50 Tiny Apartment Storage and Shelving Ideas that Work for Everyone!

The small apartment can be a constraining living environment when not done right. But for those willing to go the extra mile and innovate, even the tiniest apartment can feel spacious, cheerful and efficient. Creating such an efficient environment is all about smart blend of aesthetics and ergonomics. Having already shared with our readers some of the best small apartment living room and bedroom ideas, today we turn our attention towards shelving, storage and space-conscious units that have the potential to completely transform your home.

Metallic space-savvy shelving for the ultra-small apartment in white

Once again, we stay away from kitchen shelving and cabinets today as we have already given you a glimpse into the world of tiny apartment kitchens. From living room entertainment units that multitask to bedrooms shelves and dining room credenzas; this is a look at the smartest ideas from all corners of the globe. Beyond just conjecture, these are storage and shelving ideas that have been actually used in contemporary living environments. Even if enjoy a spacious home with a large living room, these ideas will come in more than handy. Delver in and discover the very best!

For the Small Living room

The small living room needs a careful balance between storage units and shelves and an open, charming ambiance that gives you a sense of spaciousness. It is smart to start from the entertainment unit in the living room that can help tuck away all the accessories, cables and everything else you might have in lying around. In the tiny living area with limited space, a low-slung entertainment center coupled with the accent wall can become the focal point of the room with ease.

Living room entertainment unit also contains space for tufted seats

Lower level wooden cabinets combined with open wooden shelves for smart living room storage and display

Make sure that the smart bookshelf fits into the overall style of the small living room

Refurbished living space of Barcelona apartment with a smart, low-slung bookshelf

Tiny living room of the small Russian apartment

Unique wooden shelves connect the living area with the kitchen visually

Beyond the entertainment center, there are the bookshelves and open display units that can also be used to shape the functional accent wall in the living room. It is best to choose the wall closest to the corner and that is ‘out of the way’ in a sense to give the room a more spacious visual appeal.

White decor blends in with the backdrop creating a sense of spaciousness

Wooden media unit stands out when placed before the whitewashed brick wall

Corners turned into cabinets can save plenty of space in the small apartment

Think Smart and Go Vertical!

We are big fans of homes where shelving maximizes the vertical room on offer. This is a great way to take the pressure off the floor area in your already small apartment and this strategy works equally well in the bedroom, living room and dining area. A wall of open shelves filled with books, vases and accessories can also anchor the neutral clad room visually and you can ring in a host of colors without altering the style or theme of the space.

Go vertical when you want to save space in the small apartment!

Slim and stylish bookshelf in white for he contemporary apartment

Slim wooden shelf next to the glass panels becomes a lovely display area

Smart space-saving solutions for the tiny apartment

Wall of open shelves can hold pretty much anything you wish to showcase

Wall of wooden shelves for the revamped Barcelona home

Yellow and black floating shelves act as plant holders inside this budget friendly apartment

Blue cabinets mounted on the wall save square footage inside the small apartment

Delightful use of vertical space inside the small, urban apartment

Floating shelves coupled with a smart entertainment unit for the tiny living room

Space-Savvy Bedroom Shelving

Floating modular units are currently a favorite among homeowners as they help you in creating additional storage space whenever needed. If you fall on the messy side of the spectrum, then you can opt for closed floating cabinets in the bedroom to give it a more organized appeal. Those wanting to fashion a lovely display inevitably would pick the floating modular shelves that are shaped like a box or ones that are much simpler and sleek.

Bedroom corner turned into a tidy workstation using slim floating shelves

Creating space for the extensive shelf in the kids’ room

Custom cabinets in white for the bedroom blend in with the backdrop

Mirrored wardrobes with space-savvy features bring cheerfulness to the small bedroom

In the small modern bedroom, cabinets and wardrobes that blend in with the walls and more or less disappear into the backdrop are almost a must. White and lighter shades of gray come in handy here along with custom cabinets that have a handle-less design. Wardrobes with mirrored doors also are a great way to brighten the tiny bedroom even while giving you a smart mirror in the corner!

Scandinavian style bedroom with a room divider that doubles as a cool display

Sliding mirror conceals a large bookshelf behind it

Small bedroom of the apartment with shelving above the bed

Tiny bedside workstation with simple floating shelves above it

White built-in cabinets for the tiny bedroom make a big difference

Bed with storage space underneath comes in pretty handy!

Corners, Niches and Room Dividers

Yes, adding space-savvy shelving and cabinets in the tiny apartment is great. But what if you could double this advantage by maximizing the corner that is otherwise forgotten! Corner shelving and storage units come in a wide range of designs and you can choose from a host of diverse options – the slim, curvy floating shelves, the closed cabinet in the corner or the tall, lean shelf fitted with strip LED lighting; take your pick and notice the transformation.

Custom wooden shelf for the small urban apartment is a great space-saver

Even a tiny nook can be turned into storage space inside the small apartment

Minimal and smart floating wooden shelves for the small dining area

Slim black bookshelf in the corner is a smart space-saver

Small fold-out work desk and dining space inside the small apartment

Space above the kitchen area has been used to the hilt in this cat-friendly apartment

Steps to the loft turned into storage units inside the tiny apartment

Tiny storage space underneath the bench inside the small apartment

Unassuming and minimal stand for both plants and books

Bedroom corner is used to provide additional display and shelving options

Discover What Works for You

Finding the right smart shelving idea or storage unit for your modest apartment depends largely on both your chosen style and specific needs. In an open plan living area where you want to delineate space without hindering the flow of light, a glass partition with built-in book rack is a smart option. On other occasions a small stand that holds a plant and some books might be all you need. Vintage suitcases that are repainted and act as the coffee table, smart fold-out tables with niches that can hold stuff and benches with built-in storage – for the creative, the options are endless!