Living in a small apartment comes with challenges — limited floor space, narrow rooms, and the constant need to balance function and style. Luckily, IKEA offers smart, affordable solutions that help you make the most of every square meter.
I, Mauritz, have personally explored and photographed these products inside IKEA stores to bring you real-life insights into how they work. Here's a deep dive into some of the best IKEA storage solutions for small apartments, covering kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and entryways.
In a small kitchen, counter space is precious. The FÖRHÖJA kitchen cart offers both extra work surface and storage thanks to its drawers and shelves. With wheels, it's easy to move wherever you need it — roll it beside your counter when cooking or tuck it away when not in use. It can even double as a breakfast bar or mobile prep station.
Bathrooms often lack storage, especially in small apartments. IKEA's ENHET shelf system makes smart use of the space above the toilet, offering shelves for toilet paper, towels, or decorative accents. Its slim profile ensures it doesn't crowd the room, keeping the bathroom functional and tidy.
When you need adaptable storage, the SKÅDIS pegboard is a brilliant solution. Hang it above a desk, in the hallway, or even in the kitchen to organize tools, keys, or office supplies. Its interchangeable hooks, shelves, and containers can be rearranged as your needs change, making it one of IKEA's most versatile systems.
For small dining areas, the NORDEN drop-leaf table is a lifesaver. Keep it compact for daily use, then unfold one or both sides when you need extra space for guests or projects. The built-in drawers offer bonus storage for placemats, napkins, or office materials, making it a multipurpose gem.
KALLAX is a fan favorite because of its flexibility. Laid horizontally, it becomes a stylish TV bench with both open and closed storage. Add baskets or doors to hide away clutter, while the open sections display books, decor, or electronics. It's an ideal two-in-one piece for living rooms where every item needs to work hard.
The EKEDALEN extendable table is perfect for small apartments, offering a compact daily size and expanding when guests arrive. Paired with EKEDALEN chairs, which feature washable covers, this setup brings style and practicality to any dining area. The dark wood finish adds warmth and sophistication, elevating the overall look.
Closet space often feels cramped, but SKUBB helps you organize vertically. Hanging from the clothing rod, it creates shelves for folded clothes, accessories, or shoes. Combine it with SKUBB boxes to keep everything neat and accessible, transforming a simple wardrobe into a highly functional space.
Entryways in small apartments can quickly become cluttered with shoes. The STÄLL shoe cabinet keeps pairs upright and hidden in its tilt-out compartments, all while maintaining a slim profile that fits narrow hallways. The top surface can hold keys, mail, or small decorative pieces, maximizing both function and style.
BESTÅ is one of IKEA's most modular systems, ideal for small living rooms. In the example I photographed, it serves as a TV stand with matching storage boxes underneath. You can mix closed cabinets with open shelving, mount units on the wall, or stack pieces vertically. This flexibility lets you design a setup perfectly tailored to your space.
Living small doesn't mean living cluttered or cramped. With IKEA's smart storage solutions, you can reclaim lost space, create multifunctional zones, and organize your home without sacrificing style. As someone who explores IKEA stores and documents these pieces firsthand, I can confidently say that the right furniture choices can completely transform a small apartment into a home that's efficient, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
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