With rents rising and square footage of micro apartments shrinking, apartment dwellers in NYC have no choice but to consider space-saving solutions. Thankfully, it’s totally possible to find furniture and decorations that look stylish without taking up much room. Much as we love hunting for vintage picks at street fairs and flea markets in NYC, online shops are still your best bet when space is at a premium. Shop our picks of the best furniture, decorations and small-space solutions, then hit some of the best shops in NYC for the finishing touches.
Who doesn’t love a bar cart? Like avocado toast and millennial pink, these trendy wheeled carts are beloved by twenty- and thirty-somethings and make an excellent addition to any pad. If you don’t have room for a full-sized mobile island, it’s a great way to add more storage space to a tiny kitchen.
Threshold Wood and Glass Bar Cart, $129.99 on target.com
This hanging rack has ton of uses: Mount it in the bathroom to hang-dry your towels, put it in the entryway for coats and bags or attach it to your bedroom wall and use it to plan out your outfits. When you’re not using it, the arm folds flush to the wall to conserve space.
Newdora Folding Wall-Mounted Hanger Rack, $14.99 on amazon.com
This curved shelf somehow makes ordinary rolls of toilet paper...cute? The rounded design looks like the a fluffy white cloud when TP is piled on top. Who knew bathroom supplies could look so quaint!
Lyon Beton Cloud Toilet Paper Holder, $125 on wayfair.com
Most pre-war apartments have some funky bits: Weird corners, awkward areas near the radiator and so on. Turn those into storage nooks with these sturdy canvas bins. It even looks like a design choice if you use them for magazines, throw blankets or books!
The Container Store Canvas Quilted Bins, $15.99 on containerstore.com
Once you buy your first tray, you will become addicted. You will live for trays. You will use them to sort your mail, organize your makeup and decorate your tiny coffee table. And if you ask us, that’s not a bad problem to have.
Threshold Acacia Wood Serving Tray, $19.99 on target.com
You wouldn’t think it’s possible to lose anything in a space smaller than 400 square feet, but it is. Hang this key holder shaped like a bulls eye in your entryway and get in the habit of attaching your key ring every time you come home. No more hunting for your keys between the couch cushions!
Magnetic Key Holder, $50.90 on etsy.com
Wondering why you would ever make space for an ottoman in an otherwise cramped apartment? This ottoman opens up for extra storage and provides an additional seat when friends come over. Total win-win.
Wade Logan Littrell Square Storage Ottoman, $81.99 on wayfair.com
Is it cute? No. Is it extremely useful? Yes. This stick-on spice rack easily attaches to cabinet doors, walls or any other flat surface. The pliable clips can hold 20 round containers—enough to have you cooking up a storm.
Rebrilliant Cabinet Door 20-Jar Spice Rack, $28.99 on wayfair.com
Mirrors can be total game-changers in teensy apartments. The reflection gives the illusion of a larger room—plus, it’s good for feng shui and making sure your outfit looks OK. Lean ‘em up against a wall or hang them over your bedroom door if you’re really tight on space.
Threshold Ladder Mirror, $56.99 on target.com
Closet space in older New York buildings often leaves something to be desired. Store your seasonal clothes in these flat bags that easily slide under the bed to free up room in your drawers.
ClosetMaid Under Bed Storage Bag, $14.99 on wayfair.com
Once you snag a reasonable walk-up, it's time to spruce up your abode with a haul from these home decor stores
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