The best furniture for tiny apartments

As urban dwellers brace for shrinking apartments nationwide, making the most of every square foot becomes paramount.

While we love sharing stories of fancy custom touches that instantly transform tiny apartments into radically efficient spaces, there’s no doubt that just one piece of clever, readymade furniture can make a difference in your home, whether that’s adding storage where it seems impossible to do so or adding extra functionality to a standard item.

Below, check out our picks for the best small-space furniture buys that don’t skimp on style, spanning pieces for the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and beyond.

Target, Carey Round Drop Leaf Table, $168.99

Drop one leaf to put it against the wall or both to save even more space. Plus, the legs come in very cute colors, like the minty hue shown above, gray, and white.

World Market, Woven Brock Convertible Sofa, $549.99

This compact sofa folds down into a daybed or guest bed. For midcentury-loving homes, the tapered wooden legs will fit right in.

Hayneedle, Turner Lift Top Coffee Table, $137.98

This top of this clean-lined coffee table lifts up to reveal a storage chamber, perfect for stashing away knick knacks or books when guests are around. (If you’re careful to not exert too much pressure, the lift-top can also serve as a makeshift dining table for TV dinners.)

Wayfair, Ariana Column Floor Lamp, $38.24.

Triple duty alert: This floor lamp is lighting, shelf, and accent decor all in one. The diffused glow is perfect ambient lighting for a corner of the living room or the bedroom.

World Market, Bamboo Newhall Kitchen Island, $229.99

A movable island is one of our favorite small kitchen ideas. Calling this 22 by 22-inch version an “island” is a bit generous, but the four-tier design does offer plenty of storage. A granite top lends a polished touch.

Amazon, Over-The-Door Closet Rod, $14.99

For when you want to air dry clothes or just some extra “closet” space.

CB2, 3-Piece Peekaboo Acrylic Nesting Table Set, $199

Whether used in the living room or by a bed, these transparent nesting tables add extra counter space while avoiding visual clutter.

The Container Store, Umbra Expasia Wall Hook, $29.99

A sleek, smart twist on the accordion hook rack, this version from Umbra lets you expand the shape of the rack horizontally or vertically to suit all kinds of storage needs.

Ikea, RÅSKOG Utility Cart, $24.99

Like the bar cart’s more practical cousin, this compact utility cart has an adjustable middle section for different storage needs. Can work anywhere.

Industry West, Roto Table Stool, $125

These versatile stools designed by m.a.d. furniture design come in fun colors, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and can serve as seating, extra surface area, and a conversation starter.

AllModern, Orange22 Minimal Floating Desk, $469.99

Add a desk to any wall, slide-out compartment included.