Nowadays, more and more people, whether by necessity or choice, choose to live in homes that lack large spaces and square footage. We’re obviously talking about studio apartments, which require a minimum of 28 square meters for a single person, 38 square meters for a couple (this figure may vary depending on any municipal regulations), and one-bedroom apartments, which must provide a minimum of 14 square meters per person for up to four people, while each additional person must allow at least 10 square meters.
How can you furnish a small home to ensure harmonious living? The key is space optimization. This type of interior design requires careful organization and a targeted and precise choice of furnishings, suited to the needs of the home and its occupants. In this sense, an effective approach could be to see for yourself or, alternatively, browse catalogs with different furnishing solutions to understand the style that best suits your taste.
Living in a 30, 40, or 50-square-meter home means making the most of every inch, so in this article, we’ll explore the solutions and little tricks to consider to make a small space welcoming and pleasant.
Furnishing the living room and kitchen in a small apartment
The sofa is the centerpiece of the living room, so it’s important to choose one with the right dimensions, in harmony with the rest of the room. We recommend a modern sofa with simple lines or, alternatively, a pair of armchairs if space is limited. A beautiful rug, appropriate for the living room, is also a good solution, as it can make the space feel larger than it actually is.
Very often, in small apartments, the living room also includes the kitchenette. It’s therefore important to find solutions that optimally combine these two functions. One such solution could be an island or peninsula, which serves the triple purpose of dividing the two spaces, increasing the available space in the kitchen, and serving as a storage space for accessories or linens. More generally, it’s best to choose furniture that isn’t too bulky, avoiding overcrowding the space.
Furnishing the bedroom in a small apartment
For the bedroom, the most complicated solution is the studio apartment, consisting of a single space with a kitchen, living room, and sleeping area, plus a bathroom. If the room’s height allows, a loft bed is certainly a valid solution, as it allows the space underneath to be used for additional functions. For example, the resulting space could be occupied by a sofa, a bookcase, or a study area.
The bathroom in a small apartment
Even in the bathroom, it’s important to carefully plan and arrange the fixtures and furniture to maximize space and accommodate all necessary functions. A more detailed discussion of this topic is provided in the following article: “The Correct Arrangement of Fixtures.”
Colors to choose in a small apartment
In a small apartment, interior walls are kept to a minimum, often replaced by glass panels or furnishings that divide rooms without “closing” the space. However, color also plays a key role in creating the illusion of greater space. White is undoubtedly the ideal (and most common) choice because it creates a sense of greater spaciousness and brightness, highlighting architectural forms and furnishings. In general, it’s recommended to choose neutral shades such as beige, ivory, or even gray, then play with the colors of the furnishings.
The use of mirrors is also important; when positioned in the right places, they can create a play of reflections and light that creates the illusion of a much larger space.
These are just some of the tips you can adopt, even independently, to make a small apartment as functional as possible. However, when you decide to furnish a small apartment, it is always a good idea to rely on competent people in the sector in order to create a solution that adapts to all needs and meets all expectations.