Stretch Your Budget and Your Space: Clever DIYs for Small Homes

updated Mar 4, 2020

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Here at Apartment Therapy, we’re huge fans of clever, space-saving furniture and accessories for small spaces. The problem with these things, though, is that often even if they’re small, they’re not cheap, and it’s very likely that your budget is one of the reasons you’re living in a small apartment in the first place. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 15 DIY projects that will help you get the most out of your small space — and your budget too.

Above: No room for an end table? This tiny DIY table from Sinnen Rausch perches above the arm of your couch. (The original page is in German, but Google Translate can help you get the jist.)

(Image credit: Sinnen Rausch)

Vitra’s Uten.silo, the delightfully weird wall-hung organizer with all the different little pockets, is a great piece for small spaces, but it isn’t cheap. Try this DIY version from Sinnen Rausch.

(Image credit: A Beautiful Mess)

These DIY shelves from A Beautiful Mess will help you get the most out of a corner.

(Image credit: Vtwonen)

Side tables that have multiple tiers of storage, and that can be easily moved from place to place, are tremendously useful in small spaces. Make your own with this DIY from Vtwonen.

(Image credit: Smitten Studio)

Tiny closet not cutting it? Try this DIY garment rack from Stories.

(Image credit: Poppytalk)

Here’s an easy wall mount side table DIY from Poppytalk for tiny bedrooms.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

This DIY pegboard shelving system from Apartment Therapy can be hung on pretty much any free wall and is tremendously versatile.

(Image credit: eHow)

A DIY knife rack, like this one from eHow, is a great way to save a little drawer space in the kitchen.

(Image credit: Monsters Circus)

This hanging table from Monsters Circus takes up exactly no floor space at all.

(Image credit: Design Sponge)

Ditto for this wall-mounted desk from Design Sponge, which also includes storage for books or files.

This DIY fold-out desk from Shanty 2 Chic disappears when not in use.

(Image credit: Fresh Crush)

This DIY copper shoe rack from Fresh Crush will help you make the most of your entryway, or any place you need a little extra shoe storage.

(Image credit: Almost Never Done)

This skinny DIY sofa table from Almost Never Done is actually quite smart — if you don’t have any room for a coffee table or end tables, a table behind the couch is a great spot for drinks and sundries.

(Image credit: Vtwonen)

Use this DIY hanging rail from Vtwonen to add a little extra clothing storage in a small apartment.

(Image credit: Fall for DIY)

This tiny little DIY table from Fall for DIY can be moved around and positioned anywhere you need to park your drink or your phone.

Re-edited from a post originally published on 3.07.16 – AL

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