The Best Furniture for Small Spaces, According to People Who Live in Really Small Spaces
I live in a New York City apartment, and, like most New Yorkers I know, it feels like an Olympic feat sharing 600 square feet with my partner. Our living room serves as a dining room, home office, and gym all in one. Needless to say, it’s taken me months to find furniture that looks good *and* fits, involving some (plenty) of trial and error.
Since moving here over two years ago, I’ve learned that finding the best furniture for small spaces is largely a matter of choosing the right-size pieces that will comfortably accommodate a home’s inhabitants and the occasional visitors without overcrowding the place. And if a piece of furniture could pull double-duty as storage, then all the better.
Practicality aside, selecting furniture that matches your personal style is also important. As Maeve Richmond, professional organizer and founder of Maeve’s Method, told Well+Good, “Everything in a small space should be functional and decorative.” In other words, furniture should be as much a joy to look at as it is to use.
To save you stress, I’ve listed seven of the best furniture for small spaces, all of which come with the approval of tiny-home dwellers—including myself.
Shop the best furniture for small spaces
Originally $1,509
Choosing the right couch for a small space can feel pretty overwhelming. You need it to be comfy enough for naps or movie nights with friends, and since it’s one of the biggest pieces in a small room, it has to look good too.
The Albany Park Lido Sofa nails it. At 75 inches long and a bit over 37 inches wide, it’s perfect for lounging without taking over the whole room. Plus, it comes in 10 upholstery options, including stain-resistant and kid- and pet-friendly fabrics, so it fits any room and lifestyle. Its clean, minimalist design means it can fit in with pretty much any decor. Bonus: There’s room underneath for storing stuff you want out of sight but still within easy reach.
Size: 75” x 32” x 37.5”
Available colors and styles: 10
What a reviewer says: “This is a cute and comfortable sofa, a great value for the money. It perfectly fits the small TV room that we bought it for … The sofa arrived on time, as promised, and it was not difficult to assemble.”
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Made with premium and PFAS-free fabric
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Assembly required
- According to some reviewers, it’s challenging to assemble
If you could use more seating and storage space, this Better Homes & Gardens storage ottoman fits the bill. It functions as additional seating, but it’s worth it alone for its storage compartment, which is large enough to fit blankets, pillows, and more.
It has a hinged lid, offering easy access to your essentials, and its cushioned seat makes it a comfortable place to sit on or rest your feet. You can place it at the foot of a bed or in the living room, and its rectangular shape can lie flush against a wall or another piece of furniture. At just over 13 pounds when empty, you can also move it from one place to another without much sweat. It comes in three neutral colors, making it easy to coordinate with your home decor, and with a 4.6-star overall rating on Walmart after more than 2,800 reviews.
Size: 30” x 15” x 16.75”
Available colors: 3
What a reviewer says: “I like that it is comfortable to sit on and that it has plenty of storage. I use it as a bench at my eating table. Plan on getting another for the other side of the table.”
Pros:
- Cushioned seat
- Offers storage space
- Available in versatile color options
Cons:
- Available in only one size
- Colors aren’t as accurate as pictured online, according to some reviewers
When you’re working with a limited floor plan, a shelf organizer with a small footprint can help you maximize vertical space. Despite this cabinet’s slim profile, it holds plenty and keeps clutter out of sight, storing items like shoes and other knick-knacks behind its closed doors. If you have more stuff than the organizer can accommodate, it’s also stackable, which means you can add another unit to increase its capacity. The freestanding unit has a 50-pound capacity, and it also has adjustable shelves for storing taller items. You can shop it in white, espresso, or dark cherry—three versatile colors that fit seamlessly into many homes.
Size: 31.5” x 24.13” x 11.63”
Available colors and styles: 5
What a reviewer says: “We bought this for extra storage in the kitchen, as it’s a small kitchen. It’s perfect for our boxed foods and wet cat food. We love it. It holds a lot of items.”
Pros:
- Slim profile
- Stackable design
- Adjustable shelving
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Limited weight capacity, making it unsuitable for heavy items
Originally $70
With over 1,000 glowing Amazon reviews, this space-saving coffee table is a hit with people who have limited space. It’s super versatile and can double as a dining surface or a work desk.
