Furnish Your Apartment to Maximize Space and Style

One of the most exciting parts about renting a new apartment is making it your own. Even if you are moving in with a roommate, you basically get a blank canvas to create your perfect escape from the world. Furnishing your new spaces can be a fun process and is much simpler than filling up an entire house, but it may require thoughtful planning to ensure you’re maximizing some smaller rooms and spaces. 

 

 

Like any project, start with what you have. Whether you’re a college student, young professional, growing family or active adult who is rightsizing for the next step in life, you’ll have furniture, décor or some favorite possession that will have to come with you. Determine which of your current furnishings you will bring along, what you’re ready to get rid of or don’t have space for and what you will need to purchase. In today’s world, you have more options than ever for finding furniture. From brick-and-mortar shops and thrift stores to Facebook Marketplace, there are many avenues for finding that right piece for your apartment home. 

 

"Crate and Barrel, RH Modern and West Elm are my go-to companies for quality furniture,” said Kaley Artkop, an interior designer in Dallas, Texas. “If you are looking for something more cost-effective, Target, At Home and CB2 have some great new lines."

 

Choose a place that speaks to your style, and make an investment in a sofa, bed frame and/or cabinet that you can use for years to come. “When it comes to style in a small apartment, try to make every piece - whether furniture or décor - something you love. It takes a while to curate your dream space, but style is found in collecting things that speak to your soul,” Artkop said.

 

 

Multifunction is the name of the game when choosing pieces for your apartment. Try out some of these ideas that Artkop recommends:

 

• Working/Dining: C tables are the new TV trays. The C table pulls up to the front or side of your sofa or lounge chair and can be used as an eating or work surface.

• Storage: Trunks are good to double as seating and storage in your living room.

• Seating: Poufs are great assets for comfortable apartment living. They make great ottomans and can be used for guests to sit on during game night.  

 

 

“One of the most effective things you can do to create the illusion of more space in any room is to purchase furniture with legs,” Artkop said. “The lift of the furniture gives the eye an easy sweep across the floor and makes the design crisp.” 

 

The right lighting, whether natural or artificial, can also make any space feel bigger. Consider a floor lamp for some height contrast in your apartment, and hang your draperies as high as they can go to make the room appear larger. Artkop also said bold colors and patterns keep the eye moving, creating the illusion of more space. Mirrors can also help.

 

 

If your apartment has an outdoor patio or balcony space, you’ll also want to think about furnishing it no matter what shape it is.

 

"Nesting tables are a must beside your table for drinks on the patio,” Artkop said. “One tip is to buy a few smaller two-seater tables that can be pushed together when you have company or pulled away when you need the room. Vertical gardens on shelves or hangers are also an easy way to make your small space feel more romantic."