It can sometimes feel impractical to try to fit all your belongings into an apartment, especially when the kitchen or bathroom is smaller than you’re used to. But small rooms don’t have to mean big storage problems. In fact, you can make any room thrive with a little creative effort. Here are some of our favorite design solutions to maximize your space.
1. Buy Multi-Purpose Furniture
Small spaces need pieces that function in multiple ways, which means your furniture should be easy to move and pull double duty when possible. Think beyond the ubiquitous pull-out couch, though. Consider a coffee table that doubles as your kitchen table, a cabinet that doubles as a hideout for an unsightly trash can and extra counter space, a dresser moonlighting as an entertainment center, a bookshelf that also acts as a stylish room divider or a window seat that’s also a storage bench. When your space feels limited, go for statement pieces that flaunt their multi-use capabilities — as well as their design.
2. Add Floating Shelves to Open Spaces
Make empty spaces work to their full potential by adding shelves. The sides of the kitchen sink, above the toilet and hard-to-fit corners are great places to install shelves and maximize otherwise forgotten or unusable space. If your rental allows you to install them, floating shelves are even better than standing shelves because they don’t take up precious floor space you can use for other items. Shelving is a practical solution you can easily implement to accentuate rather than sacrifice the style of any room.
3. Store Infrequently-Used Items Up High — or Down Low
We all have belongings we have to keep but that don’t get used daily — like seasonal clothing, special occasion servingware or large kitchen appliances. Instead of giving your Thanksgiving-themed platter a prominent place on the counter or sticking your puffy snow coat in coveted closet space, store these items in areas you don’t need to access very often instead — like up high or down low. Make use of the space above kitchen cabinets or on top of the refrigerator, install shelves high above windows or doors, or store items in bins under your bed or couch.
4. Make Use of the Door
Don’t ignore your doors. They’re for more than just opening and closing — they’re actually perfect for storing lots of smaller items, too. Install hooks, towel bars, magnetic strips or baskets on the back of doors so you can use shelves and drawers for bigger items. Shoes, scarves, electronics and more can all find a new home on the back of the door. Your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors can hold spices, measuring spoons and cups, jewelry, cleaning supplies and extra linens.
5. Utilize Unlikely Storage Solutions
The most efficient storage solutions are often the most creative as well. Find ways to use space-saving products to hold items they weren’t originally intended to store. Towel racks, for example, can make great, compact storage for pot and pan lids. Spice racks can hold your toiletries, nail polish or essential oils in the bathroom. Magazine holders can keep a surprising number of cans organized in your pantry. Wine racks make interesting towel organizers in your bathroom closet, and ice cube trays can keep your jewelry neat and organized in a drawer. Look for ways to use items you may already have on hand or that are inexpensive to purchase in order to organize bathroom and kitchen items creatively.
Don’t let unorganized clutter make your space look or feel smaller. Get creative with your storage and make every inch of space work best for you.