• Ideas by Room
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living Rooms
    • Dining Rooms
  • Décor Ideas
    • Design Inspiration
    • Fireplace
    • Wall Décor
  • Storage Ideas
  • Outdoor Space
    • Patio, Porches and Decks
    • Backyards
    • Swimming Pool
    • Landscaping and Garden
    • Fences
    • House Exterior
  • Other Spaces
    • Attic & Basement
    • Garage
    • Apartment
    • Home Office
    • Themed Rooms
  • Shopping
Upload
The Top 47 Small Apartment Storage Ideas

The Top 47 Small Apartment Storage Ideas

  • Trendey / Apartment
  • by — Andra DelMonico

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.

Contents

1. Bathroom

If having a small bedroom wasn’t frustrating enough, it’s the small bathroom that goes with it that can really get your blood boiling. This tiny space in your small apartment lacks any hidden storage for your toiletries and bathroom supplies.

Source: @2thecrescent via Instagram
Source: @ambianceviera via Instagram
Source: @comfy_rugs_and_more via Instagram
Source: @homeat.no27 via Instagram
Source: @insidetheworldofjen via Instagram
Source: @langfordlife_withrach via Instagram
Source: @my_nest_under_british_sky via Instagram
Source: @redpines_renovation via Instagram
Source: @renter.decorator.nyc via Instagram
Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram
Source: @songmics via Instagram

Make the most of the storage you do have in the bathroom cabinet with multi-level organization units. Keep similar items together to make it easy to find what you need. Use stackable units with multiple drawers to use the vertical space in the cabinet.

2. Bedroom

You can’t give up having a bed in your bedroom. After all, this one piece of furniture is in the name for the room. However, this doesn’t mean your bed has to take over the entire room.

Bed frames can be large and bulky, making the room feel even smaller than it really is. Prevent this by choosing a frame that has a slim design. This reduces the overall visual presence of the bed, helping the room to feel like it has more space.

Source: @_myhomediary via Instagram
Source: @atg_custom_woodworking via Instagram
Source: @beautifulfightwoodworking via Instagram
Source: @bostudio_ via Instagram
Source: @hk_space.design via Instagram
Source: @minimalistmagique via Instagram
Source: @ourhanburyjourney via Instagram
Source: @thecraftedcouple via Instagram
Source: @thecraftedcouple via Instagram

If you need more extra space, don’t downsize to a small bed. Instead, consider replacing your traditional bed frame with a murphy bed. These are beds that neatly fold away when not in use, giving you more floor space.

3. Closet

It doesn’t matter how big your closet is; there’s never enough closet space. While many people focus on shelving and hanging their clothes, this leaves valuable space left untouched. For example, look down at the ground. This is the perfect place for a shoe rack.

Source: @essenseofclosets via Instagram
Source: @lilyv.interiors via Instagram
Source: @theredbrickranch via Instagram

Count how many shoes you own, and then buy a rack that works for the size of your collection. You may need a unit with multiple levels or buy more than one to extend the entire length of your closet.

Another often unused place is the back of the closet door. This won’t work for bi-fold doors, but if you have a traditional swing door on hinges, you can hang an organizational unit on the back of the door.

4. DIY

Sometimes, heading to the store to buy a storage unit or organizational system is a terrible idea. These furniture pieces can be expensive, and they never quite work within your small apartment. Instead, check out DIY storage ideas.

Source: @emilymanginelli via Instagram
Source: @theharcourtproject via Instagram
Source: @volkswoodshop via Instagram

There are plenty of creative storage ideas that you can adapt to your needs and available apartment space. Make your own floating shelves. Hang a rope with clips for organizing hats or purses. Use old milk crates to build your own bookcase. Turn vintage luggage chests into decor and storage containers. Use PVC piping to make your own shoe racks.

5. Kitchen

Don’t let your small kitchen stifle your love of cooking. A lack of counter space means you may need a rolling cart with a fold-out countertop. This gives you more workspace when you need it, but it’s also an island that easily tucks away when you aren’t cooking.

Source: @dwra.lazaridou via Instagram
Source: @lyonscollective via Instagram
Source: @mycityapartment via Instagram
Source: @rylanddevero via Instagram
Source: @scatterbrain07 via Instagram

Make the most of your cabinet space by using drawer organizers, extra shelving racks, and cabinet door hangers. This helps you make the most of the space while also staying organized.

