How to Organize a Studio Apartment

Studio apartments present a unique organizing challenge. With little square footage and no separate bedroom, there are few options for storage and privacy. Get creative with your decor, choosing items with both form and function to make your studio apartment a practical and comfortable place to live. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Maximize floor space by lofting your bed, so you may free up room underneath for storage or even a work area. Add vertical storage with tall bookcases that use empty wall space that would otherwise be wasted. Mount sconces on the wall instead of using table or floor lamps.

2

Use portable screens as temporary room dividers as well as decor enhancements. A folding screen adds privacy to the sleeping area and it is easily removed to open up the space for guests.

3

Choose multipurpose or convertible furniture. A sofa or futon that converts to a bed, a gate-leg or drop-leaf table and an ottoman that serves as a coffee table all save space by performing multiple functions. Add hidden storage with a cedar chest with a padded top to double as a seat or a storage ottoman to hold blankets.

4

Get rid of unnecessary clutter in the apartment. Use bins, baskets and filing systems to organize things you must keep, and throw out or give away the rest. Use wall space to your advantage with a cork board, hanging organizer or magnet board that allows you to minimize boxes and files taking up precious floor space.

5

Create storage in unconventional places. Hang a shoe holder on the back of a door. Store rolls of gift wrap in a roll-away bin under the bed or sofa. Stack two boxes of canned goods and cover them with a small tablecloth to form an end table.