Clever Space-Saving Furniture Hacks for Smaller Rentals

A successful renovation can be the most rewarding part of moving into a new rental. But it can also be a tricky process if you're working with a cozier space. Unsure where to start? Don’t worry, here we’ll share space-saving furniture tricks to help you make the most of your rental.   10 Space-saving tips  Build a loft  If you have a high ceiling and a hunger for DIY renovation, consider introducing a loft area. A loft can provide extra storage space, so you’ll have less clutter in your living area.  Is a loft the right solution for you? Consider the following points first Cost - Think about all the materials and parts you’ll need for your build. Consider your wider renovation budget and whether a loft is a cost-effective solution.   Space - Is your ceiling high enough to provide the storage you need?  Permission - One of the worst mistakes you can make during renovation is not speaking with your landlord.  Switch to a sofa or an ottoman bed  Normal beds take up a lot of space. Instead, why not consider switching to a sofa bed? This is the perfect solution for a guest room; the sofa affords extra space, so when not in use, your guest room can function as an office. When people are staying, the space can be easily converted into a bedroom.    Alternatively, you could swap regular beds for ottoman beds. These contain storage space underneath, so you’ll need fewer cabinets or wardrobes to fill your space.  Add over-the-door racks  The best home renovations involve thinking ‘outside the box’. Few people would see a door as an ideal storage solution. In reality, though, it can represent a fantastic way to declutter your rental. Door racks, as the name suggests, hang from the back of your door and provide a handy spot for storage.  Below are a few different ways you can make use of a storage rack:    A spice rack - Hang a door rack in your kitchen, and you can keep spices and other ingredients within handy reach.  Shoe storage - Sick of shoes cluttering your hallway? Add a door rack to your front door, and you’ll have the perfect place to keep your shoes.  Bathroom storage - Introduce a door rack in your bathroom to keep towels, toiletries, and hair styling equipment out of the way.    Use floating shelves  Shelves are a great example of space-saving furniture. But some floor-to-ceiling forms of storage could take up valuable room and leave your space feeling even smaller. Floating shelves provide the same benefit but take up less space.    Even better, shelves can help enhance the decor of your rental. They’re perfect for housing small items like candles, books, and flowers. So, you can declutter while also enhancing the vibe of your living area.  Choose collapsable furniture Static furniture doesn’t do any favors to those with limited spaces. But what if you could put away certain items and only bring them out when they’re needed? With collapsible furniture, you can!    For example, there’s no point having a big dining table if you’re only catering to one or two people. A collapsible dining table can easily be put away whenever and brought out when needed.    Another option is to choose stackable furniture. You might, for instance, have a table that extends into a larger dining table when needed.  Divide spaces with storage  If you live in an open-plan space, storage can be a handy way of dividing your living area. Want to separate your dining and living spaces? Adding a bookcase to the center of the room can give the impression of two distinct rooms.    You could paint both sides of the shelf in different colors to further enhance the illusion. It’s the perfect way to love your small space more.  Introduce a central storage space  One option when furnishing a smaller rental is to fill your space with small storage items. With this option, though, there’s a risk that your space might feel cluttered.   A second option is to choose larger shelving that acts as your main storage area. Some multipurpose shelving options, for example, include drawers allowing you to store a wider variety of objects. Best of all, a sleek, modern design can act as a ‘statement piece’, complementing the wider aesthetic of a space.  Introduce movable storage furniture   Do you like to adapt your living space regularly? Movable storage furniture, like a shelf on wheels, can be rearranged with minimal effort. These portable options also accommodate your storage needs as they change over time. If you need extra storage in a kids' room, for instance, you can simply wheel a shelf from one room to another.  Movable furniture is also ideal if your current apartment is intended as a short-term stay, as you can easily take your belongings with you when you move!   Repurpose bedside tables  A bedside table can serve purposes beyond storing lamps or clocks. Typically, nightstands have built-in shelves, perfect for housing clothes, linens, and knick-knacks. If you want even more storage, though, swap your traditional nightstands for small dressers. These take up the same amount of space and negate the need for a larger, more space-consuming dresser in your bedroom.  Use more bookshelves  Remember, a bookshelf isn’t just for storing books. It can also be used for displaying flowers, vases, and other ornaments. By covering your walls with as many bookshelves as possible, you’ll unlock plenty of extra storage space. What’s more, they take up minimal room, so they won’t leave your living area feeling cramped. If you choose a wall-mounted shelf, you won’t need to sacrifice any floor space.    Bookshelves can also function as a workspace, so you won’t need to find additional space for a desk. You can create a cozy working environment, surrounded by items that help you relax and focus.  Tips for a successful renovation  You’ve seen our space-saving furniture hacks. Before you jump into your renovation, though, it's important to plan. For the best possible renovation, think about the following points first.    Decide your budget - How much can you realistically spend on your renovation? It’s always better to decide your budget before splashing out on furniture. A certain item might look great, but leave you with little wriggle room for the rest of your renovation.   Think about renting - Buying furniture outright can be expensive, especially if you’re planning a short-term stay in your rental. When renting, you can return items when they’re no longer needed. Some platforms also provide the option of rent-to-own furniture. Under this plan, you’ll own your furniture once payments are complete. It’s a more flexible solution, helping you avoid large upfront payments.    Get to know your space - Understanding your space is a crucial part of every renovation. Gain accurate measurements and determine a look and feel that will work with your space. Think about the sort of materials, colors, and designs that will meet the vibe you’re looking for.    Consider your rental contract - It’s important to know what you can and cannot do during a renovation. For example, your rental contract might not allow you to make certain alterations to a property. Remember, it's always best to check with your landlord if you’re ever unsure.  Get renovating!  There’s no denying that renovating a smaller rental can be difficult. But a cozier space shouldn’t take the fun out of renovation. As we’ve explored here, there are plenty of examples of space-saving furniture that can make your renovation easier.    Remember, planning ahead is essential; not all the examples listed above will work with your rental. Know your budget, space, and the terms of your rental contract. With enough planning and preparation, renovation becomes ‘a walk in the park’. So, why not get started?