About the Author:
Helen Pearson likes finding new and imaginative ideas for furnishing her home. She contributes to several websites, including GetBarStools.com, where you can find affordable swivel bar stools that work well in a small space.
Finding creative ideas to maximize space when living in a small apartment can be a daily challenge. If you live in a small space, you may be wondering if it is actually possible to maintain comfort and have a place for everything! Fortunately, however, there are some affordable ways to open things up when your living space is tight.
Get things in order
The first thing that you should do is to take a good hard look at what is taking up space then make some decisions.
De-clutter – The best way to free up space is to get rid of unused items. If something hasn’t been used in a number of months, chances are it’s not needed. If it’s still in good shape it can be donated to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or a local church.
Organize it – Now that the essentials are left, find the right place to put them. Organizers are available to hang in closets, showers, and over doors. They allow all sorts of small items to be tucked out of the way but remain in a convenient location for when they are needed.
Re-organize – Sometimes, just moving the existing furniture around will better utilize the space in a particular room.
SPACE SAVERS
Some pieces of furniture can help save space by eliminating the need for something else or because they can serve a dual purpose.
Bar stools – More living area can be created if a dining room table is eliminated. Placing a set of bar stools at the kitchen counter still allows a flat surface where meals can be eaten.
Kitchen carts – These can extend a counter or even create one, but they also contain storage areas inside them for paper goods, utensils, plates and other accessories. Bar stools can also be set around the cart for dining or social purposes.
Storage ottomans – They not only compliment the sofa or recliner, they can also be used to store smaller items. Ottomans are available in a wide range of colors and materials and can be quite inexpensive. Storage benches with hinged tops can also be used to stow possessions and for additional seating.
Trunks – Rather than have a coffee table in the living room taking up space but only providing one service, try using a trunk. It can be left out on its own or a covering can be thrown over it to compliment the rest of the décor. Either way, spare blankets, pillows or other items can be stored inside until needed and it can also serve as a coffee table.
Raise the bed – Buy lifts for your bed to create a space underneath for storing flat items. Many large retailers sell clear plastic containers for such storage purposes. Clear containers work best because the contents are readily visible.
Creating more space in a small apartment will make it more comfortable to live in and a pleasure to come home to at the end of the day. These space-saving ideas require a little creativity and imagination, but demonstrate that it’s possible to make better use of a small space without spending a lot of money.