Furnish a compact studio apartment

Small spaces have their advantages (less to clean and cost effective to furnish) but the downside is always lack of storage space. As all your living (eating, sleeping, office) are limited to one room you'll need some unique solutions (see below).

1. Remove uneccessary clutter
Clean out all unnecessary junk (clothes and old furniture) as space is at a premium. If you need to decorate (paint) choose light colours as you do not want to close in the walls. You can add colour with furniture, furnishings and of course art.

2. Apartment storage ideas
Baskets are a really inexpensive storage item. Try to find ones that can be stacked and have lids. Rattan chests, wooden boxes, ottomans, trunks and storage footstools are all good ideas. If you buy the right shape they can double up as coffee and bedside tables as well as being used as extra seating.

3. Think multi-functional apartment furniture
Futons, sofa and day beds are great pieces of furniture that can double up as seating during the day. Obviously built in wall beds are the ultimate but your budget my not stretch that far! However, another alternative is a trundler bed (a bed that has another bed under it that pulls out for guests). Slat beds are also a good option as they are easier to get into apartment buildings. You can also store boxes under them (unlike conventional beds). Make sure your dining table is small and compact. Think flip top or fold-down and buy stacker chairs. If your furniture can't be described as multi-functional - don't buy it!

4. Apartment screens
Yes, everybody needs a bit of privacy now and again. A multi-purpose screen can double up as a bedhead and divide bedroom and living space during the day. Buy a screen with removable panels if you can so you can change your theme whenever you want. Another alternative is a fixed (built in) screen that has glass or plastic inserts to screen off an area.

5. Give your apartment furniture wheels
Wheels give you the freedom to re-arrange furniture and it's sure a lot easier when it's cleaning time. Make sure your bed, TV cabinet, coffee table, desk, table and storage bins have wheels. 2 drawer filing cabinets on wheels are great for doubling up as bedside cabinets as well as office files. Under bed storage boxes (on wheels) can be purchased from most DIY shops.

6. Think outside the square even if you live in one!
Creating thinking will have you coming up with lots of ideas. Install cup hooks in the kitchen for pots and pans. Stack books to create a coffee table. Install a shelf and decorate with small funky cane baskets and pop your clutter inside (cd's books, office items, toiletries etc). Check out the latest in plastic door storage at any DIY shops which are great for bathroom items. Your ideas are only limited by your imagination.

7. Apartment art
Think big in a small space because artwork creates an illusion of space. Most studio apartments have plain white painted walls making them the ideal backdrop for amazing pieces of art work. Do it yourself or engage an art student or friend who has a bit of creative flair. It's one area where your imagination can go completely off the rails! Check out our cost effective art prints that are ready to hang.

Check out our range of apartment furniture. All items have been selected for their design (will look great in any apartment), ease of use (will fit in in your vehicle and apartment lift) and give you years of pleasure. What more can you ask for?

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