10 Ways to Live Comfortably in 400 Square Feet (or Less)

When it comes to apartment living, it’s not how much space you have but how well you use it. For many people, the benefits of living in an urban area outweigh the inconveniences of residing in a minuscule 400-square-foot apartment. While a tiny footprint can be challenging, there are plenty of ways to make it work—and work well.

Think your place is too small for a home office? Think again. Beautiful and functional, an armoire-turned-home-office may be just the thing to remedy your spatial dilemma.

If apartment space is at a premium, make your furniture serve double duty. Place a wooden chest or bench at the foot of your bed and use it to store clothing and blankets, or provide extra seating.

When there’s no more room to spread out, spread up. Make the most of your apartment’s wall space by hanging shelves as high as 18 inches below the ceiling in any room.

Besides giving your apartment a clean, modern appearance, clear acrylic, or Lucite, furniture takes up less visual space than traditional wood pieces.

If your bathroom is feeling cramped, you can create extra storage space by mounting a shallow ledge near your sink. Use it to hold lotions, face wash, toothbrushes, and other items you use daily; store the rest of your toiletries in decorative baskets or out of sight.

Light colors don't necessarily mean pastels, but they do mean the illusion of a larger room. Painting your walls in a shade anywhere from a pristine white to a sunny yellow is an easy fix that makes any room seem airier and more open.

Save counter and cupboard space by hanging pots and pans directly on the walls in the kitchen. Wall-mounted pot racks are an excellent option, or you can make one of your own with pegboard and hooks.

Borrow a trick from the world of magic by placing a large decorative mirror behind a sofa or bed. The mirror not only frames the furniture, it instantly creates the illusion of a much larger space.

Beyond just holding books, magazines, and artwork, a strategically placed bookcase can act as a room divider that helps define a space. Two rooms for the price of one!

Even a small room will appear large when flooded with natural light. If you have few windows, consider installing blinds or shades that will soften rather than block the light. Also, avoid large pieces of furniture that can prevent light from filtering through the space.

If you're interested in more on storage solutions, consider:

Get Organized: 20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage

Top 10 Clutter Hotspots-- and Quick Tips for Tackling Them

15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big