Whether by choice or by necessity, sometimes you find yourself occupying an apartment with limited space. When that is the case it’s important to maximize every square inch of space.  

Every design element from furniture placement to storage solutions should be intentional and lend functionality as well as beauty to your space.

In order to do that, you’ll want to get creative and learn to think about your space a little differently.

The key to getting the most out of your space in a small apartment is the ability to think outside the proverbial box. Rethink the way you use common items. Here are 8 tips for saving space within your small apartment. 

1. Storage Beds

Obviously, your bed is going to be a large item in your home.

Depending on the actual size of your apartment, you might not have the room to dedicate to a full bedroom set.

This is the perfect scenario for using a storage bed.

Storage beds make a bedroom more functional without sacrificing floor space. Using a storage bed can help to eliminate the need for additional furniture pieces. 

When you have a very small apartment, you might consider other uses for a storage bed. A twin storage bed can double as seating in your living area. When placed against a wall or in the corner, it could also work as banquette seating for a dining area.

2. Open Shelving

Bookcases and other shelving make great storage solutions for a variety of things.

Books, crafts, clothing, board games, movies, laundry supplies, linens, and electronics are just some of the things you could choose to store on shelves. 

When choosing shelves for your small space, consider open shelves rather than bookcases with a back piece. Open shelves help to give the illusion of a larger space because your eye travels all the way through the shelves rather than being stopped by the back of the unit.

Open shelves can also be used to separate a loft-style apartment, or other small apartments into designated areas. 

  Check out this video on 28 Super Amazing Space Saving Ideas for Small Apartments:

3. Double-Duty Tables

Homes don’t seem complete without tables. Dining tables, side tables, and occasional tables serve both a functional and a decorative purpose. If you choose your tables wisely, you’ll also have an extra storage solution.  Some tables have a simple shelf beneath the tabletop. Others feature a drawer beneath the top. Still, others combine both a drawer and a shelf. No matter where you place one of these tables within your apartment, you’ll have dual functionality. 

4. Think Vertical

When floor space is at a premium, it’s a good plan to look at your wall space differently.

If you’re allowed to do so, you can use your vertical space to mount storage and decorative elements. 

Many of us think of wall space as prime real estate for hanging pictures or signage. Your wall space is also prime real estate for maximizing your storage capacity.

There are a variety of shelving options available from simply utilitarian ones to decorative ones.

These can be used as simple storage, or they can be used to display treasured knickknacks and memorabilia. 

In addition to hanging shelves, there are other decorative storage items that can be used in your vertical space. Milk crates and fabric bins are examples of items that can be mounted to your walls to hold a variety of things.

5. Closet Organizers

It’s no secret that closets are amazing storage spaces when used correctly.

They can be used for much more than clothing and shoes. Creative thinking can help you get the most out of even the smallest closet. 

Pre-fabricated closet organizers are widely available on the market.

Some are made from wire components while others are made from more substantial materials. These organizers are typically relatively simple for a do-it-yourselfer to install, but you can also opt for professional installation. 

If a pre-fabricated organizer is outside the bounds of your budget, you might consider creating your own. A small bookshelf with plastic or fabric bins or even milk crates strategically placed on their sides can achieve almost the same result. 

6. Storage Ottomans

A great way to maximize space in your small apartment is by purchasing furniture pieces that double as storage solutions.

A storage ottoman is a good example of this kind of furniture.

These pieces are multi-functional and can be a stylish addition to your space. Storage Ottomans are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles.

They’re good storage solutions for linens, books, games, and anything else you can imagine. When you need additional seating, your storage ottoman is a good, portable choice.

7. Look Down

You’re probably wondering why you would look at the floor when you’re trying to save space in your small home. Specifically, look at the space beneath your existing furnishings.

That space is often wasted, but it doesn’t have to be. If your side tables, sofa, or any other furnishings stand a couple of inches above the floor, you have a golden opportunity to maximize the space.

This space can become amazing hidden storage for everything from games and puzzles to out of season clothing to holiday decorations.

You might consider purchasing or creating risers to lift the furnishings slightly higher to utilize this space more efficiently.

8. Purge Clutter

Purging is the least popular tip for saving space in your small apartment, but it’s an important one.

When you’re making a small space home, it’s crucial to minimize the items within the space. 

There are a multitude of books and other media available to tell you how to purge. To simplify the idea, consider how often you use an item and determine if you should keep it at home. 

Some people choose to keep infrequently used items in a storage facility. Others choose to rent or borrow items they rarely use.

Whatever method you choose, it’s wise to recognize that your small apartment simply can’t hold large amounts of unnecessary things.

Final Thoughts

When you live in a small apartment, it’s important to maximize the use of your space. Purging clutter is often the first step to using your space efficiently. 

Choosing furniture and storage pieces wisely are also great ways to save space in a small apartment. 

Don’t be afraid to use unconventional solutions for space saving problems. Thinking creatively about your home can help you to get the best use of every square inch of space.  

Jessica Wheeler

Jessica is an east coast native who found her way to Austin, Texas. When she’s not writing about furniture or interior design topics, you’ll find her scoping out cute coffee shops, binge-watching a good Netflix show, or spending a Sunday in the park with her dog Ruffles.