Small apartment ideas also encourage you to keep your cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. You could do this, but you can also use this space for a small trash can. This keeps it from cluttering the kitchen floor space.

6. Living Room

Your living room is the space where you entertain guests. It needs to be presentable so that your guests don’t feel like they are in your private personal space.

A room divider is perfect for separating your space, making it possible to have additional storage without taking away from your design.

Source: @indigorivertinyhomes via Instagram
Source: @lovely.cuppa.tea via Instagram
Source: @st.sofas via Instagram
Source: @xiwendylu via Instagram

In the remaining space, you can have your furniture and coffee table. Then use storage bins behind the divider. When you don’t have company over, take down the divider and enjoy the full living room space in your small house or apartment.

7. Pantry

If your small apartment has a pantry, then embrace your good fortune by making the most of this extra storage space. However, if you have a studio apartment, you may need an extra storage unit for your small items.

Source: @alste_on_tyrone via Instagram
Source: @niknikyulian via Instagram
Source: @rochelleanddesigns via Instagram
Source: @serenityathomedetroit via Instagram
Source: @simplyorganizedco via Instagram
Source: @thebeachshackbuild via Instagram
Source: @tidyfox via Instagram
Source: @serenityathomedetroit via Instagram

Organize your pantry by use and type. Keep items that you use most often easily within reach. Items that you use less often, placed high up or low to the ground. You may need to decant dry goods into containers. Doing this puts everything into uniform size and shape, helping you maximize the available space.

8. Shelf

Shelves are the easiest storage solution for making the most of your vertical space. If you have a tiny apartment, then stick with a floating shelf. These are open, allowing you to easily see behind the shelf to the wall behind it. This keeps your small space feeling large. They also lack bulk, which helps them feel scaled to the right size for your home.

Source: @casa.coops via Instagram
Source: @maimoa.creative via Instagram

If you have the floor space, consider a shelving unit. One with a slim frame and glass shelves will look elegant and keep the room feeling open. A black frame will look minimalist and sleek. A shiny metal frame can reflect light and help your room feel brighter.

9. Wall

Your walls represent tons of vertical space where you could hang decor. Instead of hanging decor without a plan, turn the wall space in your small rooms into a storage option. This turns the unused space on your walls into something that not only looks cool but is also functional. If you ride a bicycle, mount a decorative rack and hang your bike on the wall.

Source: @hindartohin via Instagram
Source: @johnkettlewlg via Instagram

If you have a beautiful show or purse collection, use floating shelves to put them on display. If you own more books than you can count, add a shelf high on the wall, just below the ceiling, that circles the entire room.

Now your books add to the look of the room without closing the space in. Lean a blanket ladder against the wall in the dead corner and use it to create a cozy effect in your apartment.

Browse by Topics:

Ceiling Ideas Closet Ideas Design Styles Flooring Ideas Lighting Ideas

More Must-Read Articles

  • Best Storage Containers for Clothes
    /Shopping
    Best Storage Containers for Clothes September 6, 2022
  • Best Slipcovered Sofas
    /Shopping
    Best Slipcovered Sofas September 6, 2022
  • Best Storage Beds
    /Shopping
    Best Storage Beds September 6, 2022
  • Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets
    /Kitchens
    Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets September 5, 2022

Popular Articles

  • The Top 48 Wood Stove Hearth Ideas
  • 64 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Yard
  • 60 Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Bathroom
  • 68 Stock Tank Pool Ideas
  • 76 Amazing DIY Indoor Herb Garden Ideas
  • 50 Inspiring Kids' Room Decor Ideas
  • 67 Pool House Design Ideas

Small Apartment Storage FAQs

How do you maximize storage in a small apartment?

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.

How can I hide storage boxes in my room?

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.

How do you make a plastic storage bin cute?

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.

Andra DelMonico

Writer

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

More Must-Read Articles

  • Best Storage Containers for Clothes
    Best Storage Containers for Clothes September 6, 2022
  • Best Slipcovered Sofas
    Best Slipcovered Sofas September 6, 2022
  • Best Storage Beds
    Best Storage Beds September 6, 2022
  • Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets
    Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets September 5, 2022
  • Upload Your Image
  • FTC Disclosure
  • Our Authors
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© COPYRIGHT 2023 Trendey ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

TRENDEY LLC IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. SOME LINKS MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS. WE MAY GET PAID IF YOU BUY SOMETHING OR TAKE AN ACTION AFTER CLICKING ONE OF THESE