All the Best Furniture & Storage Hacks for Studio Apartments, According to an NYC Renter

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Moving into a small space can be a shock. Suddenly, nothing you brought fits, you're out of space before you've even unpacked, and you're immediately on the hunt to find the best small space furniture and gadgets.

With social media claiming everything is a “must-try viral item,” sites like Amazon offering anything at the click of a button, and every influencer telling you to try their DIY hack, it is SO difficult to determine what's a genuinely good product and what's not. That's why part of my job is testing and reviewing products to find the best ones, which was truly put to the test when I moved into my studio.

Below, you will find what I (the self-proclaimed King of the Studio Apartment!) have discovered are the best options for small space furniture and functional products for tight rooms. Here's a sneak peek...

These things make living in my small apartment in NYC a little bit easier—they range from multi-functional pieces that serve dual purposes to tiny gadgets from TikTok that add personality while also serving a practical purpose.

Also, I'm happy to report that most of these products are on Amazon, so you’ll be filling up your space in no time with their free 2-day shipping for Prime members! And not to worry—I’ve been scouring the web to make sure I’m finding the best deal on these products, so you’ll be getting the best price possible (a bunch of them are on sale RN!).

Metal Mesh Steel Basket Organizers (Set of 2)

Instead of just throwing everything in a drawer or storage cabinet, these handy baskets keep miscellaneous trinkets and beauty products neatly organized.

Under Bed Storage Containers (Set of 2)

Living in a small space means you have basically nowhere to put anything. So, whoever came up with the idea of under-bed storage is a genius and deserves a prize. These storage boxes from Amazon have over 22,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating. They're equipped with zippers, handles, and a clear top, so you can easily pull it from under the bed and see exactly what you are looking for.

Good Grips 3-Piece POP Container Everyday Set

These airtight containers keep food fresh for longer and provide a cute, functional way to organize groceries. I use mine for coffee beans and it works great! Grab this three-piece set on Amazon for just $11 a pop.

Wood Lift Top Coffee Table with Hidden Compartment

When looking for a coffee table for my place, I knew I needed to find something that would store things and also be comfortable to work on. This table features a lift top which is a godsend when I'm working from home. When the compartment is lifted, you can have access to remotes, blankets, cups, or whatever else you want to put in there!

Stone Bath Mat

I don’t know about you, but my bathroom is so small that as soon as I step out of the shower my entire bath mat is sopping wet and it is just... nasty. This stone bath mat from Sutera is made from diatomaceous earth, which means it's super-absorbent and dries in literal seconds. It’s kinda like magic watching it happen in real time.

Now Playing Vinyl Record Stand Wall Holder

If you are an avid record collector like myself, you’ll love this cute wall holder for your record sleeve that's spinning. This one from Amazon is on sale for $15 and comes in a variety of colors to match your aesthetic.

Hand Shower

Specifically made with renters in mind, Sproos comes with easy-to-follow instructions on how to set up this hand shower. It has three different jet modes that make me feel like I’m in a fancy gym or a spa instead of my studio bathroom. Plus, the super-long hose makes sure every part of your body, even the hard-to-reach spots, is accounted for. Did I mention they come in the cutest and most vibrant colors?

Luder Bookcase Storage Cube

This five-cube bookcase serves as multifunctional storage for records, books, or anything else you might need to tuck away. I recommend placing some of the basket organizers throughout the blank slots for an aesthetic touch. It has over 80,000 reviews and is over 60% off on Amazon.

Deebot N8 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop

This smartphone-enabled robot vacuum maps out your space and draws out dirt from even the smallest crevices on your floor, according to the brand. I’ve seen it in action—when mopping, the robot will stop as soon as it reaches my rugs and turn around to clean more of my hardwood floor. I love to just turn this on before I leave for work and come back to a beautiful, clean apartment.

Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe by De'Longhi

Moving is not cheap, especially when you’re living alone and realize you are not splitting anything with a roommate (this realization had me questioning my entire decision). So, cutting out your daily $7 latte for a Nespresso machine that can make the same drinks at home will save you a pretty penny over time. This machine is a compact, fast, and reliable coffee maker that takes up minimal space on your counter. It’s also 20% off right now on Amazon!

Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set

In my eyes, hotel sheets do not even compare to these sheets because they're so soft and comfortable during any season. Luckily for you, they're on sale RN.

Shadwick 2-Door Metal Locker Storage Cabinet

Without this storage unit, my apartment would look like a landfill. I placed it in one of my closets to give me some extra storage space, and with three shelves that are 15 inches deep, it fit everything I needed it to while adding a sleek locker vibe to my closet. Nostalgia for my high school days really hit while setting this up!

Smart Oven, 5-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo

When looking to save space, the last thing you need is 50 different kitchen appliances when you can just get an all-in-one device like this! I’ve personally been using the Tovala Smart Oven since April 2023 and I am obsessed. It is a toaster, oven, air-fryer, broiler, and reheater in one. Also, if you feel so inclined, Tovala offers meals that are shipped right to your door. They arrive with a QR code that, when scanned, tells the oven exactly how long and what temperature to cook your food.

Sloane Grey Rug

Small spaces mean things can get dirty pretty quickly and the first thing to show signs of dirt is your rug. Ruggable makes washable rugs that can be easily swapped out depending on your mood or the season.

Original Stretch™ Extra-Large Blanket

Sometimes after a long day, you just want to bundle up on your couch and binge-watch an entire season of your favorite show. These giant 10-foot blankets are truly the best and are so soft thanks to specially-formulated fabric that’s smooth and stretchy (hi, blanket sharing!!). Plus, it comes with a carrying case for easy storage.

Original Hybrid Mattress

This is the mattress to end ALL mattresses. The moment my body touched the surface, I audibly gasped. It's so soft, comfy, and supportive, while not being too hard or too soft. I’d recommend this for side sleepers as this mattress features different firmness for shoulders and hips. I used to be weary of “bed in a box” brands, but this experience from Casper changed me for the better. Also, it’s on sale on Amazon for 15% off!

Bed

This bed frame from Thuma is the best bed frame I’ve ever owned. So sleek, sturdy, and easy to put together. It only took about 10 minutes to set up with no tools required, and plus, it boasts 4.9 stars and over 17,000 reviews. Here’s my TikTok review if you need more convincing...

And if the price tag isn't agreeing with your wallet, check out this similar option we found on Amazon for $285! It features the same no-tool set up and offers a similar look and feel.

V15s Detect Submarine

This Dyson device serves as both a vacuum cleaner and mop. It comes with three brush heads—one for vacuuming, one for mopping, and one that illuminates to see if you missed any dirty spots. It's easy to use, compact, and perfect for apartments with hardwood floors.

You Might Also Like

• Here’s What NOT to Wear to a Wedding

• Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You’ll Ever Try