Use some savvy strategies for stretching your living space.
When you have a lot of stuff in a compact apartment space, creativity is key. The average two-person apartment in the U.S. is approximately 900 square feet, according to Multifamily Executive, and that’s not all that much. Taking advantage of vertical space, choosing furniture that is multi-purpose and converting otherwise wasted space into storage are all effective strategies for making the most of your new apartment.
1. Create space with shelving
You may be challenged for floor space, but luckily, you are not confined to the horizontal plane. Shelving is a natural way to extend your square footage upward. If your landlord doesn’t like holes in the walls from shelving hardware, just use freestanding units instead.
2. Make vertical sleeping space with bunk beds
As another vertical space maker, a set of bunk beds is ideal for that guest room that you also use as craft/storage/home office/yoga space. If you are experiencing an extreme lack of room, retain just the top bunk and put a desk and dresser beneath it.
3. Stretch eating space with an extendable table
If your eat-in kitchen is only large enough for two chairs and a bistro table, take heart. Drop-leaf tables and extendable tables are tailor-made for such spaces. When you need more room to spread out a dinner party buffet, simply put the chairs elsewhere for extra seating, and open out the tabletop.
4. When you don’t need it, fold it up
You can find all sorts of really creative folding furniture. For example, old-fashioned Murphey beds that fold into cupboards are making a comeback. You can also purchase designer chairs and stools that fold flat and store on the wall.
5. Use single pieces that are multipurpose
Try some furniture that you can use in more than one way, too, such as a stool that doubles as an end table, a daybed that is also a couch or an ottoman with storage space inside. Even something as simple as a set of drawers in your bed platform is a handy space saver.
6. Convert wasted space to storage
Under your bed, above the toilet, in a corner or beneath the stairs are all otherwise wasted space that you can easily convert to storage. Keep your off-season wardrobe in flat containers that slip beneath your bed. Put a shelving surround in your toilet area for towels, tissue and personal items. Place corner shelves in an unused corner, and if you have an open staircase in your apartment, tuck some bins or cubbies under there.
Need Apartment Space in Buffalo?
If you are looking for a great apartment in Buffalo, New York, get in touch with us at Ellicott Development. From cleverly compact to spacious, we have all sorts of rentals for you to choose from. Contact us today for details.
