SOURCE: Reflektion Design
So much of what we see on HGTV and even when scrolling on Pinterest are large homes with space for everyone and everything. The reality is that urban living accounts for the vast majority of our population. In fact, over 70% of Canadians reside in a large urban centre with a population of 100,000 or more. That means most of us don’t have large homes with ample room to store Christmas platters and Easter decorations. So how do we make the most of our small apartment or home and maximize the space we have?
There are only two options when it comes to storage. We can incorporate storage solutions through millwork like built-in storage units, shelving and cabinetry or we can incorporate storage solutions in space-saving furniture pieces.
Installed Storage for Your Small Apartment
SOURCE: Ashley Webb Design
If you own your apartment or if you’re a long-term renter who doesn’t mind making a capital investment in your home there are some simple (and some more extensive) solutions to add more storage to your small space.
1/ Built In Closet Systems
SOURCE: Light and Layer
Typically we move into an apartment and find that all the closets include nothing more than a single shelf and a hanging bar. This is such a waste of the valuable square footage of our closets.
If you can afford it, hiring a professional to install a custom closet is going to change your life. This will allow you to consider exactly how you want the closet space to look and function. This will maximize every inch and make this an organizer’s dream come true.
If a custom closet isn’t financially feasible, consider installing your own with pre-made closet systems. These are much more affordable and offer a selection of drawers, shelves and hanging bars that you can mix and match to suit your needs.
2/ Floating Shelves
SOURCE: Little Soul Home
Every small apartment can benefit from additional shelving. From the kitchen to the bathroom and everywhere in between, floating shelves are a quick and affordable way to include additional storage.
These can be used to hold baskets which in turn will hold all the messy bits and pieces of your life. In the kitchen they can be used for holding towels, utensils and even cleaning supplies. Elsewhere in your home they can be used to corral messy remotes, crafts, magazines and extra supplies like candles or batteries.
3/ Window Shelving
SOURCE: Pinterest
You’ve likely never considered your window to be a source of storage but it can easily be converted into so much additional space. By adding a few shelves this overlooked area can become a perfect storage solution to store books, baskets or decorative items.
And if you can’t install shelving then why not take advantage of the window ledge? You can use this as a bookshelf or an art display. Not only does it use up some of the under utilized space in your home but it can become an unexpected feature in your room.
4/ Create a Shoe Wall
SOURCE: Laura Cattano
For a shoe lover, living in a small space can feel limiting but there is an easy(ish) solution. Incorporate a wall of shelving that can hold several pairs of shoes to give your closets a break. If you’re handy you can install these on your own but 4 or 5 of these shelves can be installed by a professional in just an hour or two.
I love how the homeowner above is able to display a couple of dozen pairs of beautiful shoes and also turn this wall into an art display. By using your beautiful shoes for display you can leave your closet space available for the everyday sneakers and winter boots.
5/ Install Room Dividers
SOURCE: Modern Shelving
You may not feel the need for privacy if you live alone but even a beloved partner can feel too much when we share a small space. If you live in an open concept small space consider installing room dividers, flex walls or even just curtains to create a separate space. While it doesn’t do anything to block out noise it can create the illusion of separate spaces.
This storage solution above is the perfect way to create “rooms” in a small space without having to hire a contractor to install walls.
Portable Storage for Your Small Apartment
If this is a temporary home for you you may not want to invest in permanent storage solutions. Instead, opt for one of the many storage options available that will move with you when it’s time to go.
1/ Portable Closet System
SOURCE: Fashionably Imperfect
Older buildings are filled with old world charm but sometimes with that comes the challenge of old world storage issues. Many bedrooms in older apartments don’t have closets built in as the custom was to use an armoire for clothing. If that’s an issue in your small apartment you can consider buying a portable closet.
These are available in a variety of configurations but there is room for hanging clothes, a shelf for shoes and often a few drawers. This is also a great way to store suitcases that we can never find a spot for.
2/ Not Just a Nightstand
SOURCE: My Better Shelf
When we design our bedrooms we just automatically assume we need two nightstands. We definitely need something to keep a lamp and store the products for our bedtime routines but there are other options. Find my go-to nightstands that always work in this post.
A small space will be made more efficient if we use what’s needed and not just what’s expected. I love using a desk as a nightstand for a small space to double the functionality of the room. A desk can perform double duty as a nightstand as well as a place to apply makeup, a place to work on those work-from-home days and it offers more storage than most small nightstands.
3/ Double Duty Dresser
SOURCE: The Lovely Drawer
If you have a tv and are using a simple console table you may be giving up a lot of potential storage space. Consider using a dresser or credenza to maximize the storage potential of your space.
Start by determining what your design style is (if you’re not sure, take my free quiz). Once you’ve figured that out, look for a dresser that suits your style. If your budget is limited, hit the thrift stores for tons of great options. You can really get creative and paint to suit your style making it a design feature as well as a functional storage piece for your space. There are also lots of great deals on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and even your local vintage shops.
4/ Space Saving Furniture Pieces
SOURCE: Pottery Barn
One of the best options for our small apartments is furniture that has hidden storage. The most popular is the storage ottoman which can be used to store blankets, games or books but it’s not the only option.
One of my favourite small space storage solutions is the rolling storage cart. This tiered solution can be used anywhere in your home. They’re commonly used in bathrooms that are lacking vanity storage but they’re perfect for kitchen items that don’t have a permanent home. I also love them for living spaces that need additional storage for crafts and games. They tuck easily into corners and store so much so they’re really a perfect solution.
If your apartment is small but you love to entertain, consider some of the great space saving furniture pieces on the market today. There are coffee tables that convert to a dining table which is perfect for small dinner parties.
And if you need additional side tables for guests, consider coffee tables that have nested side tables included. These can be tucked away for day-to-day use and pulled out when your guests arrive.
5/ Use Hooks
SOURCE: Interior Junkie
This is one of the most underutilized solutions for hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms. If you have limited storage space in your entry this will be the best option for storing your purses, scarves and hats.
They are often used for towels in bathrooms but can also be used to hang your robe when not being worn. And if you love belts, hats and scarves but don’t know where to store them, hooks will be perfect in your bedroom. If you can add them to your closet that’s ideal but even incorporated into your bedroom they can look like a chic display of your beautiful pieces.
If you live in a small space and feel like there’s no storage solution available, I hope this helps you. There are so many ways we can make our small spaces feel more liveable and create better storage solutions. If you would like help with your small space, contact me. I’d love to chat with you and discuss your space.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
