Living in a one-bedroom apartment or studio apartment will prove that much more enjoyable if you make prudent use of the limited space. Think carefully about how you can best use this space and you won’t feel as though you are living in a glorified holding cell. In fact, the strategic use of limited apartment space has the potential to make cramped living quarters surprisingly comfortable. Here’s how to do it.
Start by Decluttering
Eliminate the excess junk in your living space and you will find your apartment has much more space than you initially assumed. As an example, you probably have more clothes, electronics, cooking appliances and other random sundries than you actually need – or even desire.
Whittle down these extra items to only those you actually need and you will free up that much more room. Separate the necessities from items that can be sold at a garage sale and those that can be donated. Once you are down to the bare essentials, you will find your small apartment feels considerably roomier.
Partitions are Your Friend
Partitions are a godsend for those living in studio apartments. Strategically place partitions in your apartment and you will essentially form new rooms that otherwise would not exist. From Asian accordion style folding door partitions to classic white dividers and beyond, there are all sorts of different partition styles to choose from.
The best part is you can put your partitions in storage whenever desired. This way, you choose when to divide your small apartment in half, thirds, etc. As an examples, if you are planning on having visitors over and your roommate does not want to be caught up in the event, you can simply set up the partitions to divide your cramped living space into separate areas.
Maximize Your Bed’s Utility
Your bed likely takes up more room than anything in your apartment but for the couch and possibly a table. There is no sense simply sleeping on your bed when you can boost its utility by using it as a storage space. Go ahead and put storage containers beneath your bed. Another solution is to loft the bed. You might even be able to transform your bed into a fully customized storage space if it is the proper size and style. In fact, some loft beds can serve as a comfy nook for reading, listening to music or working.
Downsize Those Tables
Why bother taking up your limited apartment space with a lengthy table when you will only use a small portion of its surface? Opt for a smaller table, possibly with drawers or other storage spaces. Downsize your tables and you will have that much more room for other items.
Add Mirrors
The addition of mirrors makes cramped living spaces look and feel that much larger. Decorative mirrors positioned on the walls are especially deceptive, creating the illusion that there is more space than there actually is. Though self-deception is not the goal, adding mirrors will improve your personal psychology, making you feel as though your tiny living space is much larger than it actually is.
Consolidate Bedroom Furniture
There is no sense adding a dresser, nightstand and chest to your tiny bedroom when you can consolidate these spaces into a single storage bench. Find an aesthetically pleasing storage bench and position it toward the foot of your bed. Add one more chest or nightstand at most, hang the majority of your clothes in the closet and you will have maximized your limited floor space.