Saving space in a small apartment. Design solutions that help save space and equip a small apartment Saving space in an apartment
The smaller the size of the room, the more difficult it is to place all the necessary interior items and things in it. Of course, owners are constantly faced with the problem of saving space. It is very difficult to create a comfortable atmosphere and not sacrifice functionality. But this task can be dealt with without even resorting to the help of an experienced designer. You just need to take a close look at your own apartment, determine its features, disadvantages and advantages. Try to take a fresh look at all rooms (including the bathroom and hallway), identify the space that remains unused. There are a few tricks that you can do to transform a small apartment into a functional and stylish living space.
We use hard-to-reach places
You just have to lift your head up to see the unused space. Of course, residents of apartments with high ceilings can accommodate a sleeping place or a small wardrobe. But what should owners of apartments with ordinary ceilings do? They can also use the usable area. For example, you can make a shelf for towels above the front door in the bathroom. Thus, you can unload the closet and free up space in it for clothes and shoes.
If your apartment has a staircase, then it must be used not only for its intended purpose. The ideal option is to turn the entire lower part of the structure into a deep cabinet. Lots of shelves and drawers make the perfect storage for all the important (and not so) things.
Another way to use space economically is to place shelves and furniture in a corner. Very often, apartment owners leave the corners free, not paying attention to them. But in fact, it is these places that can significantly "unload" the space. Corner shelves are much more spacious than regular ones. You can use them both to create the right atmosphere and present souvenirs and decorative items, as well as to store things. In the latter case, it is recommended to use special boxes for things or put wicker baskets on the shelves.
Another place that many apartment owners forget about is the empty space under the bathroom. Here you can store buckets and rags, a broom, a scoop, a mop and detergents. Neatly covered with a special screen, these objects will not be "conspicuous". And the cabinet in the bathroom can be filled with more important tubes and jars.
We save space with furniture
Discard a lot of interior items. The fact is that the small area does not allow you to install all of them, while maintaining the coziness and stylish look of the apartment. Better to limit yourself to a few essential pieces of furniture, but not "overload" the space. How to do it? The easiest way is to give up everything that is superfluous. Do you need a coffee table, chest of drawers, sofa and bed? If you know you can't do without certain items, then search. So, for example, a sofa bed will replace 2 massive interior items at once. Having installed it, you can receive guests on a stylish sofa during the day and enjoy a night's sleep on a comfortable and spacious bed.
If you prefer to hide the bed during the daytime, then pay attention to interesting models where the sleeping place is tucked away in the closet. They guarantee space and freedom of movement during the day and are ideal for very small rooms.
Multifunctional things
Transformers aren't the only way to use things for multiple purposes at once. The easiest way is to combine a basic function with a decorative or storage function. Beds and sofas can be fitted with built-in storage boxes for bed linen. You can hide pillows and blankets in them, freeing up wardrobes and cabinets. In addition to them, manufacturers often provide space in the window sills for important trifles. You no longer need a bedside table, which will increase the usable area of the room.
You can store books, for example, not only on shelves and racks. You can hide books in special sections inside coffee tables, armchairs and even poufs. Designers even offer very bold furniture options, with magazines and books as the main material.
Do not forget that multifunctional equipment takes up much less space than all of its simpler counterparts. Buy a climate station instead of an air purifier, ionizer and air humidifier. You can save free space.
Install a food processor in the kitchen, and do not hide the mixer, juicer and meat grinder. You will notice how much free space will appear in your kitchen cabinet.
Nothing extra
Give up unnecessary things once and for all. The more incomprehensible little things will be located in your apartment, the less it will seem. Free your closets from clothes you don't wear, remove old unnecessary magazines - congested space visually reduces the room.
And, of course, there should be perfect order in a small apartment. If things always lie in their places, then optically the room will look more spacious. Little things forgotten on the table or sofa can be put into a special basket or box. This way you can always keep order and know exactly where to look for forgotten items.
Useful Tips
The biggest problem with small apartments is that if you really want to, you won't be able to place everything you want in it.
However, if you use some design tricks , you will be able to accommodate at least all the necessary things, and even save a little space at the same time.
Here are some useful ideas and tips on how to save space in a small apartment, as well as some beautiful examples of small European apartments with an original design:
We save space in a small apartment
1. If all you need for work is a laptop, you can put it on a shelf instead of purchasing an entire desktop.
You can also use a bookcase on which you can put not only a laptop, but also other necessary things, thereby saving a lot of space.
2.Using a curtain or screen, you can easily separate the kitchen from the rest of the room.
3. You can separate the workplace from the bedroom using ordinary plywood or a small shelf.
4. You can also separate the kitchen in a small apartment using an old window.
You can also order a "window" that fits the size and set it so that it depicts the border between the kitchen and the rest of the room.
How to equip a small apartment
5. A drawer or chest can play two roles at once - the role of a coffee table, and a place where you can store various things.
