Decorating Small Spaces 15 Truly Tiny Living Spaces That Make the Most of Every Inch By Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta has been in the professional organizing industry for over 5 years. She knew she had a passion for decluttering and organization upon graduating Marist College in 2007, however, pursued it as a hobby instead of a career. All of that changed when Mary founded Sort and Sweet Inc on Long Island in 2017. Since then, she has worked hands-on and virtually with hundreds of clients to clear their clutter and create functional systems in their homes and offices. Mary runs the Sort and Sweet social media accounts, creating content and writing captions with organizing tips and inspiration for more than 12,000 followers. Recently relocated to Savannah, she continues to own and operate the business with the help of a talented team. Mary has been a weekly contributing writer for House Digest and has been interviewed as an expert by Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Health magazines. She is the owner of the blog, Organized Overall, in which she details how she creates organization in her home. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on September 15, 2022 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Anthony Masterson Make the most of a tiny living space using these decorating ideas and storage solutions. If you're an apartment dweller or have recently embraced the tiny-home lifestyle, you're probably familiar with the complexity of decorating a small space while also keeping it tidy. There's no need to ditch your belongings or suffer in clutter simply because of your home's square footage. Use ideas from the following tiny living spaces for motivation to make the most of yours. 01 of 15 Go Big with Bookcases Helen Norman Any small living space can benefit from floor-to-ceiling bookcases, whether they're built in or standalone. Not only do they provide maximal storage, but they also create the illusion of a larger, taller room. Use a combination of open and closed cabinets to conceal clutter while simultaneously showing off your favorite belongings. 02 of 15 Create a Multi-Function Room Kat Teutsch One room can be used for a number of purposes with a little creativity. A washer and dryer tucked behind a curtain in a dining area forms a hidden laundry room. Hooks for hats, bags, and jackets create a mini mudroom using just a sliver of empty wall space. 03 of 15 Loft a Bed Courtesy of Urbanology Designs Instead of squeezing a bedroom and living area together in one small room or studio apartment, make the most of available space by lofting the bed. Doing so awards you extra room to bring in a bistro set or a small table and bench to enjoy meals. A gallery wall and statement wallpaper add a boost of style. 04 of 15 Use a Dresser-Desk Combo Jim Franco Since working from home has become the new norm for many, it's important to have a designated space to focus. While it's not always possible to dedicate an entire room to a home office in a tiny space, there are creative ways to squeeze in a desk. Task an underused surface, such as a dresser top, to be your desk and keep a chair nearby. Use wall-mounted shelves to store books and office supplies. 05 of 15 Install Bathroom Cubbies Anthony Masterson Bathrooms are notoriously short on storage. Maximize the room's vertical potential by adding cubbies to an open wall. Now, towels, toiletries, and even a few decorative accents have a home without taking up too much precious real estate. 06 of 15 Hang Floating Shelves David Tsay Utilizing vertical space is a trick professional organizers love to employ in small spaces. A cramped kitchen can benefit from floating shelves spaced out above a sink or near a range to hold dishes, pantry items, or cooking essentials. Store lesser-used items on top shelves and keep everyday things within arm's reach. 07 of 15 Carve Out a Sleeping Nook Anthony Masterson A serene bedroom doesn't have to be sprawling. It simply requires a comfortable place to rest after a long day. Position a bed below a nook with an overhead light and perhaps some storage underneath for the perfect spot to fall asleep. 08 of 15 Convert a Closet for Laundry Edmund Barr If your home lacks a basement or dedicated mudroom, transform an extra closet into a laundry room instead. A washer and dryer can take up considerable space. By backing them into a recessed closet, you'll save floor space and be able to shut the doors to hide any messes. A countertop laid above the machines leaves room to fold clothes, and overhead cabinets store cleaning supplies. 09 of 15 Extend Your Living Space Ellie Lillstrom For the days when the weather cooperates, having an outdoor extension of your living area can make all the difference in how spacious your home seems. If a remodel is in your future, consider adding French doors that open to a porch, patio, or backyard. Or simply emphasize the outdoors by using sheer curtains that let in plenty of light. 10 of 15 Set Up Zones Julie Soefer In a studio apartment, it's important to establish boundaries between various living spaces and their functions. Sleeping, cooking, eating, and relaxing should each have their own distinct zones within an open layout. Use furniture or area rugs to divide and conquer your tiny space. 11 of 15 Embrace Built-Ins Ellie Lillstrom Floor-to-ceiling bookcases lead to spectacular style and smart storage. However, shelves aren't the only small-space storage option. A charming window seat not only maximizes pathways in a small room, but the base can be used for drawers or baskets to tuck away extra items. Colorful, patterned pillows and a fuzzy throw blanket complete the cozy seating. 12 of 15 Embrace Minimalism Edmund Barr Clutter impacts tiny living spaces much faster than larger ones simply because more stuff is packed into less space. Keep both your belongings and your home decor to a minimum by decluttering regularly and decorating with neutrals. Furnishings with clean lines can also help keep a small room looking neat and tidy. 13 of 15 Use Unexpected Space Julie Soefer Living in a small home can test your ability to creatively plan and organize. Using every available space wisely is the best approach to maximizing storage, so look for underused areas, such as the inside of cabinet or closet doors. Install narrow organizers or shelves to store small items that can be hidden once the door is closed. 14 of 15 Extend a Headboard David Greer Make a statement while simultaneously providing essential storage in a tiny bedroom by selecting a headboard with cubbies or shelves. This Murphy bed frame draws the eyes up to visually expand the room. Use wall cabinets to store items you don't use on a regular basis but still need a place to store. 15 of 15 Construct a Multi-User Workspace Jay Wilde You can create a quiet corner for multiple family members to work or study regardless of the size of your home. A long wall-mounted desk paired with a couple of comfy seats is the ideal workspace and accommodates multiple users. Pop a pet crate underneath so your furry friend can keep you company throughout the day, too. Was this page helpful? 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