How to Optimize Space in a Small Apartment

Use multi-purpose furniture in a small apartment to optimize space.

Living in a small apartment can be challenging. Finding furniture that fits perfectly into a small space can be difficult, and chances are you might be on a budget, so options might be limited. Fortunately, living comfortably and affordably in a small apartment is a possibility. Read on to find our tips on how to optimize your space effectively in a small apartment.

Living Room

The trick to optimizing space in a living room is choosing dual-purpose furniture that can be used for more than one thing, such as a sofa or ottoman that folds out into a bed, or a couch that includes built-in storage. This provides a perfect solution to comfort without having to sacrifice space. Decorative elements such as big mirrors on walls and glass tabletops project light around the room and give the impression of a larger space.

Dining Room

Small dining rooms can benefit from the use of nesting tables, which can be separated and placed around a room where needed. Instead of having a large dining table taking up unnecessary space in a room, these several smaller tables can be placed around your couch or other seating to keep a room clear. If you prefer to have a dining table, consider one with added storage or an extendable table, which minimizes space during the day while providing plenty of seating for nighttime gatherings.

Bedroom

Choose an alternative bed to save space, such as a folding bed or a futon. The use of tall decorative elements in your bedroom can give the illusion of a larger space, so place plants, vases, bowls and lamps on top of high bookcases or shelves to create the appearance of a bigger bedroom. Storage can always be an issue in the bedroom, so get creative with your use of the space by taking advantage of the area under the bed to stow unwanted or bulky items. A light shade of paint will also make a room look larger.

Kitchen

Having a well organized kitchen is an important step towards optimizing space in a small apartment. Keep unused utensils, plates, appliances and cookware out of sight and out of mind by using effective storage options, and make sure clutter is kept to a minimum. If affordable, choose space-saving appliances that leave counters open, and hang pots and pans from a rack over the sink or stove.

Bathroom

When decorating a small bathroom, make sure to stick to a monochromatic color scheme that will make the room look larger. A large mirror and proper lighting elements can also achieve the same effect. Take advantage of under sink or shower storage for toiletries. If possible, install a few simple shelves above the toilet to utilize space that is often overlooked.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Alvinge