6. Leaning a sofa or chair against the bed will save you space and look beautiful.
Smart use of small space in the apartment
7. There is no place for a sofa where guests can sit? Just use large pillows in a free space.
8. Here is such a folding table you can buy or do it yourself. It attaches to the wall and folds down to save a lot of space.
9. In a small apartment, you can put just such a children's room with a sleeping place, a desk and a wardrobe (aka a secret room).
Small apartment decoration
10. A painting that turns into a table.
11. A newspaper rack that can also be used as a hanger.
12. Chair and rack 2 in 1.
13. Compact foldable kitchen.
14. For a small room, this design is perfect, which combines a mirror, a wardrobe and an ironing board.
15. Another example of a folding table, only now with a folding chair is perfect for a small kitchen.
16. Such a workplace takes up very little space, while being very comfortable. Suitable for both schoolchildren and students, and for adults.
17. If you decide to make a ladder, then many drawers can be built into it for storing various things.
Storing things in a small apartment
18. Narrow shelves, save space, while being very convenient, both in the kitchen and in the rest of the apartment or house.
If you attach some of them at the desired height, then a stool can be placed under the shelf so that it does not take up extra space.
19. Here's another example of how you can separate the kitchen from the bedroom.
A small plywood wall does not completely divide the space, and it looks quite nice.
20. This bathroom, although small, is very efficient.
Small apartments (photo)
21. This apartment has an area of 44 sq. meters. But it accommodates everything you need, including a bedroom, kitchen, living room and balcony.
Light colors visually expand the space and make the apartment brighter - the sun's rays are reflected from the light walls, perfectly illuminating the apartment.
22. Small apartment in Paris.
Stylish interior of a small apartment
23. Clever design in a 21 sq. M. Swedish apartment. meter.
24. Smart use of space in a small apartment with high ceilings.
Small apartment design
25. Smart design in a small apartment in Barcelona.
26. Small apartment in Stockholm.
Design of a small studio apartment
27. Nice little apartment with a thoughtful design.
28. Cozy design in a small apartment.
Modern small apartments
29. Clever design in a 23 sq. M. Parisian apartment. meters.
30. Amazing use of space in a small studio apartment.
Many of us are familiar with the inconveniences that are common in small apartments. And the main problem is the forced saving of space.
Every corner needs to be used wisely so that there is enough space for all the things you need. And I really want to make my home comfortable and beautiful!
We share with you the most original tricks that will help you save space in a small apartment. Get inspired!
11 ingenious creative ideas for a small space
1. Spices
Every self-respecting housewife keeps tons of different bottles and jars with aromatic spices in the kitchen. Where can they be placed compactly? Try to adapt the place behind the refrigerator for small jars: both beautiful and hidden from prying eyes.
2. Fruit
Placing a lot of useful and useful things in a tiny kitchen is not an easy task. For example, where to put the fruit bowl so that it does not take up half a table?
But the housewives have so many other things ... How about the idea of a hanging fruit basket?
3. Wine
If you are a great connoisseur and collector of wine, you will probably need a lot of storage space for your bottles.
Such a compact and roomy wine cabinet will perfectly fit into the interior of a small kitchen.
4. Laundry
This room can be easily adapted to the needs of good housewives. Try to play around with the space between the dryer and the washing machine: this is where you can store laundry detergent and other detergents.
If installed above the washing machine, a worktop can be used as an ironing area.
5. Ironing board
There is rarely a decent place for this necessary subject. Most often, ironing boards are stored on the balcony, as they take up too much space in the room.
Try to select a part of the free wall for mounting the board. This design does not take up much space, and ironing will turn into a more enjoyable process.
6. Dryer for clothes
This item won't take up much space when attached to the ceiling.
7. Dirty things
Another good piece of advice for housewives: dirty linen can be stored in boxes that are displayed in a line.
Sign each drawer with the color of the laundry and the desired water temperature. This is how you can easily save both your time and space in the house.
8. Space under the stairs
Many people store unwanted items under the stairs, using this space as an additional storage area.
Why not convert the space into a compact cabinet or bookshelves? This place can also serve as a cozy corner for relaxation and reading.
9. Shelf for shoes
In a large family, there is always a problem with storing shoes. A specially designed high shelf can be a great place to compactly place your favorite shoes.
10. Garage
Most of us treat the garage as a warehouse for unnecessary things. If you really need extra storage outside the home, consider setting up a comfortable garage space.
For example, hooks on the walls can be used to store tires, tools, and other useful items.
11. Boxes of drinks
Running out of storage space for beverage crates? Make a simple rack for them: it will save space and look impressive.
As you know, any woman has only two problems - nothing to wear and no space in the closet. Spring is a great time to update your wardrobe, and finally to cope with the second problem. No, you don't have to buy a new wardrobe for this, the main thing is to learn some space-saving techniques.
Tiered coat hangers
Clothes on hangers occupy, perhaps, the most decent volume of the closet. To optimize this space, you can hang a few more pieces on one hanger. To do this, you can use multi-level hangers with additional hooks, or you can adapt improvised means - paper clips, chains, rings from tin cans ...
We save on air!
