Furnishing a new small space or trying to maximize every square inch of your current one is, ironically, no small task. It means getting creative with multifunctional pieces, planning ahead to maximize storage, and, of course, finding furniture that’s small and stylish enough to make it all happen. Walmart’s huge collection of furniture, appliances, and home accessories includes an impressive number of items that are perfect for small spaces—and a surprising number of them are under $100. We took a look through the selection of small-space solutions, room by room, to find the cream of the crop.
Living room
The key to designing an efficient setup in a small living room is to think about multifunctionality. If your living room also doubles as your office, and maybe triples as your dining space, and possibly quadruples as a guest room … keep all your different needs for these different functions top of mind when deciding what to buy.
These mid-century inspired nesting end tables can be used together as a set, or separated for different tasks. | $67–$79.29 at Walmart.
Where to begin? A set of mid-century-inspired nesting tables clock in under $100 and instantly double the surface area of your average end table. The smaller table easily tucks away when not in use or could be put to use in another room (think bedside table or bathroom plant stand).
When you’re ready to level up, trade out your sofa for one that converts to a bed to make your living room work overtime as a guest room. A sleeper sofa is the traditional choice for this job, but it can be chunky in stature and could overwhelm a petite living room. The small space superhero: a multi-positional sofa like this one that easily converts from a sofa during the day to a lounger in the evening or a bed at night. It has an airy, lightweight silhouette that won’t interrupt the flow of your space, which is key when you’re working in tight quarters. The same goes for a modern lift-top coffee table. Closed, it keeps a low profile, and doubles as a desk or dining space when the top is lifted up.
A multi-positional sofa like the Bellamy Studios Cornwall Sofa Bed performs the task of a sleeper sofa without the visual weight. | $299 from Walmart.
Kitchen & dining
In any small kitchen, storage is the priority. Small-space dwellers might think that a tiny kitchen inevitably translates to “never enough storage,” but fret not—a few savvy swaps can help you make the most of what you’re working with. First: Think about the items that take up the most storage space in your kitchen. Besides the food itself, that probably means dinnerware, cookware, and small appliances.
When it comes to your dinnerware: Why have two sets when you can have just one? Invest in a set like this—it’s sturdy enough for everyday use but also feels formal enough for special occasions. And it’s under $50 for 4 full place settings. On the cookware front, it helps to keep your collection limited to the pieces you use most often, whether that’s a cast-iron skillet you use every day or a Dutch oven that’s your go-to for braising. The same goes for appliances. If coffee is a daily ritual, it’s okay to devote your coffee maker some valuable counter space full-time. A slim machine is convenient and keeps a low profile.
With the space you’ve saved by limiting the basics, you might be surprised to find room for some specialty equipment, like an air fryer or a rice cooker. Lots of these countertop appliances have been scaled down in size with small spaces (and just cooking for one or two) in mind—and they’re also much more affordable than the full-size versions.
Even if you don’t have a dedicated dining room or your space is open layout, creating a dining space isn’t out of the question. A versatile pub table with stools is a next-level kitchen upgrade that gives you dedicated dining space but also serves as added workspace for cooking or extra storage for cookware or appliances.
A cast iron Dutch oven is stylish enough to live on your range full-time. | $49.98 at Walmart.
Bedroom
Your bedroom may be cozy (read: tiny), but it likely has walls (read: storage opportunities). Take advantage of that vertical space. Floating shelves are a great choice for adding extra storage without creating visual clutter, but to elevate your game even higher, try a version with an integrated mirror. A mirror helps bounce light around a small room, and it could even function as a skincare or “last look” station with a comb and hair products to save space in the bathroom. Try adding a mini succulent there, too. It won’t take up much storage space, but it goes a long way toward giving your space a little personality. When it comes to a bedside table, a wall-mounted version can save you floor space and be cleverly positioned by an outlet for charging your phone overnight.
When you’re ready to take on stepping up your storage, look to investing in essentials that earn their keep. Every bedroom needs a bed, so level up by finding a comfy one that also offers some integrated storage. This one includes built-in drawers, which are a huge plus if you need some space to store off-season clothes, towels, or bedding.
If closet space is an issue, consider a hanging wardrobe. It’s an easy way to get some extra rack space for clothes, shoes, and accessories, and will encourage you to pare down your wardrobe to just the essentials. Versions like this one will even add a full-length mirror to your bedroom.
Last but not least, don’t hesitate to consider the possibility of including a workspace in your bedroom. A small desk can provide plenty of room for a laptop, as well as some extra storage space for work essentials. Pairing it with a sleek desk chair creates a zone that inspires style and productivity.
