How large is your room? Can you use double duty furniture (i.e. a desk can also be a vanity table, etc.)? I would go small scale and double duty furniture. Also, utilize any hidden space for storage (i.e. under the bed, closet, etc.) I live in a very small one room apartment and I'm able to make it work for me by organizing, storing, decluttering and multi-purpose furniture (I have books, dvds and cds in a storage case all in my entertainment center). Also, prioritizin helps ( what's the most important; #1, #2 and so on). Good luck!

I would get a long table. You can make it yourself or but one. I have seen a cute one on a site using boards and table legs bought from Ikea. I would make it long enough to use it as a desk and a vanity. You can add baskets underneath and on top for storage. maybe even slide your fridge underneath it. You can purchase hanging light fixtures to also save on space. I would also add a bookcase for books and personal items.

dimensions and priorities would help... most rooms are 14x14 roughly... and i think whether you want it to function as a living room/activity space rather than bedroom.... or bedroom most of the time and a living room/activity space secondary. try looking up "efficiency spaces" to get ideas.

if this was me i would look into a futon or sleeper sofa or even the "tillary collection" at west elm, or a day bed with lots of cushions to make it a "sofa" during the day.

I think by giving us a layout of your room would definitely help us to see it better and offer you better solutions. I also agreed w/ going with multi functional furnitures in small space. Definitely consider using vertical space, it had helped me a ton when I was living in a teeny-tiny studio.

I, and my four cats, live in just under 400 sq feet, which is not only my home but my place of business. So let me just say that what you're trying to do can be done, and done beautifully.

My one over-arching piece of advice would be to make sure that every piece of furniture you have has at least two functions. For instance, maximise the space under your bed with 6" or 8" risers, and a bed skirt that goes the distance. Doing this, my under-bed space functions as a flat file for my portfolios and collection of papers. I used those ikea metal drawer sets in red for both my nightstands and as the bases for my desk: voila! desk + tons of drawer space, nightstands + tons of drawer space! 2 for 1. I put a lucite sheet on my desktop, under which I stick notes to myself, etc. so my desktop is also my bulletin board. Another 2 for 1.

And like everyone else says, reduce and re-evaluate what you think you need to live your life. Living small is a great way to focus and steamline your life.

Try looking at pictures of studio apartments. That will help you start out i am sure and get some ideas.

I agree with a custom or really long desk and lots of vertical storage space. If you plan to use the space mainly for work, I would keep the bed small (no bigger than full size). I can't do a daybed/futon anymore, but maybe since you're fresh out of school you won't mind as much.

you need to provide this info:
- floor plan (post online and link here) with dimensions
- measurements for furniture that will stay in the space
- your style/theme, color scheme.

but definitely the first item so we can begin to come up with ideas for you.

Add shelving along the roof, that way you get storage space that is out of the way. Add a folding table, when not in use, hook it to the wall. Or get only a sturdy piece of wood as a table top and use a low dresser or a pair of ottomans as base. Tuck it under the bed when not in use.

My boyfriend, our newborn and myself live in a bachelor apt, and it's about 400 sq ft (I think anyway, I'm not too sure. It may be smaller.)

We basically purged a lot of stuff that we weren't using on a regular basis, only keeping items in our space that are used (aside for little knick knacks and such, but they live on shelves and such.) We use a bunch of stackable bins in our closet to keep lesser used items, and our desk functions as our tv stand.

Really, it's all about storage, organization, keeping neat, and sectioning areas for your different living spaces. Ie. a distinct bedroom space, living room/work space, and whatever else you can fit in.

I have an all-in-one room since we have a roommate in the living room, and I've made do by using shelving. If your walls are white and the shelves are white and the storage boxes are white (IKEA's Kassett boxes are perfect), it won't look too crowded. If your walls aren't white, I'd suggest going for a color that blends in better.

Also, try getting adjustable furniture, like the Norden gate-leg table (also from IKEA) but USE POWER TOOLS when screwing the hinges in. I gave myself a repetitive stress injury trying to screw the whole thing together by hand. It's also REALLY heavy but serves as storage (6 little drawers!) and can follow you to your next place and serve as a kitchen table (or bar, in our case).

planyourroom.com

Start there with what you have. Keep in mind three things:

* What you want to use your room for.
* What you are not willing to get rid of.
* How much budget you have.

It's difficult, but learn to be harsh when deciding what stays and what goes. If you haven't worn it in over a year, though all the season, throw it out or donate it. Like other commenters say, if furniture does not fit perfectly and serve multiple purposes, get rid of it. There is unfortunately little room for sentiment, especially with large items. Keep smaller items for sentimental value and display on high shelves to make the most of space.