Los Angeles is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. This explains why finding a spacious apartment in this vibrant city can be such a tricky task for a lot of people.
Are you desperate about creating more space for your tiny or cluttered LA apartment but can’t figure it out? This article is for you.
Inside, we share 8 simple strategies to help you get the most out of your living space. Remember, these tips apply even when staying in temporary housing in LA.
Let’s dive in!
Maximize Vertical Space
The key is to think vertically — literally. With the right furniture and some clever design, you can turn a small living area into a functional, efficient space that’s also stylish and comfortable.
One way to make the most of vertical space is by using bookshelves. These can be placed along any wall and come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no limit on what you can do with them. You can even build your custom bookcases for an extra personalized touch (just make sure they’re sturdy enough).
Hanging storage is another great way to maximize your vertical space. Whether those are shelves or hooks, they’re easy ways to store things out of sight while still keeping them handy when needed.
Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are an excellent addition if you’re looking to create an illusion of space. They can also help make a room appear brighter by reflecting light throughout the room.
If you stay in a small apartment, hang mirrors on all four walls instead of just two and use them as part of your décor. In addition to making your house appear bigger, they also reflect light and open up corners that might feel claustrophobic.
Keep Colors Neutral
Neutral colors are brilliant because they blend with everything and don't compete with other pieces in the room. On the contrary, white walls, gray floors, cream sofas, and chocolate brown accents create an elegant backdrop for almost any item—whether an antique or a modern lamp.
Colors that are too bright or bold can give small spaces an even smaller feel. If you're looking for something with more personality, try adding patterned accessories like rugs or wall art instead of painting the walls in intense hues that may clash with other things in your home.
Get Rid of Clutter
If you have a lot of stuff, it's hard to make everything work together nicely. You need to streamline your space by eliminating excess items that don't have a place in your home anymore.
Then focus on what matters most to you and keep those things in their right place, so they don't take over the entire room. It's easy to get distracted by all of the pretty things, but you'll be surprised how much more space you'll have with a little organization.
Use Corners Effectively
Corners are often wasted space — but not if you use them wisely. For example, instead of having a wall-to-wall couch that fills up an entire corner and leaves no room for anything else, consider using it as extra seating and turn the rest of the corner into a reading nook or office area.
Corner shelves can also store books or other items without taking up a lot of valuable floor space.
Consider Larger But Fewer Pieces of Furniture
No matter how small your living room is, try to have only a few pieces of furniture. You want to avoid getting overwhelmed by unused space and clutter.
Instead, choose one or two big pieces that will impact your eyes and use them to define the area as a whole.
For example, if you want to create an elegant yet simple look, go for a large couch with matching armchairs in the same color scheme.
Maximize Storage Space
An excellent way to make the most of a small apartment is by maximizing storage space. You can do this by using every inch of available wall space and hanging things on the walls like art or photos that can serve as decoration and storage units.
Another effective strategy to maximize storage space is by using baskets and bins instead of boxes since they take up less room and still allow you access all your belongings when needed.
Mounting your TV
The easiest way to make your living room more functional is to mount your TV on the wall. This will free up valuable floor space, making it easier to move around and use your living room as you desire.
A good rule of thumb is to mount it at eye level so you don't have to crane your neck or move your head around to see it.
Conclusion
Your small LA apartment doesn't have to look cluttered or disorganized. With the tips we’ve shared in this article, you can make it feel cozier and larger. Let us know in the comments any other tips that have worked for you so far.