Seasonal items and clothes that are not worn very often can be stored in special vacuum bags. This is the perfect invention for those who care about every millimeter in the closet. Using a vacuum cleaner, air is sucked out through a special hole in this bag - and voila! - even the thickest blanket will take up the least amount of space.
Sharing wisely!
On wide shelves, things often pile on top of each other, creating chaos and clutter. Here's a great idea for neatly arranging things - shelf dividers. You can buy ready-made, or you can do it yourself. They will help avoid confusion and save some space. After all, the smoother things are folded, the less they take up space. For example, small towels can be rolled up and placed on top of each other, dividing into sections.
Picture caption
A trifle - separately!
Small things, such as underwear and socks, are best stored in compact drawers with cells or in special boxes (organizers) - this will make them easier to find and do not take up much space. It will be more convenient if you distribute the laundry into convenient categories - by seasons, by events, by colors, and so on.
Long accessories - ties, scarves, belts - can be assembled on one multi-level hanger so that they are all immediately visible. To save space in the cabinet, it is best to place these accessories on the cabinet door.
On the back of the door
To fit everything you need in your closet, try to make the most of every corner in it. On the cabinet door, for example, you can hang not only accessories, but also everyday clothes and shoes. Also take a good look - is there any free space under clothes that weigh on hangers? Usually there are a few free centimeters left, which are useful for storing bags or shoes.
Shoes in pockets
And in order to compactly distribute a large number of shoes in the closet, you can purchase convenient wall structures with pockets that will take up less space than shoe boxes. You can place your shoes on them even to the very ceiling, or hang them on the back of the cabinet door.
How to fold clothes so they don't wrinkle and take up little shelf space
- Shirts, Blouses and Sweaters: Button up all buttons and lay right side down on a flat surface. Wrap the left and right hem of the shirt to the collar. Tuck the sleeves and lay them along. Dividing visually into three parts, tuck: first the lower part, then the central one.
- Skirts: First fold lengthwise on both sides and roll tightly.
- Pants: First fold in half so that the bottom of the legs is in contact with the waistband, and fold again.
- Jeans can be rolled up.
Photos: plebio.com amazon.com, apartmenttherapy.com, coupons.com, frugalcouponliving.com, ebay.com
The tips collected here will help you save a lot of occupied space.
Pull-out ironing board
The retractable folding ironing board, hidden under the work surface of the kitchen cabinet, will be a real boon for owners of small apartments, where it is quite difficult to find a place to store the board unfolded.Pull-out cabinet with pet bowls
Special cabinet equipped with a pull-out step with compartments for pet bowls. When waiting for guests or tidying up the house, the step can be pushed in, and the cabinet itself can be used to store food bags, treats, toys, collars and leashes.
Pull-out shelves
This, at first glance, ordinary cabinet is distinguished by its special spaciousness and functionality thanks to the pull-out shelves, which, moreover, provide convenient access to all its contents.
Bed with drawers
A well-chosen bed will allow you to save space in a small bedroom and acquire additional storage systems. For example, you should pay attention to models with lifting mattresses and spacious boxes, which are suitable for storing bed linen, towels and seasonal items, or give preference to a bed equipped with drawers that can replace a massive chest of drawers.
Flowerbed container
A charming wooden flower bed with a small hidden cabinet perfect for storing a hose or small garden tools.
Dumpster masking
A wooden container or screen will help hide unsightly dumpsters and thereby improve the appearance of the local area.
Storing paper towels
A regular wall cabinet equipped with a rail and a narrow opening in the bottom is perfect for storing and conveniently using a roll of paper towels. This storage system will save space on the work surface and protect paper products from dirt and moisture.
Decorative cases
Original cases in the form of large and small boulders will help to hide unsightly plumbing fixtures, will become reliable hiding places for valuable things, as well as original elements of landscape design.
Cat bathroom
A converted chest of drawers with a hinged door is a great storage space for your cat litter box and allows you to hide this not-so-aesthetically pleasing item.
Screen
The screen door, made of wide wooden slats, will help not only hide the electric wires, meters and automatic devices on the facade from prying eyes, but also improve the appearance of the house.
Pull-out table
A kitchen island with a built-in pull-out table that will provide the kitchen with a dining area and an additional work surface.
Pull-out racks
Small pull-out racks built into kitchen cupboard panels increase the potential of kitchen furniture and are perfect for storing spices, sauces and cutlery.
Boxes in the floor
The podium and floor of the veranda or porch can be equipped with pull-out and built-in drawers that are suitable for storing a variety of things, from gardening tools to expensive equipment.
Bath lid
A sturdy cover made of wide wooden slats will help conceal the built-in bathtub.
Curbstone-transformer
An original convertible cabinet made of pallets, which, if necessary, turns into a double corner table.
Cabinet under the windowsill
A small pull-out cabinet equipped under the windowsill will be a great place to store valuables and documents.
Bicycle garage
A small garage built of timber slats, with a living lawn growing on its roof, provides a safe place to store bicycles and a charming backyard decoration.
