New York City is a hub for culture, business, and creativity, drawing newcomers to its busy streets every day. If you are among these novice New Yorkers, it might take time to get used to the tiny apartment life. Most apartments in the city offer close quarters and less-than-ideal storage space, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for clutter.
This guide will offer some tangible tips for maximizing the space inside of your small apartment. You can create space, or at least the illusion of space, to feel more at ease in your dwelling and thrive in this new home.
Get creative with hidden storage
Your city apartment might not have the space for shelves and large crates, so you’ll need to get resourceful. It can be helpful to find furniture items that double as storage. A coffee table with an internal compartment or a chair with an ottoman with storage inside offer hidden places to stow your items. You can keep extra blankets, winter hats, charging cables, and other miscellaneous items in these places, so they are easy to access but out of sight.
Use vertical space
What you lack in floor space you can often make up for in wall space. That’s why you should think tall when buying storage shelves and decor. Placing items on a tall bookshelf draws the eye upwards and frees up floor space for other furniture. And when it comes to decor, try filling a wall with frames in a gallery style. Using the full-vertical length of the wall emphasizes the full height of the room, rather than the lack of space.
Stick to light colors
Lighter colors reflect light, making any space look larger. Stick to white and other light neutrals if you have the option to paint the walls. This same principle applies to your statement furniture pieces. It can be helpful to decorate within one color scheme, which gives the illusion of openness. You can then add pops of color throughout the space to express your style.
Mix patterns
As you add pops of color to your spaces, remember that patterns matter. Mixing patterns on features like throw pillows and blankets creates depth in smaller rooms. Try mixing florals with geometric patterns, playing with contrasting colors. This technique is a great way to add personality to any space while also expanding the space that you have.
Declutter frequently
Nothing makes a small space look smaller the way clutter does. A tidy room will look much larger than a space that is full of items. To keep your apartment as airy as possible, schedule regular time to declutter. Keep your kitchen counters clear, put away items on your table, and clear off your bedroom floor. If you have items that you don’t use often, consider placing them in a storage unit. There are plenty of Self storage in Astoria, Queens, or other areas of the city can provide a long-term solution for your clutter while you keep your space clean.
Open the blinds
When your apartment is tidy and your items are neatly stored away, a little natural light can expand the space even more. Keep your blinds open as much as possible, since doing so draws the eye outward. Your tiny apartment will feel expansive when you can see the sky, other buildings, and even trees. If certain rooms have small windows or no natural light at all, hang a mirror on the wall. Reflective surfaces have a similar effect.
A tiny apartment can be the price you pay for living in the Big Apple, but your space doesn’t need to feel cramped. You can transform your apartment into an airy and comfortable home with some small tweaks and smart furnishings. There is so much to do outside your door, but you might never want to leave.
