How To Make More Space In Your Apartment

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For many people, living in an urban area often means living in asmall one-bedroom or studio apartment, or having roommates to helpcut down on costs. Living in a small apartment can be challengingwhen it comes to transforming it into a functional and practicalliving space. Here’s a quick guide to help you maximize whatlittle space you do have.

1. Think vertically.

You probably don’t have too much floor space, so utilize yourwall space. Choose tall, slim bookshelves and hang paintings highon the wall to draw the eye upward. Jamie Novak, a professionalorganizer and author of 1,000 Best Quick and Easy OrganizingSecrets, suggests using the perimeter of the room: “Installshelves eighteen inches below the ceiling on all or some of thewalls.” She also suggests hanging items like pots and pansfrom the ceiling.

2. Choose one large piece of furniture for every room.

In the bedroom, this piece of furniture would be the bed. In theliving room, it would be the sofa; in the kitchen, the table, etc.Too much furniture makes rooms look cramped. Often, a second sofaor futon can be replaced with a stylish arrangement of small,space-saving chairs. Also, be reasonable: Don’t try to fit afull-size sofa or a queen-size bed into tiny rooms. Always measurethe space you have before you try to fit something in.

3. Don’t acquire too much stuff.

For some, this is quite a challenge. When your apartment isoutfitted in all the necessities, steer clear of buying morefurniture, or anything else, for that matter, without getting ridof something. Novak says that a common mistake she sees in terms ofstreamlining is an inability to overcome separation anxiety.“Whether it is last year’s tote bag or your favoritestuffed toy from childhood, it can be hard to let go,“ shesays. “Take a photo and let the item go or you’ll run outof space.”

4. Make good use of the space you do have.

When you’re working with a very small amount of space, everysquare inch counts. Buy rolling bins for under-the-bed storage oflinens, seasonal clothes, shoes, etc. Make the most out of yourcloset by adding hooks, shelves, and/or plastic storage bins. Yourbookcases are not just for books anymore—add storage forremotes, photos and more by fitting your bookcases with baskets andtins. Novak recommends placing a baker’s rack in theentranceway to serve as a catch-all for keys, hats, mail and more.

5. Adhere to simplicity of design.

The Scandinavians have the right idea: clean lines, classic colorsand patterns, and practical design all contribute to a morecomfortable small-space dwelling. Use minimal drapery (instead,plain Roman blinds are adequate window dressing) and simplepatterns (if you have a crazy floral motif on your sofa, a prettyslipcover serves as an economical choice to alter the look). Stickwith one color scheme throughout the apartment to avoid roomslooking disconnected.

6. Use small electronics and appliances.

Don’t let electronics dominate your apartment! The smaller thespace, the smaller the things you use need to be to fit into it.Instead of a huge stereo system, use a desk-top executive unit. Notonly do they look classy, they’re small and can fit on abookshelf. Get a TV that is an appropriate size for your livingroom. Anything you need in the kitchen usually comes in smallersizes, too—look for small microwaves and coffemakers insteadof standard-size—they make all the difference when you havelittle to no counter space.

7. Use multi-purpose furniture.

Novak suggests purchasing pieces with alternate uses. Basically, anottoman is a storage trunk is a coffee table is a foot rest. Gotit?

8. Divide your space.

Whether you choose to use curtains or screens, space dividers canhelp split your studio apartment into different rooms. This alsoprovides a great opportunity to show your personal style with colorand texture.

9. Trick the eye with mirrors.

It’s no secret that a big, well-placed mirror does wonders fora room, large or small. Mirrors give the illusion of having abigger space, and a pretty frame can add to the décor as well.

10. And finally, be organized!

Make this your mantra: A place for everything, and everything inits place. Keep your papers filed, your clothes folded, and yourcabinets clean. “You do not have to organize all of the roomsperfectly today,” says Novak. “Instead, do a part of aroom today and do a little more tomorrow. Small, consistent blocksof organizing is what leads to lasting success.”