20 Small Apartment Storage and Organization Ideas
Just because you live in a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a stylish and well-designed home. You just need to get creative with your decorating and storage solutions.
Because you are working with a small space, you can’t just buy a storage unit or piece of furniture and call it a day. Instead, you need to look for multiple functional pieces, look for hidden storage, and wasted space.
These small apartment storage ideas will help you make the most of your small apartment.
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1. Maximize Your Bathroom with Freestanding Shelving
Freestanding shelves are a versatile addition to small bathrooms, offering additional storage without requiring wall installation. Select slim, tall units to maximize vertical space and store items like towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Choose materials that resist moisture and complement your bathroom’s aesthetic. Position these shelves in corners or beside the sink to keep essentials at hand.
2. Elevate Your Space with Floating Bathroom Shelves
Floating shelves create a sleek, modern look and are ideal for storing frequently used items within reach. Install them above the toilet or sink to utilize unused wall space. These shelves are perfect for displaying decorative items, storing daily essentials, or organizing small baskets. Ensure they are securely mounted to hold weight without sagging.
3. Fitted Bathroom Furniture With Toilet & Tap
Integrating furniture with built-in toilet and tap facilities can significantly save space in a small bathroom. Customized to fit your specific dimensions, these pieces combine functionality with style. They often come with hidden storage compartments and streamlined designs, allowing for a clutter-free, cohesive look.
4. Double Duty: Bedroom Drawer and Countertop
A bedroom drawer with a countertop serves dual purposes: storage and workspace. Ideal for small bedrooms, this furniture piece can store clothes, accessories, or bedding, while the countertop can be used for displaying items, as a makeup vanity, or a small work area. Choose a design that complements your bedroom’s decor and offers ample drawer space.
5. Discover Hidden Bedroom Storage Under the Bed
Utilizing the space under the bed is a smart way to increase storage in a small bedroom. Opt for bed frames with built-in drawers or use storage bins to organize out-of-season clothing, extra bedding, or shoes. This hidden storage solution keeps your items dust-free and easily accessible.
6. Utilize Your Bay Window with a Shelf
A bay window can be transformed into a functional storage area with a custom shelf or bench. This space can serve as a cozy reading nook with added storage underneath for books or decorative items. It’s a creative way to use an often overlooked space, adding both character and practicality to your room.
7. Reimagine Your Bedroom with Overbed Storage
Overbed storage units are perfect for small bedrooms with limited closet space. These units typically consist of shelving or cabinets that sit above and around the bed, offering ample space for clothes, books, and other personal items. Choose a design that complements your bed and maximizes the available vertical space.
8. Unlock Kitchen Potential with Above-Cabinet Storage
The space above kitchen cabinets is often underutilized. Use this area to store rarely used kitchen items, such as seasonal dishware or large pots and pans. Consider adding attractive storage boxes or baskets to keep things organized and maintain a clean look.
9. Organize with Style: Use Wicker Baskets
Wicker baskets are a stylish and functional storage solution for any small apartment. Use them in the living room for blankets and magazines, in the bathroom for towels, or in the bedroom for clothes. Their natural texture adds warmth to your space, and they’re easily moved as needed.
10. Save Space with a Tiered Metal Rack Organizer
A tiered metal rack is a space-efficient way to organize clothes, accessories, toiletries, or office materials. Its vertical design maximizes storage space, and the open shelving keeps items visible and accessible. Select a rack that fits your space and complements the room’s aesthetic.
11. Create an Open Closet System
In small bedrooms, an open closet system can be a space-saving alternative to traditional wardrobes. Use a combination of hanging rods, shelves, and drawers to organize clothes and accessories. This approach keeps your items visible and easily accessible, making the most of limited space.
12. Get Creative with DIY Crate Shelves
Create a unique and flexible storage solution with DIY crate shelves. Stack and secure wooden crates in a configuration that fits your space and needs. This approach adds a rustic charm and can be used to store books, plants, or kitchenware. Plus, it’s a cost-effective solution that adds personality to your apartment.
13. Simplify with Cube Storage Boxes
Cube storage boxes are a versatile and affordable way to organize various items. Use them in living rooms for books, in closets for clothes, or in offices for paperwork. They can be placed in cube shelving units or used independently, and come in various colors and materials to match your decor.
14. Keep Spices Organized with a Rack
A spice rack is essential for small kitchens, keeping spices organized and within reach. Wall-mounted or countertop designs can save valuable cabinet space. Choose a rack that fits your collection and kitchen layout, ensuring spices are easy to see and access.
15. Expand Kitchen Storage with a Soffit Shelf
Utilize the often-unused space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling with a kitchen soffit shelf. This area is ideal for storing items you don’t use daily, like special occasion serveware or large kitchen gadgets. It also adds a decorative element to your kitchen when styled with plants or artwork.
16. Find Extra Room with Under-The-Sofa Storage
Sofas with built-in storage or space underneath can be a game-changer in a small living room. Use this area for storing books, board games, or extra throw pillows and blankets. If your sofa doesn’t have built-in storage, consider sliding storage bins or baskets underneath.
17. Personalize Space with Crate Bookshelf Organizers
Wooden crates can be repurposed into stylish and functional bookshelf organizers. Stack and arrange them to fit your space and needs, creating a custom storage solution for books, records, or decorative items. This DIY project adds a personal touch and can be easily modified as your needs change.
18. Solve Clothes Storage with Racks & Stands
For small bedrooms without adequate closet space, clothes racks and stands are a practical solution. They provide easy access to your most-worn items and can be a stylish addition to your room. Look for racks with additional shelves or shoe storage for maximum functionality.
19. Craft Space with DIY Wood Pallet Projects
Repurposing wood pallets is a creative and eco-friendly way to add storage and style to your apartment. From wall-mounted shelves to coffee tables with storage, pallets can be transformed into a variety of furniture pieces. This approach is perfect for adding rustic charm and customizing to your specific needs.
20. Display Plants Beautifully on a Ladder Stand
A ladder plant stand is an elegant and space-saving way to display your indoor plants. It adds vertical interest to any room and can be used in corners or against walls. This type of stand is perfect for small apartments, offering a unique way to bring greenery into your space without sacrificing floor area.
Small Apartment Storage FAQs
Ultimately, the less stuff that you own, the more space you have. However, not all of us are ready to commit to the minimalist lifestyle. In this case, scaled-down and multifunctional furniture will be your solution. Scaled-down furniture will fit into the small space better, preventing it from feeling cramped or overstuffed. Look for unused space, like vertical space that’s up high.
Look for the hidden space in your room. This could be on the floor or the up-high shelf in your closet. You could have space under the bed. Replace your furniture with hidden storage compartments.
Plastic storage bins are convenient, but they aren’t attractive. Try decorating them with washi tape or contact paper. Paint them using a stencil to give them a decorative design. Just be sure to use the right type of paint or a super fine-grit sandpaper, or the paint won’t stick to the super smooth plastic. If you can sew, you could make a slipcover for them. Another option is finding a woven basket that the plastic bin can fit inside. This gives you the looks of the decorative bin but the durability and easy care requirements of the plastic bin.