I’m a Style Editor, and These Are My Favorite Small-Space Furniture and Decor Finds

Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style
Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style
As AT’s Senior Style Editor, I cover the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see home products. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
updated Jan 23, 2024
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Hey, hi, hello, I’m Blair, Apartment Therapy’s resident style editor. That means my day-to-day involves scouting out the latest home trends, as well as new brand and product launches. Basically, keeping tabs on stylish, well-designed, and budget-friendly furniture and decor is kind of my thing — especially for small spaces.

Which, speaking of, as a New York City renter myself, I know firsthand the struggles of furnishing and shopping for a less-than-palatial home. Sure, most stores nowadays might direct you to petite or small-space-specific sections of their sites, but not every offering actually hits the right scaled-down dimensions, even just for fitting big-ticket pieces within your door frame itself (don’t forget to measure, people!). Not only that, but layout schemes can get particularly tricky, too, demanding a certain degree of decorating creativity overall. Plain and simple, designing a small house, apartment, or specific room is hard!

That’s why, below, I rounded up a few of my very favorite small-space furniture and decor finds, accumulated from both my professional and personal browsing. Think compact sofas, accent chairs, desks, and smart two-in-one pieces via brands like West Elm, Target, Albany Park, and more. If you’re low on square footage, count on these 12 functional ideas to accommodate even the teeniest of bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and hallways (plus doorways!) in style — which is my forte, after all.

Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table
$699$559

There’s more than meets the eye with this West Elm Coffee Table: a built-in (and barely-noticeable) pop-up top conceals an inner storage pocket while simultaneously creating an extra laptop-level tabletop. Consider this perfect if you don’t have room for a full desk, or work-from-couch is your go to. You can't beat the price either, especially now that certain styles are on sale.

$559 at West Elm
Kearney 60.63'' Upholstered Loveseat
$880

AllModern’s Kearney loveseat checks all my boxes — it’s curved, compact, and a pretty pop of living room color. And at just 60.63 inches wide, it’s proof that even the smallest of spaces can hop on the rounded furniture trend.

$880 at AllModern
Bamboo Stackable End Tables, Set of 2
$70$52

I’ve previously raved about these two-in-one Amazon bamboo side tables, which can stack together into a multi-level nightstand or side table, or function as separate standalone units. On top of the genius design, the hollow interiors carve out much-needed shelving for books, magazines, records, or decorative objects, as well. Not bad scoring two chic living room or bedroom accents for less than $70.

$52 at Amazon
StyleWell Modern Black Metal and Wood Hall Tree with Mirror
$186$128

It’s a mirror! It’s a coat rack! It’s a cubby! This versatile organizer basically establishes a mini mud room or entryway out of blank wall space, featuring two levels of storage and hooks for hanging clothing and accessories.

$128 at Home Depot
Kennett Desk
$279

If I didn’t already have my great-grandmother’s vintage writing desk, I’d add this mid-century modern-inspired Urban Outfitters style to my cart ASAP. For one, the price is so right (why are good-looking desks weirdly so expensive!?), and there’s plenty of work space, despite the narrow silhouette. Bonus points for that well-sized drawer, too.

$279 at Urban Outfitters
Kova Sofa 86" + Ottoman
$3,042$1,825

I know, $1,500+ seems like a lot for a two-seater sofa, but editor-favorite brand Albany Park consistently raises the bar when it comes to comfort and quality. And think of this pretty 84-inch design from the brand’s Kova collection as a timeless investment piece: the furniture line includes additional mix-and-match modules, so you can expand and re-configure if you eventually move to a bigger home. This olive green velvet upholstery here feels fresh and fun, too, but I'm also a sucker for the classic beige fabric.

$1,825 at Albany Park
Sphere Floor Lamp
$170$119

If Brightech isn’t on your small-space shopping radar yet, make note, stat. The lighting brand specializes in contemporary fixtures at relatively affordable prices, including this cool floor lamp. Complete with two opposite-facing glass spheres and a thin-as-can-be brass base, the luxe-looking decor staple adds instant depth and brightness to any corner, no matter how cramped.

$119 at Brightech
Box Frame Drop Leaf Extendable Table
$699

Working with minimal dining space, or none at all? Drop leaf tables to the rescue! Left unfolded, this modern West Elm find clocks in at just 24 inches wide — a perfect table for two, tucked into a tight corner or flushed against a kitchen wall. Thanks to the two additional 12-inch panels on either side, though, it can ultimately double in size and fit up to 6 people. Hello, new hosting hero.

$699 at West Elm
Ardsley 47.2'' Console Table
$277

Round furniture and small spaces don’t always go hand in hand, but there’s a lot you can do with this half-circle, antique-looking console table. Style it underneath a mirror or piece of art, for one, to establish a little entryway nook, or even as a mini TV stand. Stash keys or remotes out of sight in the cane drawer, too.

$277 at Birch Lane
Woven Storage Ottoman Natural
$100

From Target’s popular Studio McGee collab, this lidded woven ottoman can double as a small-space coffee table or side table, all while storing extra blankets or toys. Best of all, the natural-looking design pairs with any living room or bedroom style.

$100 at Target
YOHIB Bamboo Desktop Bookshelf Organizer
$35

Overcrowded desk, meet customizable (stylish!) tabletop storage solution. Perhaps one of my favorite under-the-radar Amazon discoveries of all time, this mini bamboo bookshelf can expand and rotate into a handful of different alignments, based on your organization needs. All in all, it includes two small drawers and a handful of shelves for books, art supplies, you name it.

$35 at Amazon
Rosemead Metal Frame and Rounded Back Accent Chair Cream
$250

For a cozy statement chair with a compact footprint — that’s still sink-back-and-relax-worthy, mind you — look no further than this sherpa-inspired Target piece. The cream coloring and sleek black legs lend a modern-meets-sophisticated look to your space, as well as a subtle touch of texture that’s compatible with any patterned throw pillows or blankets.

$250 at Target

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