Living in a small apartment or working with a compact room doesn't mean settling for boring furniture or feeling cramped. With the right pieces and smart placement, even the smallest spaces can feel open, functional, and beautiful. Here are our best tips from years of helping customers furnish studios, apartments, and small rooms.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
In small spaces, every piece should earn its place by serving at least two purposes:
- Storage ottomans serve as seating, a footrest, and hidden storage for blankets, magazines, and remotes.
- Lift-top coffee tables transform from a surface for drinks to a laptop desk or dining surface.
- Sleeper sofas handle daily seating and occasional guest accommodations without a dedicated guest room.
- Nesting tables provide surface area when needed and stack compactly when not in use.
- Benches with storage work in entryways, bedrooms, and dining areas while hiding clutter inside.
Scale Down, Don't Skimp
The biggest mistake in small spaces is buying full-size furniture and cramming it in. Instead, look for pieces designed for smaller rooms:
- Apartment-size sofas (72–84 inches instead of 90+ inches)
- Round dining tables (less visual bulk than rectangular)
- Slim-profile nightstands instead of wide bedside tables
- Armless accent chairs take up less visual and physical space
- Wall-mounted desks that fold up when not in use
Think Vertical
When floor space is limited, go up:
- Tall bookcases draw the eye upward and make ceilings feel higher
- Wall-mounted shelves free up floor space completely
- Over-the-door organizers add storage without taking any room
- Pegboards in offices and kitchens keep tools accessible without drawer space
Visual Tricks That Work
- Legs, not skirts: Furniture with visible legs lets you see the floor underneath, making the room feel larger.
- Light colors: Lighter furniture and walls reflect more light, creating an airy feel.
- Mirrors: A large mirror bounces light and creates the illusion of double the space.
- One large rug beats many small ones: A single area rug unifies the space; multiple small rugs chop it up visually.
- Transparent materials: Glass coffee tables and acrylic chairs take up space without blocking sightlines.
Placement Principles
- Float furniture: Pulling your sofa a few inches from the wall actually makes rooms feel bigger than pushing everything against walls.
- Define zones: In studios and open plans, use rugs and furniture arrangement to create distinct living, sleeping, and dining areas.
- Leave clear pathways: Tight walkways make any room feel cramped. Maintain at least 30 inches for main pathways.
- Diagonals: Placing a table or rug on a diagonal can make a small room feel more dynamic and spacious.
We Specialize in This
At Urban Styles Furniture, many of our Indianapolis customers live in apartments, condos, and starter homes where space is at a premium. Our team loves solving small-space challenges — bring your measurements and we'll help you find pieces that fit perfectly.