a space smaller than you’re used to in order to check the mark on all your other wants and needs. Don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make a small place functional for your living style. Follow these tips to fully unleash the potential of your small apartment.
1. Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes.
Through limitation comes a greater opportunity for creativity. And when furnishing a small space you’ll have to get creative. One great way to get creative is to look for pieces that can serve a dual purpose. Not only does this save space, it optimizes your space. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
- Turn your sofa into your guest room. Don’t have the budget for a two-bedroom? If you are the type that loves having company, look for a sofa that can double as a guest bed. Whether you opt for a pull-out couch or purchase a sofa large enough to sleep with your tallest friends, this is a great way to make do within your space limitations.
- Find a table that doubles as a desk. Regardless of your confinements, dining tables serve as great desks. Not only are they tall enough that your legs don’t feel cramped, but they are deep enough that your supplies won’t go falling off the other side. Talk about a win-win.
- Trade your coffee table for a trunk. It’s amazing what you can fit in a trunk if you are determined. Not only is a great storage, but it adds function and uniquity to your space.
- Use an ottoman to keep clutter out of sight. An ottoman can serve as a seat and a storage space in your living room. Use it to house blankets, boards games, or general stuff you don’t already have a home for.
2. Hidden storage.
Speaking of keeping clutter out of sight, your stuff has to go somewhere. Too much clutter will make a room feel small. However, smart storage solutions will keep your space organized. Much like the ottoman mentioned before, many other pieces can double as storage space: Look for a coffee table with space for storage baskets.
- Find benches and other seating that serve as storage.
- Consider a bed that holds storage beneath the base.
- Use a case binder to store documents and eliminate visual clutter.
3. Choose bigger but fewer furnishings.
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Although it sounds counterintuitive, large-scale pieces rather than smaller furnishings can make your room feel grander. And notice we said fewer. That means you will have to be smart and intentional about your furniture selections. Stuffing a nook with small-scale pieces will make space feel cramped. A spacious sectional, on the other hand, can transform a compact space into a purposeful and inviting area.
Here is some guidance on where to splurge and where to pass:
- The couch. You want to be comfy. Don’t go rinky-dink to your living room. Keep in mind that if you decide to purchase a full-size couch and coffee table you might have to say no to smaller pieces like side tables. Not to worry though, because your couch should be the focal point of the room. If you are intentional about your sofa selection, it can double as a daybed.
- Your mattress. If you are worried about a big bed in a small place but can’t sleep through the night on a twin bed, do yourself a favour and get a bigger mattress. Your bedroom is for sleep and sleep is integral to your overall health and wellness. Make sure you are sleeping where you can get your best night’s sleep consistently.
- If you are worried you won’t be able to fit anything else in your room besides your bed, look for a piece that holds storage underneath. This could eliminate the need for a dresser.
- Dining table. There is nothing more frustrating than having nowhere to eat. Not to mention, many dining room tables serve as the congregation area. It’s where you play board games and have coffee with your friends. You won’t want to skip this one. If you play your cards right, this table can also serve as your desk during the daytime.
4. Take advantage of the walls.
In a small space, hooks are your friend! You’ll want to hang everything you can.
Use hooks to hang your jackets, bags, scarves, keys or whatever else you can think of. To create even more storage space, consider hanging shelves for books, pictures or other decors. There are some serious perks to living in a small place other than cheaper rent.
For one, the less floor space the less mess you have to clean. Not to mention, small spaces force you to be intentional in your furnishing selections. Because of this, space will feel more like you. Plus, small spaces have a natural cosiness to them larger rooms don’t.
The most important rule for your walls – is don’t over clutter. As tempting as it is to cover every square inch with funny photos, cool posters and scrapbook momentos, your already small apartment could soon feel much smaller! Why not combine personal with classy with an arty star map?
With a little time, though, and creativity you can optimize your small living space to suit your needs and vision in no time.
5. Consider indoor gardening
To have plants around is healthy to both body and mind. Consider in-apartment gardening to bring more good vibes to your life and that of your loved ones living along.
