Best Furniture for Small Apartments
Living in a small apartment presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to choosing furniture that maximizes space, functionality, and style.
The right furniture can transform a cramped space into a comfortable, organized, and aesthetically pleasing home.
This article explores the best furniture for small apartments, addressing the common question, “What are the best furniture options for small apartments?”
Why Choosing the Right Furniture Matters for Small Apartments
Small apartments, whether studios or one-bedroom units, require furniture that serves multiple purposes, fits limited square footage, and enhances the overall living experience. The wrong furniture can make a space feel cluttered and unusable, while the right pieces can:
- Maximize space: Utilize every inch effectively with compact or multifunctional designs.
- Enhance functionality: Offer storage or dual-purpose features for daily needs.
- Improve aesthetics: Create a cohesive, stylish look that reflects personal taste.
- Support organization: Reduce clutter through built-in storage solutions.
Below, we’ll dive into 20 of the best furniture options for small apartments, covering a range of categories like seating, sleeping, dining, and storage.
These recommendations are budget-friendly, versatile, and designed to answer related questions such as “How to maximize space in a small apartment?” and “What are space-saving furniture ideas?”
1. Sofa Beds for Versatile Seating and Sleeping
Best for: Studios or apartments with frequent guests.
A sofa bed is a small apartment staple, combining a comfortable couch with a fold-out bed. Ideal for studios or living rooms that double as guest rooms, sofa beds save space without sacrificing functionality.
- Features to look for: Lightweight frames, easy-to-fold mechanisms, and built-in storage.
- Examples: IKEA’s Friheten sofa bed with storage or Wayfair’s convertible sleeper sofa.
- Price range: $200–$800.
Pro Tip: Choose a neutral color to blend with your decor and make the space feel larger.
2. Storage Ottomans for Hidden Organization
Best for: Living rooms or entryways.
Storage ottomans serve as seating, a footrest, or a coffee table while offering hidden storage for blankets, books, or electronics.
- Features to look for: Sturdy construction, removable lids, and cushioned tops.
- Examples: Target’s Threshold storage ottoman or Amazon’s tufted storage bench.
- Price range: $50–$150.
Pro Tip: Use a storage ottoman as a coffee table with a decorative tray on top.
3. Foldable Wall-Mounted Desks
Best for: Home offices or study nooks.
A wall-mounted desk folds away when not in use, freeing up floor space. Perfect for remote workers or students in small apartments.
- Features to look for: Built-in shelves, sturdy hinges, and a compact footprint.
- Examples: IKEA’s Bjursta wall-mounted drop-leaf table or West Elm’s foldable desk.
- Price range: $100–$300.
Pro Tip: Pair with a foldable chair for a complete space-saving workstation.
4. Nesting Tables for Flexible Surfaces
Best for: Living rooms or entertaining spaces.
Nesting tables stack together when not in use, offering extra surface area only when needed. They’re ideal for small apartments with limited room for side tables.
- Features to look for: Lightweight materials, varied sizes, and stylish finishes.
- Examples: CB2’s nesting side tables or Walmart’s three-piece nesting set.
- Price range: $80–$250.
Design Tip: Choose glass or acrylic nesting tables to create a sense of openness.
5. Loft Beds with Desk or Storage
Best for: Studios or shared apartments.
Loft beds elevate your sleeping area, freeing up floor space for a desk, sofa, or storage underneath. They’re perfect for maximizing vertical space.
- Features to look for: Sturdy frames, built-in ladders, and optional storage drawers.
- Examples: DHP’s loft bed with desk or IKEA’s Stuva loft bed.
- Price range: $300–$700.
Pro Tip: Add curtains under the loft bed to create a private nook.
6. Expandable Dining Tables
Best for: Small dining areas or kitchens.
Expandable dining tables can be compact for daily use but extend for guests. Drop-leaf or extendable designs are ideal for small apartments.
- Features to look for: Easy-to-use extension mechanisms and durable materials.
- Examples: IKEA’s Ingatorp drop-leaf table or Ashley Furniture’s extendable table.
- Price range: $150–$500.
Pro Tip: Pair with stackable chairs to save even more space.
7. Storage Beds with Drawers
Best for: Bedrooms with limited closet space.
Beds with built-in drawers or shelves provide storage for clothes, linens, or shoes, eliminating the need for a separate dresser.
- Features to look for: Multiple drawers, sturdy frames, and low profiles.
- Examples: Zinus’s platform bed with drawers or Wayfair’s upholstered storage bed.
- Price range: $200–$600.
Budget Hack: Add bed risers to create more under-bed storage space.
8. Modular Shelving Units
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.
Modular shelving allows you to customize storage based on your space and needs. These units can be rearranged or expanded as required.
- Features to look for: Adjustable shelves, stackable components, and sleek designs.
- Examples: IKEA’s Kallax shelving unit or Cubeicals’ modular organizer.
- Price range: $50–$200.
Pro Tip: Use baskets or bins on modular shelves for a tidy look.
9. Stackable Chairs
Best for: Dining areas or extra seating.
Stackable chairs can be stored compactly when not in use, making them perfect for small dining spaces or hosting guests.
- Features to look for: Lightweight materials, ergonomic design, and stylish finishes.
- Examples: Target’s stackable dining chairs or IKEA’s Frode folding chairs.
- Price range: $20–$100 per chair.
Pro Tip: Opt for chairs with slim profiles to avoid visual clutter.
10. Murphy Beds for Hidden Sleeping Solutions
Best for: Studios or multipurpose rooms.
Murphy beds fold into the wall, creating a seamless transition from bedroom to living space. They’re ideal for apartments where space is at a premium.
