Small space solutions, tips and inspiration.
Plus, how to fit a dining area into a small apartment!
This small space solutions post is in partnership with World Market
IIf you love small spaces—or find yourself living in one—you know how important thoughtful planning is. When a single room must serve multiple purposes, creative choices and smart furniture make all the difference.
My daughter Courtney recently moved into her first apartment and has been slowly turning it into a cozy, efficient home. Her living area doubles as a dining space, a workspace and guest sleeping area, and she’s found simple, pretty solutions to make it all work.
Hi friends, it’s Courtney here. I’ve been enjoying decorating my new apartment and discovering how to get the most out of each square foot. Even though it’s smaller than many homes, thoughtful choices make the space feel open and comfortable.
After years in a tiny bedroom, it’s a treat to have a kitchen, living area and a spot for guests—all within a single open space.
I bought my dining table months before I moved in; my mom even used it as an end table while I waited. It was a little risky to purchase furniture before seeing the apartment, but choosing a compact, versatile table meant it would fit almost anywhere.
Small space tip: Invest in flexible furniture.
This table serves many roles: a small dining spot for up to four, extra prep space in the kitchen, and a craft or work surface. In small homes, furniture that pulls double duty keeps the space useful without crowding it.
I use the table daily for meals and work, and it’s perfect for hosting friends. You don’t need a separate dining room to enjoy gathering around a table.
Her next purchase was a set of Windsor chairs. They’re lightweight, stackable in purpose, and easy to move around—handy when guests need extra seats or when a chair is needed at a desk.
The round table and curved chair backs help circulation and prevent crowded corners. Choosing the right scale and shape improves both function and the feel of a small room.
Small space tip: Choose furniture shapes and scales that maximize flow and comfort.
Lighting has made a big impact. Before adding a floor lamp, the space felt dark in the evenings. A single floor lamp now warms the room, brightens the dining area and creates a cozy atmosphere without taking up much floor space.
Small space tip: Floor lamps add ambience while occupying minimal floor area.
Courtney prefers to keep only pieces she truly loves—dishes and accessories that delight her rather than filling cabinets with items she never uses. This approach keeps the kitchen tidy and the home feeling intentional.
Small space tip: Keep only what you need and love—less clutter, more style.
One of the table’s best features for a small apartment is its drop leaves. They can be folded down to squeeze the table against a wall, window or sofa, and extended when more surface area is needed—an ideal solution for flexible layouts.
Small space tip: Drop-leaf and nesting tables stretch to meet your needs without permanently taking up space.
An ottoman inherited from her mom works as a soft coffee table and extra seating. Adding a tray provides a stable surface for drinks, combining comfort and practicality in one piece.
Small space tip: Ottomans can serve as both coffee tables and additional seating—use a tray for a firm surface.
(me with my sister, Kylee!)
I’m so pleased with how the space is shaping up. Little, deliberate choices—versatile furniture, good lighting, reduced clutter and pieces I love—have made a small apartment feel warm, useful and welcoming.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll share more updates soon as I add a few finishing touches and new pieces to the room.
>> Come follow me on Instagram for more updates <<
PS. My mom is updating her home too and will share her repurposing ideas soon. She often transforms what she already has into fresh looks, which is a great source of inspiration.
Sources:
White Bowls
Marbled Mugs
Dining Table
Dining Chairs
White Handled Crock
White Glass Hobnail Cups
Red Striped Towels
Gray & White Marble Canister
Tufted Ottoman
Gold Mirrored Tray
Floor Lamp