Cool hostels are good places to look for apartment inspiration. They're usually decorated on a budget, and they have to make the most of a very small floorplan. DanHostel, a five-star hostel in Copenhagen, offers lots of good ideas. Furniture-maker Gubi decorated the space in bright colors and simple shapes. We especially love the upholstered "pods" nestled inside the wood panel walls shown above. Click below for more...

A great idea for a guest room: using twin beds that can be pushed together. The long upholstered headboard unifies the separate beds and anchors the room.

Folding bunk beds seem to float out from the walls, and sconces provide reading light without taking up floor space.

A wall-mounted writing desk provides counter or writing space without eating up a lot of room. When the top bunk folds down, it creates a panel of bright color against the wall.

You don't have to use mirrors to open up a small space; any reflective surface produces similar results. This dining table reflects light from the cluster lamps hanging above. For more information, visit Gubi and DanHostel Copenhagen. In Chicago, Gubi furniture is sold through Morlen Sinoway Atelier.

Photos: Gubi