Here’s What Life Is Like in Some of NYC’s Tiniest Apartments

Before there were tiny houses, there were tiny apartments. But sometimes small spaces turn out to be little gems. After you’ve peeked inside these fabulous New York City studios and one-bedroom flats, you might even be inspired to downsize.

Surrounded by the quaint chaos of Greenwich Village, this one-bedroom, 440-square-foot apartment radiates coolness and calm. 

White walls and flooring bring much-needed brightness to a tight urban space. Black accents and weathered wood stand in bold contrast against the monochromatic color scheme.

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To bring the charm of prewar France to New York City, this homeowner stripped down her 435-square-foot studio and applied a white and slate gray palette to the interiors. 

The reimagined apartment doesn’t shy away from pattern. Unexpected touches, including Spanish tile floors and elegant marble countertops in the kitchen, give this tiny space a huge impact.

With an ample 525 square feet and a well-defined sleeping alcove, this Gramercy Park studio offers amenities and views that are pure Manhattan.

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White walls and wood floors amplify the light that pours into the apartment, while contemporary furnishings give off a sleek and urban vibe.

With less than 500 square feet to work with overall, these homeowners stole a little over a foot from the living area to make the kitchen and bathroom larger and more functional. The dark cabinets and soapstone countertop retreat against the white background, adding visual space.

Warm whites and pops of blue and burnt orange make the bedroom seem more expansive. A small bedroom closet was combined with an adjacent coat closet then closed off with a curtain to make the most of the storage space.

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This redesigned 560-square-foot apartment proves that family-friendly doesn’t have to mean large. An exposed brick fireplace along with wood furnishings, flooring, and shelves bring natural elements into this light, airy living room. 

The homeowners opted for a “wet room”—a bathroom without a shower enclosure—to help the cramped space feel more relaxed. A slanted floor directs water to the drain, and bright, geometric Moroccan tiles make a bold, cheerful statement.

Light walls, Brazilian cherry floors, and beautiful art transform a 550-square-foot studio into an open-concept retreat. 

Built in the 1950s, this Murray Hill co-op got a face-lift with contemporary appliances, including a sleek, narrow, counter-depth refrigerator, and a lush mix of patterned fabrics and rich-toned artwork.

Gramercy Park is a coveted enclave, as the lavish decor of this 550-square-foot studio reflects. 

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Epitomizing classic sophistication with a modern twist, the space sparkles with mirrored accents, custom lighting, and elegant wall coverings that help to delineate different zones.

Take a cue from this tiny New York City apartment: If neutral tones aren’t your thing, pair white with your favorite color in a strategically chosen location. 

Azure cabinets in the kitchen and eye-catching black-and-gold wallpaper in the bathroom give this one-bedroom, 580-square-footer a bold and beautiful edge.

With only 550 square feet to work with, this one-bedroom apartment in a 1960s-era building offers a 21st-century take on midcentury style. 

Warm wood floors and contemporary furnishings are enhanced by robin’s-egg blue walls and bright yellow accents.

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Wood is the central element of this 650-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment located in the South Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.

The homeowners employed the Japanese concept of “negative space” to maximize serenity and minimize clutter. Quartz countertops, a slim refrigerator, and prefinished oak floors enhance the clean, serene ambience.