8 City Apartments That Go Big In Under 500 Square Feet

With a little creativity and ingenuity, you’d be surprised what can be packed into a tiny space.

Check out these eight city apartments that manage to do it all — within 500 square feet or less — part of our recurring column from Dwell!

1. A Box-Like Sleeping Nook in Paris: The exposed patina of unplastered walls, contemporary decor, and a built-in sleeping nook all mix within this versatile living space.

Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine

Located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, the budget-conscious renovation of this 244-square-foot apartment resulted in modern function without compromising the space’s historic charm. With a cozy, box-like sleeping nook and built-in storage throughout, contemporary touches work perfectly alongside the gorgeous unplastered walls, parquet floors, and original molding.

2. A Tree House-Inspired Loft in Hong Kong: This apartment features a cozy sleeping loft that frees up precious floor space for the remaining 370-square-feet of living area.

Courtesy of Dennis Lo

Already sitting high in a Hong Kong high-rise, this apartment elevates itself even further with a suspended bedroom perched above the dining area. The lofted space has enough room for a full-size bed, and features views outside via the floor-to-ceiling window from down below. With the front of the box-loft enclosed and designed to look like latticework, the sleeping area is also visually undetectable when visitors first enter the apartment.

3. A Stylish, Simplistic Studio in Milan: Simplistic plywood paneling cleverly conceals a kitchen, bathroom, and murphy bed.

Courtesy of Fedrico Villa

This Italian flat might be only 301 square feet, but it feels much larger due to a plywood paneling system that can either conceal or reveal many of the apartment’s functions: a pull-out guest bed that doubles as a sofa, a separate murphy bed, wardrobe, and hidden sliding doors that reveal the monochromatic blue hues of a kitchen and bathroom. No matter the time of day, this tiny space seems to take a shape that fits the homeowner’s needs.

4. An Unexpected Corner Balcony in Buenos Aires: A pullout dining table, hidden bathroom door, and plenty of functional storage are built into the kitchen cabinets, with bookshelves dividing the living and sleeping areas.

Courtesy of Fernando Schapochnik

This open-air studio in Buenos Aires feels transformed when a wall of doors are opened to the corner balcony, allowing fresh air to pour in, and inviting the homeowners to enjoy an expanded living space. With a perforated screen that provides both privacy and insulated heat on chiller days, the enclosed outdoor area is yet another unexpected feature of this well-designed, 269-square-foot abode.

5. A Chic and Minimalist Split-Level in Taipei: Featuring a custom split-level strategy, the home delineates its various spaces with floor-level changes.

Hey!Cheese Photography

Taking style and functional cues from the acclaimed Japanese lifestyle brand Muji, this minimalist apartment in Taipei was redesigned for two young professionals on a budget of just $35,000. The space features an open-plan layout instead of wall-dividers to take advantage of the high ceilings and natural light. With birch plywood and crisp white walls, this 355-square-foot space feels both chic and calming.

6. A Playfully Reimagined Former Maid’s Quarters: This charming flat features hidden compartments that unfold like characters in a children's pop-up book, revealing themselves with brilliant pops of color.

Bertrand Fompeyrine

As the smallest apartment on our list, this 120-square-foot flat in Paris seems to unfold like a children’s pop-up book. The archways and alcoves all take on a playful yet chic, muted color scheme, while the kitchen cabinetry unfolds to reveal a two-person dining table and a brilliant pop of color. Even though this space is primarily used as a rental property, that didn’t stop the owners from turning this place into a vibrant and stylish new space.

7. Unexpected Student Housing in Rotterdam: Inspired by the tiny home movement, this small studio in Rotterdam managed to pack a lot of style and function into just 194 square feet.

Wouter van der Sar

Rotterdam, a city in South Holland, is known for its architecture, and that now extends to student dorms at a local university. Once commercial offices, these mini studios now feature multi-functional spaces, such as a suspended bed-loft with stairs that double as storage and a bookcase, a kitchen sink that also includes a bathroom vanity, and other comforts to make students feel at home––all within just 194 square feet.

8. A Beautifully Renovated Ukrainian Flat: With the original features such as exposed brick and Austrian parquet flooring, this 376-square-foot flat in Lviv has been modernly upgraded while still acknowledging its remarkable past.

Courtesy of Maksim Sosnov

Although this 376-square-foot apartment in Lviv, Ukraine was once crumbling with decay, the tiny space was transformed into a cozy, contemporary home thanks to a thoughtful restoration. Features such as a lofted bed area, strategically placed mirrors, and custom storage make the residence feel much larger than it really is.

For more from our Dwell column, check out 9 Apartments With Clever Clutter-Busting Cabinets and 8 Lush Homes To Inspire Your Own Indoor Plant Party.