10 Ways to Maximize Space and Comfort in Small Homes and Apartments

No matter what type of small home or apartment you have, there’s one thing you always need— storage! Be it shelves, cabinets, closets, or baskets, storage is essential for a functional small home. But it’s also important to make sure you have the right storage to maximize your small space. Here are 10 essentials that all small homes need to remain livable, organized, and clutter-free.

Mirrors: Mirrors can make a room feel much larger and brighter than it is by providing an illusion that the room expands beyond its physical boundaries. Not only will it make your space look bigger, but it will also increase the amount of light being reflected, making your home brighter and more inviting.

Wheel Carts: Wheel carts are great for adding additional storage and surface space in any room—whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen, or even the living room. They’re practical, can easily be pushed aside, and provide extra space for moving items around the house.

Baskets: Baskets are an essential for any small home since it helps hide the clutter. Whether it’s for storing towels in the bathroom, toys in the bedroom, books in the living room, or kitchen utensils, baskets complete the look of your space, while also providing additional storage.

Ottomans: Ottomans are great pieces of furniture that provide multiple purposes. Not only can they be used as extra seating when you have more people than chairs, but they also offer storage. You can store extra blankets or cushions beneath, and use the top as a coffee table.

Stacking Stools: Stools are great when you’re short on seating, but they’re usually bulky and take up a lot of precious floor space. Stacking stools, however, can take care of that problem with their slim and compact design. By stacking them together, you not only save valuable space, but you also have more seating options for when your guests come over.

Multipurpose Furniture: Look for furniture that acts as two things at once. For example, a TV stand that can also hold books and DVDs or a kitchen table with drawers for utensils. It’s a great way to get the most out of your limited space.

Under Bed Storage: Your bed’s going to take up a lot of floor space, but you can at least turn the space underneath into something useful. Whether it’s shoe storage or an additional closet, having under bed storage will help make use of the otherwise wasted space.

Floating Shelves: These shelves are great if you’re wanting to add storage without taking up too much space. Float a few shelves in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or living room and use them to store books, picture frames, or even spice jars.

Wall Storage: If your walls are feeling neglected, use it to add more storage! You can hang up a shelf, mount some baskets, or attach a pegboard for items like jewelry, pots and pans, cutlery, or even shoes. There’s a lot of creative ways to organize just about anything on your wall.

Floor-to-Ceiling Shelves: Floor-to-ceiling shelves are a must for a small home. Not only do they take up less room than traditional shelves, but they also provide an incredible amount of storage space that you can fit almost anything in. From books to utensils, the sky’s the limit with how you could use them in your home.

Living in a small home or apartment can be difficult to make it work, but if you have the right items and use some creativity, you can make the most of what you have and create a space that’s functional and stylish. Incorporate these 10 essentials into your home and you’re sure to have a space that’s both organized and welcoming.