Do you live in a studio or other small flat? Here are five space-saving tips.

Say goodbye to the superfluous

We're not asking you to become a minimalist, but still: do you really need those small appliances that you only use once a year (and even then)? Those clothes that clutter your wardrobe but you haven't worn in ages? All those small items you keep "just in case"? To save space, you must first make space by getting rid of the superfluous. Stop piling up, clear out, and you'll find that sorting out will lighten your brain as much as your cupboards!

Think vertical

Is your flat limited in both length and width? Well, think vertical! Add shelves, brackets, tall storage units, etc. to your walls (but that's not too much to ask), and you'll have extra space to store all your stuff. A good large bookcase is preferable to several small pieces of furniture. In the end, you will see that it will take up less space.

Make the most of every space

An entrance? A niche? A staircase? Think of installing shelves or custom-made furniture in these empty spaces, or even removable ones. In any case, they won't be able to be used for anything other than storing things. You can also put hooks on the doors to hang clothes, towels, bags...

Organise your flat

Storage is the secret to saving space. You can also divide your main room in two by using a bookcase or other piece of furniture. This may seem paradoxical, but you'll find that the whole room will look larger. This is especially true if you use two different floor coverings, paint the walls in a light colour and make judicious use of mirrors.

Buy suitable furniture

A bed with drawers, a sofa with a chest, footstools that open onto an empty box: if you're moving in and need to shop for furniture, think practical first. You'll find that designers compete with each other to slip drawers, niches and other storage spaces into essential pieces of furniture. You can also opt for modular furniture or foldable, such as a table and chairs that you use only when you need them.