The top lifts up, giving you a higher surface for eating or working, and there’s extra storage underneath. You get a big compartment under the tabletop and two open shelves for easy access to your stuff. Plus, it’s under $100, which is perfect if you’re on a budget. Even though it’s affordable, shoppers say it’s great quality. The only downside? You have to assemble it yourself, but it comes with all the instructions and tools you need.
Size: 19.7” x 39.37” x 17.4”
Available colors: 2
What a reviewer says: “I downsized from 3,000 to 700 square feet so each piece of … furniture had to be multifunctional. I love the look and versatility of this piece. It is my ‘office’ and a great ‘TV tray’ when I dine alone. I put it together myself and the instructions were easy to understand.”
Also available on Wayfair ($140).
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Plenty of space for storage
- Comes with instructions and tools needed for assembly
Cons:
- Limited color options
- According to some reviewers, assembly is challenging
A bed with built-in storage becomes crucial when closet space isn’t plentiful. Enter, this platform bed, which can help you maximize limited square footage. It has a large compartment underneath where you can store clothes, pillows, linens, and, according to some reviewers, even sports equipment and carry-on luggage.
It lifts from the foot of the bed, eliminating the need for side clearance around its frame, and according to shoppers, the lifting mechanism makes it easy to access items even with a mattress on top. “The hydraulics make it easy to lift up and I have a heavier-than-normal queen mattress,” one shopper proclaimed. The bed itself features a tufted headboard and footboard, and you can select from four neutral colors, including black and gray, to match your personal aesthetic.
Sizes: 4 (including twin, full, queen, king)
Available colors: 4
What a reviewer says: “I put everything under my bed … suitcase, winter blanket, jacket, shoes, bags, cat food… you name it. The storage space is so big and so deep, I can’t believe how much stuff it can take … This saved my apartment, my mental state, my relationship, and me. I love this bed and whoever made [it] is a true hero!”
Pros:
- Large storage capacity
- According to reviewers, lifting mechanism offers easy access to storage compartment
- Multiple sizes and colors available
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Some reviewers have mentioned that assembly is challenging
If your living room is your dining room (and vice versa), Winsome’s space-saving table set will be your saving grace. Made from solid and composite wood, it comes with two stools that stow away underneath the table when not in use.
It also features two storage drawers and a towel rod, plus it has wheels so you can move it from one place to another without a hitch. Several reviewers have also used it as an extra counter while they cook. “My son lives in a small one-bedroom apartment and needed a small dining room table as well as an area for food prep,” one shopper wrote. “This compact unit fits the bill!” What’s more, many others have also attested to its sturdy construction. You can shop it in three shades of wood finishes, from beech to teak to coffee.
What a reviewer says: “I have a very small apartment that lacks a real kitchen. I use this as a dining table, extra counter space, a desk, and occasionally as a step ladder. It is very sturdy and took surprisingly little effort to put together.”
Also available on Walmart ($157).
Pros:
- Comes with a pair of stools
- Features wheels for easy maneuverability
- According to reviewers, assembly is relatively simple
Cons:
- May be too small for larger households
- Some reviewers mentioned that stools aren’t as comfortable as they would like
If your bedroom is short on space, or you just want a spot to keep things within reach, this small table is a great option. Its narrow wooden frame fits perfectly into tight spaces but still has enough surface area for your phone, a book, or other essentials.
Besides the round table top, it also has a bottom shelf for extra items. Plus, it can double as a side table for your living room. Even though it’s small, it’s surprisingly sturdy—it can hold up to 200 pounds, according to the manufacturer. And with five finishes to choose from, you can pick the one that best suits your space.
Size: 15.8” x 15.8” x 19.7”
Available colors: 5
What a reviewer says: “We ordered this small end table for our extra guest bedroom space in our basement. It was the perfect touch for a small room. I love that the end table was so easy to put together with minimum tools. The color was such a perfect natural wood color and it’s very lightweight so it’s easy to move.”
Also available on Walmart ($40).
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Weight capacity of up to 200 pounds
- Multiple color options available
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- According to some reviewers, assembly is challenging
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