When living in a small space, it’s important to recognize: less is more. Living in a 500 square foot apartment is less than ideal, but sometimes that’s what’s required of an expensive city or young professional life. The key to making the most out of every inch is by simply being smart about what furniture you choose to invest in. At Havenly, we have found that the secret to making the most out of a studio apartment is to find functional items that can be used in a multitude of ways. Here are 5 ideas of how to decorate your space with functional finds.
1. Swap out your coffee table. You may have heard this piece of advice in our last feature, 5 Foolproof Ways to Decorate a Small Apartment, but storage ottomans and trunks are an easy way to optimize your space. They are viewed as valuable storage units for extra bedding, unwanted clutter, and other household items. Style your ottoman with fresh flowers, coffee table books, and a scented candle to create a simple and sophisticated look.
2. Use a bookshelf to store clothing items or accessories. Finding extra storage space for shoes and/or handbags can be a hassle. Invest in an Ikea bookshelf to alleviate this dilemma. If you’re anything like us, you’ll be happy to have your shoes all in one organized place – right where you can see them.
3. Place a large basket in every room. Baskets are a great way to declutter your space in a short period of time. Even a small studio apartment can easily find a place for up to three baskets, each with their own unique purpose. A basket in the entryway can store umbrellas, a living room basket is a perfect place for throws, and a basket in the sleeping area easily stores pillows when not in use. It’s the perfect way to stay organized when you are pressed for time.
4. Create multiple seating areas around your home. Whether you enjoy entertaining guests, or prefer meeting them for a night out on the town instead, it’s important to have options when it comes to seating. Depending on how much space you have, we recommend placing a bench at the foot of your bed for extra space. Poufs are another ideal option, as they can either act as an extra seat, or even a footrest.
5. Use a cocktail tray rather than a bar cart. Don’t have enough space for a bar cart, but still want to entertain your guests in a style? Invest in a mirrored tray and place it on top of your desk, dresser, or bookshelf! This is an ideal alternative to save space, while still creating a unique ambiance for you and your guests to enjoy.
Wondering how your favorite functional home finds fit into the bigger design picture? Connect with a Havenly designer to pull the room together.