Small on square footage, but want a space that’s big on design? That’s no problem, say real estate and design experts who have mastered the art of design-friendly solutions that are both smart, practical and stylish (the trifecta!).
I asked a range of professionals—real estate, design, tiny home living—to share the best and most practical space-saving tips they’ve seen in small apartments. Here are six tips and tricks you can implement in your own space.
1. ‘Go vertical.’
When you’re trying to save space in a small apartment, think about all of the different ways you can “go vertical,” says professional organizer Macie Kreutzer of For the Love of Simple. “Use your walls, not just your floors, for organizing and storing,” she says.
Tall multi-tier storage shelves don't take up much floor space and create extra usable vertical space, she points out. Wall hooks are especially helpful for space-saving storage as they can be used for anything from coats, bags, farmers market totes, dog leashes, hats, and more, she says.
Kreutzer also likes incorporating floating shelves into small apartments because they help keep items off the floor and are a workaround if you have limited counter space, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Try a fold-down desk.
“My top space-saving pick is a wall-mounted fold-down desk paired with vertical storage — like floating shelves or a slim, tall bookcase,” says Hayley McAteer, an interior designer and the co-founder of Cushee, which makes couch covers. “It’s a killer combo for small apartments.”
She suggests choosing a wall near a window or a corner and finding a table that’s easy to mount. If you’re renting, you may want to clear this DIY with your landlord first or make sure that you’ll be able to properly patch any walls when it’s move out time in order to get your security deposit back.
3. Add a Poplight.
Side tables, nightstands and consoles that hold table lamps can take up valuable square footage in a small apartment. For an easy, renter-friendly lighting solution, make use of your wall space and add a Poplight. These sconces, which come in seven color options, are perfect for small spaces where you need some extra light, whether that’s near your bed for nighttime reading or in an entryway to provide a little extra brightness.
4. Use over-the-door shoe holders.
A renter-friendly design solution that requires no installation: Over-the-door shoe holders to maximize storage.
These multi-pocket storage bags have endless uses, Kreutzer says. Beyond shoes, they’re perfect for stashing small toys, bathroom products, hair accessories, socks, leggings, cleaning supplies, pantry items, and even small pet toys and supplies.
5. Shop for furniture with built-in storage.
When you’re shopping for furniture, look for pieces that double as storage.
Coffee tables, footstools, sectionals, benches, and even beds can come with storage compartments, which are ideal for stashing belongings and will help keep your home free of clutter, says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) builder in San Diego. These storage compartments are great for keeping everything from blankets to books and board games to off-season clothes.
6. Use a projector for a TV.
Using short throw or ultra-short throw projectors to watch movies or stream TV shows is one of the most clever space-saving solutions that Joe Sheldon, a real estate broker with Designed Realty in Seattle, has seen.
“Instead of having a big black screen (especially when it's turned off), taking up space and making a room feel cluttered, the projector sits cleanly on a stand in front of the wall, and is largely unnoticed until you're ready to use it,” he says. For the best picture quality, you’ll also want a special projector screen.
