Tips for furnishing a 20 m² studio flat

We can call it an art when furnishing a small studio flat of 20 m². The most demanding part is coming up with the concept, and so finding a unified style for the whole flat. Yet it is even harder to stick to your idea unconditionally throughout the entire project, so that your flat then looks unified and orderly.

Two-person households are a trend of today.  As a result, demand for small flats is also growing, which is why it is especially important to plan everything carefully. Fortunately, there is now an almost endless variety of furniture, and designers have mastered plenty of tricks for making a studio flat of 20 m² at least look bigger, so that the people living in it do not feel suffocated.

Colours, colours and more colours

Ideally, choose furniture in white or in one of the light shades, which can only benefit a small space. The same applies to buying a mirror, which makes a room look bigger. Transparent materials serve a similar purpose, that is, glass or plastics, which can also come in all sorts of shades. Also consider folding furniture and adapt it to the current situation, whether it is a dining table or chairs.

A dining table in a small flat

Do you long for a proper dining table, or do you carry your food straight from the kitchen to the living room and eat it on the sofa in front of the TV? This is another choice you will need to think about. If you mostly eat out and cook very little, there is no reason to give up precious space to a large dining table. On the other hand, if you cannot imagine living without a dining table, you can consider a clever extendable table that will not restrict your space in any way.

Right up to the ceiling

Rooms crammed with lots of objects on display never look spacious or tidy. Try using open shelves for books and favourite photos, which will also give you a sense of cosiness. On the other hand, you need enough storage space, which can be quite a challenge in a small flat. So do not be afraid to use every suitable spot for cupboards. You can make them practically invisible by having them made to measure and painting the doors the same colour as the surrounding walls.

It is also good to remember the space directly under the bed. Even in the bathroom we struggle with a lack of space and usually only fit a storage cabinet under the washbasin. Yet you can also use the space above the boxed-in ledge, which is ideal for mirrored cabinets, as they make the space look bigger and you can also store small items in them.

Try using open shelves for books and favourite photos

Comfort comes first

Having a studio flat does not mean you have to sit on chairs just because a sofa would take up too much space. Comfort matters too, and so take time to find one that fits your living room just right. Focus on its construction. Ideally it should fold out into a bed, so that a friend can stay over at your place.

For small spaces, handy footstools or poufs are ideal, as they take up little space but guests can sit on them comfortably. A designer armchair will also add style to the room.

Do not forget the coffee table either. One larger table can be replaced by a set of stackable ones that you pull over when you need somewhere to put down a coffee or a magazine. A table on wheels is also a good alternative.

Handy footstools or poufs.

Out with the clutter

No doubt you too have a few things at home that no longer serve any purpose, but it breaks your heart to throw them away. Instead, you can simply give them away. Post an ad on one of the specialised websites or on a social network. Just type phrases such as “bazaar, neighbourhood, classifieds” into a search engine and you can join one of the groups where people swap or give away things they no longer need, straight away. You can also offer your things for free, for the cost of collection or for a token sum.

Finally, follow these tips too

• Avoid bold, saturated colours
• Choose light-coloured furniture
• Make use of every centimetre of storage space
• Keep things tidy and organised
• Clever gadgets make work easier and save space.

Before you think about how to improve your studio flat, take a look at our other articles, for example 7 Tips for Your Dream Bedroom, or what can help relieve a headache.