- Features to look for: Easy-to-use mechanisms, built-in storage, and modern designs.
- Examples: Lori Wall Beds or Resource Furniture’s Murphy bed systems.
- Price range: $800–$2,000.
Design Tip: Choose a Murphy bed with a built-in desk or sofa for added functionality.
11. Corner Desks for Efficient Workspaces
Best for: Small home offices or study corners.
Corner desks fit snugly into unused corners, maximizing space while providing a dedicated workspace.
- Features to look for: Built-in shelves, cable management, and compact designs.
- Examples: Walker Edison’s corner desk or IKEA’s Micke corner workstation.
- Price range: $100–$300.
Pro Tip: Add a small lamp to the corner desk for better lighting.
12. Folding Bar Carts
Best for: Entertaining or small kitchens.
A folding bar cart serves as a mobile serving station or extra counter space and can be stored away when not in use.
- Features to look for: Wheels for mobility, foldable design, and sturdy shelves.
- Examples: West Elm’s foldable bar cart or Amazon’s collapsible serving cart.
- Price range: $80–$200.
Pro Tip: Use the cart as a plant stand or side table when not entertaining.
13. Wall-Mounted Shelves
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms.
Wall-mounted shelves utilize vertical space for books, decor, or storage, keeping floors clear.
- Features to look for: Floating designs, sturdy brackets, and customizable sizes.
- Examples: IKEA’s Lack floating shelves or The Container Store’s wall shelves.
- Price range: $20–$100.
Budget Hack: DIY floating shelves with wood planks and brackets for a custom look.
14. Convertible Coffee Tables
Best for: Living rooms with limited space.
Convertible coffee tables can transform into dining tables or desks, offering flexibility for small apartments.
- Features to look for: Adjustable height, storage compartments, and durable materials.
- Examples: IKEA’s Vittsjö laptop table or Wayfair’s lift-top coffee table.
- Price range: $100–$400.
Pro Tip: Choose a convertible table with a sleek design to maintain a modern aesthetic.
15. Over-the-Toilet Storage Units
Best for: Small bathrooms.
Over-the-toilet storage units add shelves or cabinets above the toilet, utilizing vertical space for toiletries or towels.
- Features to look for: Adjustable shelves, stable bases, and sleek designs.
- Examples: Target’s over-the-toilet organizer or IKEA’s VESKEN shelf unit.
- Price range: $30–$150.
Pro Tip: Choose a unit with a slim profile to avoid a cramped bathroom.
16. Folding Room Dividers
Best for: Studios or shared apartments.
Folding room dividers create privacy or separate living areas while adding a decorative touch.
- Features to look for: Lightweight materials, foldable panels, and stylish patterns.
- Examples: Wayfair’s folding screen divider or Amazon’s decorative room divider.
- Price range: $50–$200.
Design Tip: Use dividers with open shelves for added storage.
17. Compact Armoires
Best for: Bedrooms with limited closet space.
A compact armoire provides hanging space, shelves, and drawers for clothes or accessories in a small footprint.
- Features to look for: Slim designs, mirrored doors, and internal organization.
- Examples: IKEA’s Brimnes wardrobe or Sauder’s compact armoire.
- Price range: $150–$500.
Pro Tip: Place a compact armoire in a corner to maximize floor space.
18. Stools with Storage
Best for: Entryways, bedrooms, or living rooms.
Storage stools offer seating and hidden compartments for small items like shoes or toys.
- Features to look for: Cushioned tops, sturdy frames, and compact sizes.
- Examples: Amazon’s storage stool or Target’s cube ottoman.
- Price range: $30–$100.
Pro Tip: Use stools as side tables or extra seating for guests.
19. Wall-Mounted TV Stands
Best for: Small living rooms.
Wall-mounted TV stands save floor space and often include shelves for media devices or decor.
- Features to look for: Cable management, adjustable mounts, and sturdy construction.
- Examples: WALI’s wall-mounted TV stand or IKEA’s Uppleva TV unit.
- Price range: $50–$200.
Budget Hack: Pair with floating shelves for additional storage.
20. Stackable Storage Bins
Best for: Closets, pantries, or bathrooms.
Stackable storage bins maximize vertical space and keep items organized and accessible.
- Features to look for: Clear or labeled bins, sturdy materials, and stackable designs.
- Examples: The Container Store’s stackable bins or IKEA’s Sockerbit boxes.
- Price range: $10–$50 per bin.
Pro Tip: Label bins for easy identification of contents.
Tips for Choosing Furniture for Small Apartments
When selecting furniture, keep these principles in mind:
- Measure your space: Ensure furniture fits your apartment’s dimensions.
- Prioritize multifunctionality: Choose pieces that serve multiple purposes.
- Opt for light colors: Light-colored furniture makes spaces feel larger.
- Consider portability: Lightweight or foldable furniture is easier to rearrange.
- Shop smart: Explore retailers like IKEA, Target, Wayfair, or Amazon for budget-friendly options.
Conclusion
Choosing the best furniture for small apartments involves balancing functionality, space efficiency, and style. From sofa beds and storage ottomans to wall-mounted desks and stackable bins, these furniture pieces address common questions like “How to maximize space in a small apartment?” and “What are space-saving furniture ideas?”
By investing in multifunctional, compact, and stylish furniture, you can create a comfortable and organized home, no matter how small your space is.
For more inspiration, check out online platforms like X for real-time small-space design ideas or visit retailers like IKEA and The Container Store for affordable solutions.
Start with one or two pieces, and watch your small apartment transform into a functional, stylish sanctuary!