Life in a small apartment can be overwhelmingly frustrating When you're living in close quarters, you have to make the most of the space you have. But even if you live in a studio, that doesn't have to mean your bed is a dining room table or your bathroom is a home office.
Instead, take full advantage of the space you do have by carefully selecting the items you bring into your home — the more multi-functional, the better. From bedroom furniture to baskets, there are plenty of ways to buy or DIY your way to a neater home.
1. Use clothing racks to hang your threads.
Living in a small space often means a lack of closet space. Clothing racks are a great way to display your clothing in an orderly fashion and can be used as room dividers in studio apartments or shared bedrooms.
2. Channel your college years with bed risers.
In small apartments, it's important to take advantage of vertical space when floor space is minimal. Bed risers free up room under your bed for clothing storage.
These wooden risers from Richards Homewares are a more mature step-up from the plastic risers you used in your college dorm room.
3. Stock up on baskets of all shapes and sizes.
Baskets, like these square ones from Ikea, are the perfect storage item for small spaces. They fit neatly underneath beds, on closet shelves or under nightstands.
Use them to store accessories, socks, underwear or other small items.
4. Invest in a bed with built-in storage.
If you're planning on making a permanent home in your tiny abode, invest in pieces of furniture that serve multiple purposes. And if you're bedroom is tinier than a normal person's closet (not uncommon in cities like New York), then you'll want to make the most of the few items you can fit.
This storage bed from Ikea opens to reveal tons of space for clothing, bed linens and shoes. Store your off-season clothes or spare blankets and pillows for overnight guests.
5. Use a vinyl shoe organizer to stash important items.
Hang one on the back of a closet, bedroom or bathroom door and use it to stash everything from keys, makeup, electronics or, of course, shoes. It's a simple way to keep all of the items you're likely to misplace in one spot. You can find one of these in almost any common goods store, or if you're really ambitious, make your own.
6. Buy or build a folding bedside table.
Space for a table can be tough to come by, but storing a large folding table when it's not in use can be a pain in its own right. Folding bedside tables offer both storage and table space when needed.
Imgur user mrbrian built a side table that can be pulled out and expanded when more space is needed. You can make your own using this simple sewing table tutorial.
7. Buy or build a wall-mounted desk.
Wall-mounted desks are excellent for creating work spaces that don't leave your tiny room feeling overstuffed. Plus, a wall-mounted desk frees up floor space for other storage.
if you'd rather not purchase a pre-made desk, it's a relatively simple (and inexpensive) project to tackle yourself.
8. Find creative ways of shelving.
Make use of your vertical space with shelving that doubles as functional art. These hexagonal shelves from Dot & Bo are modern and functional.
You can also DIY your own honeycomb shelving.
9. Loft your bed.
Lofts aren't just for kids anymore. Raising your bed is one of the most impactful ways to take advantage of vertical space in a small room. It provides space for bookcases, dressers or desks.
Some lofts even allow for full-size beds, like this DIY, so you don't have to sacrifice mattress space.
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