Studios, efficiencies, bachelor apartments, or whatever you want to call them, these small spaces have long been mainstays for students, young professionals, and those who just want to save money in cities around the world. While studio apartments can often make it possible to live in a nicer neighborhood or save some cash, it isn't easy to cram all of your stuff into 300 to 400 square feet of room. Read on to get some tips on maximizing every inch of that space so you can live large in your small space.
Edit your stuff. The easiest way to make your studio look and feel larger is by being very choosy in what you allow in your space. If you don't love something, take it to a thrift store or give it to a friend. It's very easy for a studio to look cluttered, so the less stuff lying around, the better.
Flow is key. No matter what you choose to have in your space, how you arrange it can make a big difference in helping the small space feel larger. Consider how you use your apartment and what would be best for walking through the space, then arrange accordingly.
Find furniture that does double duty. Most small spaces don't have room for a sizable desk and a dining table, and the same goes for many other single purpose items. When buying things for your space, try to choose items that will be able to work for multiple purposes so you can fit more function into less space.
Go vertical. Don't have much floor space but have pretty high ceilings? Start using some of that vertical space! Shelving that goes from floor to ceiling can give you a lot more room than a collection of low storage solutions around the whole room. Just don't forget to purchase a stepladder.
Shop small. Small spaces and large, bulky furniture don't really mix. If you're buying new, choose items that have slim lines, are elevated off the floor (it gives the illusion of more space), and that won't completely dominate the room.
Make use of awkward spaces. Nooks and crannies might not seem useful, but can be great places to tuck a small desk or store your shoes.
Use hidden spaces. Don't waste those precious hidden storage spaces! Under the bed and inside ottomans are just a few of the places you can stretch your storage options.
Decide to divide. Some studio apartments are laid out in a way that could allow you to divide off the room to create a bedroom or other private area. See what would work in your place, and make use of shelves, curtains, and screens to get the job done.
Pay attention to lighting. It might not seem like a big deal, but lighting is a big part of helping make a small space look bigger and more stylish. Don't block access to natural light during the day and at night make sure there are several lamps that can cast a cozy glow over your room.
Use containers to hide cutter. One way to give a space an instant makeover is to hide all of your junk within storage containers. It will make everything look more streamlined and give your studio a more polished look.
Organize by activity. Don't make life hard on yourself. Even when living in a small space, it can be a pain to have to move from one side of the room and back again just to complete one activity. Try to keep your space organized so that eating, entertaining, sleeping, and studying have their own spaces, even if they overlap.
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