The Best Furniture for Small Shared Spaces

Smart Furniture Ideas for Small Rooms in Shared Apartments

Living in a shared apartment often means making the most out of limited personal space. Whether you’ve just moved into a new flatshare in Barcelona, Lisbon, or Berlin, furnishing your small room with the right pieces can make a huge difference.

Here’s a guide to space-saving furniture essentials that are both practical and stylish—perfect for flatshares and co-living arrangements.

1. Multi-Functional Furniture Is Key

When space is tight, each item needs to do more than one job.

✔ Bed with storage drawers or lifting base – Great for storing clothes, linens, or seasonal items.
✔ Folding desk – Tuck it away when not in use to open up your room.
✔ Storage ottoman or bench – Offers extra seating and hidden storage.

These pieces are perfect for turning a small room into a smart, flexible living area.

2. Use Vertical Space

Don’t just think floor-to-ceiling—use the wall space above doors, beds, and desks.

✔ Wall-mounted shelves or pegboards for books, décor, or supplies
✔ Tall, narrow wardrobes that maximize storage without dominating the room
✔ Hooks or over-the-door racks for bags, coats, or towels

Vertical storage helps declutter your floor and creates visual order in a small space.

3. Keep It Light and Movable

Heavy furniture can overwhelm a small room. Instead, opt for:

✔ Lightweight chairs or folding stools that can be tucked away
✔ Clear acrylic or glass desks to visually open up the space
✔ Rolling storage carts for flexible organization you can move between spaces

In shared apartments, it’s helpful to have furniture you can easily reposition or repurpose.

4. Prioritize Comfort in Essentials

Even if your room is small, invest in making your essentials feel good.

✔ A good mattress topper can transform a basic rental bed
✔ Use a small but supportive desk chair if you study or work from home
✔ Choose soft lighting and cozy textiles to create a relaxing atmosphere

These details will make your space feel like a sanctuary—even if you’re sharing everything else.

5. Match the Space to Your Lifestyle

If you use your room mainly to sleep, keep it minimal. If you work from home, invest in a desk setup. Before buying anything, ask:

• Do I need this every day?
• Can it serve more than one purpose?
• Will it make my room feel more open or more cluttered?

Platforms like BeRoomie make this process easier by helping you find furnished rooms that already include smart, space-saving layouts—saving you time and money.

Find your room at BeRoomie

Final Thoughts

Furnishing a small space is all about smart choices and intentional design. By focusing on multi-functional, vertical, and movable furniture, you can turn even the smallest rental room into a comfortable, functional, and stylish space.

And if you’re still searching for the right setup, BeRoomie helps match you with listings that fit your lifestyle—including already furnished options in Europe’s most popular cities.