Have you ever noticed that every time you move into an apartment with a roommate or share it with a family member, the space instantly gets smaller? While it may seem smaller it’s because you now have to divide the apartment equally for you and your roommate(s) to live and enjoy the space, and this can be a challenge. Whether you live in a one bedroom studio apartment or a larger unit with several people, here are tips to save space. Regardless of the size of your apartment your home could benefit from space saving tips.

Share an apartment with ease

Take advantage of hidden space:

This is one of those tips that can be applied in your apartment or your house and the same principles hold true. Hidden space is abundant in all interiors; you just have to find it! For studio or loft apartments that have an open or high ceiling, consider installing shelving high on the walls to hold books, household supplies that aren’t needed everyday or even hold seasonal items such as luggage. If you don’t have this type of hidden storage look to areas over your doorways, behind closet doors, under your bed, and inside kitchen cabinetry to hold and organize a variety of sized household goods. Consider built-in furniture that you can build for appliances. You could build a wall unit in your apartment that holds all of your electronics, books, storage, home office, and other items all in one place.

Install multi-functional furniture to save spaceTake advantage of high ceilings for storage or display

Separate areas visually:

For many apartment dwellers, privacy is a major concern and they can’t figure out how to close off their personal areas of the home. Visual separators such as curtains, screen wall dividers or even sliding glass panels with curtains on one side can work well. While you may not be able to screen out sound, often visual separation will suffice. When installing any type of doors or structural barrier, ensure to check with your leasing office or landlord to ensure this is permitted. You would hate to spend money and time on a divider that is not allowed in your apartment building.

Separate your apartment visually

Decorate with space saving in mind:

When apartment dwellers share a space they forget that the other person needs to have an opinion in the overall aesthetics as well. Talk with your roommate as to what styles of design they like, and ensure you both consider space saving furniture before purchasing. Measure out your rooms before buying furniture and talk out what essential pieces you need. If possible, shop together so your overall apartment has a unified theme and feel. Choose smaller sized furniture that doesn’t visually take up space and consider multi-functional pieces such as futons and dining room tables that can serve as home office desks.

Before buying furniture ensure you measure out your rooms

Sharing an apartment is a great way to save money and take advantage of resources in living arrangements that you may not be able to do in a large house. Saving space while sharing can often be tough, but with these ideas, see how the apartment that once seemed too small is now functional and a pleasure to live in.

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5.