These pieces can handle a floor plan challenge.
Living in a small space does not mean you are forced to sacrifice the interior design layout you’ve been coveting. You just have to work a little harder than you would in a sprawling space. Our design editors, who all live in New York City apartments, get it, so we are sharing some of the best, most strategic furniture brands for small spaces that shine brightest in a spatially limited room. Ahead, you’ll find plenty of names you know and a few with which you may not be as familiar. The one thing they all have in common is their ability to squeeze into a small space.
Additionally, many of the pieces pull double duty—whether it’s a storage coffee table or an ottoman that doubles as extra seating when guests come over. Many of the brands also offer pieces in non-traditional dimensions designed to fit into that little nook and so much more. Ahead, shop our favorite small space-friendly brands—these pieces can handle a floor plan challenge.
Amazon
A storage bench may seem like a niche piece of furniture you may not need, but hear us out: If you are low on closet space in the bedroom, but need somewhere handy to keep extra sheets and whatnot, there is nothing more convenient than a storage piece that doubles as comfortable furniture. Plus, since it’s from Amazon, the price is right, and the shipping is fast.
Our favorite items:
Hetta
If the pieces at Hetta look familiar, it’s because the brand is actually the brainchild of the same group that founded Sundays (also on this list). Hetta is a bit more traditional in terms of aesthetics, as it’s meant to be more heirloom than furniture of the moment, but it’s definitely on par with Sundays in terms of quality. We love pieces like the dressers and nightstands, which, for the most part, are taller than they are wide, making them ideal in smaller spaces.
Our favorite items:
Wayfair
Wayfair hardly needs an introduction, so we won’t spend too much time offering a breakdown on the brand, but we will say this: Wayfair sells quite literally hundreds of thousands of pieces, so you can find pretty much anything you’d need in any size here. Because there’s so much inventory on hand, the brand constantly hosts sales, which we’d consider a big plus in our books.
Our favorite items:
CB2
CB2 also needs no introduction, as it’s been around since 2000. Since then, the minimalist brand has really capitalized on its ability to squeeze into small spaces. Nothing is really oversized or overly ornamental, making pretty much everything ideal for an apartment or awkwardly small room.
Our favorite items:
Floyd
Floyd boasts a very specific style, so it’s definitely not for everyone. It tends to prioritize comfort over everything else, so if you’re looking for trendy, stylized furniture, you may not find it on Floyd’s site. Instead, you’ll discover very cozy pieces with streamlined, midcentury-inspired shapes that you’ll immediately find comfortable. And yes, we’ll note that this sectional isn't particularly small, but it’s modular, so you can make it smaller or larger depending on how many pieces you can fit into your living room.
Our favorite items:
IKEA
IKEA is almost synonymous with small space, as nearly everything on offer can be wedged into even the tiniest of rooms. What’s more, IKEA has more storage pieces than anything else, so if you’re wondering how you can put the tall wall in the kitchen to better use, you may want to take a look at the IKEA pieces that can get the job done.
Our favorite items:
West Elm
West Elm is not famous for being small space-specific, but there are plenty of pieces that definitely work wonders in small spaces. One such item is the Andes storage bed, which Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner inherited when she moved in with her fiancé. “I live in a pretty large one-bedroom, but there’s only one closet, which is a problem because I have a sizable bedding and towel collection,” she explains. “Luckily, there are four deep drawers that offer more than enough room to keep both collections out of sight when they’re not in use.”
Our favorite items:
Article
Article's modern style and modest pricing is great for any first-time renters or homeowners. House Beautiful editors have used their chic sofas and decor to liven up a space with geometric silhouettes and bright colors. It's a one-stop shop to outfit your home, with bespoke finds for every room, indoors or outdoors. You can make large space dreams come to life in a small space, like this sprawling canopy bed, Commerce Editor Anvita Reddy tested.
Our favorite items:
Burrow
Burrow first went viral for its apartment-friendly sofas. They're shipped in separate boxes for easy maneuvering around weird corners and small door frames. Their modular offerings can move and reconfigure easily, so you can rearrange your living room endlessly. It makes hosting a breeze. Add a few of their midcentury modern-inspired decor pieces, and you have a home that feels seamless and curated.
Our favorite items:
Nathan James
For renter-friendly, space-conscious furniture, Nathan James makes a great affordable outpost. They're grounded in neutral color palettes, but still feel elevated. Even the most minimalist decorators will approve. "I have several Nathan James pieces in my tiny apartment," says Lifestyle Editor Madison McGee. "Shoutout to this desk, which I've been using for the past 4 years, drills right into the wall and has tons of shelf storage space."
Our favorite items:
Sundays
If you've been in the market for a sprawling cloud couch, but it didn't feel small space-friendly, Sundays is your middle ground. We've reviewed their Movie Night Sofa and Get Together Sectional in tiny city apartments, and they make any living room feel inviting. And the pieces are way more affordable than the traditional RH model. They also carry a few small stools, tables, and nightstands to complete your cozy room.
Our favorite items:
Castlery
Furniture with hidden storage can make any small room serve double duty. Castlery has a wide range of pieces that fit the bill, offering major style and customization options. Think lift-top coffee tables and storage beds, and they aren't an eyesore in your space. When you're ready to invest in long-lasting pieces but still don't have much room to work with, find your favorites here.
Our favorite items:
Joybird
Joybird creates ultra-customizable furniture pieces for any and all color and size preferences. Swivel recliners, sleeper sofas, and storage ottomans are available in an array of vibrant fabrics, from pet-friendly chenille to sumptuous velvet. No need to compromise on style—you can still find statement pieces. Check out the "Apartment" line for pieces designed for compact areas.
Our favorite items:
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