These genius tiny homes will make you want to downsize

The world's cutest and cleverest micro-apartments

<p>Miranda / Airbnb</p>

Miranda / Airbnb

These micro-apartments pack in genius space-saving ideas, storage hacks and gorgeous designs. Whether it's a sleek NYC address, a Parisian escape or a London pad, each one may be tiny, but none of them are skimping on storage.

Read on to see how to make the most of your small apartment without compromising on style...

Sleek mini-flat, London, UK

<p>Savills</p>

Savills

You don’t have to sacrifice style or luxury for space with this chic London flat. Despite having only 358 square feet (33.3sqm) of floor space, the studio manages to squeeze in all the essentials, from a smart modern bathroom to a fully fitted kitchen.

There's even a “spacious” living room, according to the listing. Of course, it should be acknowledged that these are all in the same room!

Sleek mini-flat, London, UK

<p>Savills</p>

Savills

Complete with streamlined, uniform cabinetry which unifies its full range of appliances, the L-shaped kitchen offers everything you need for a home-cooked meal.

The curvature of the layout, meanwhile, is cleverly designed to keep the kitchen area self-contained without its being in a separate room, while also allowing the space to feel connected to the living area.

Sleek mini-flat, London, UK

<p>Savills</p>

Savills

The living area itself is small but functional, pictured here with cleverly chosen seating which could serve as both armchairs for relaxing, or as dining chairs when pulled up around the table.

Another particular highlight of the flat is the caramel-coloured parquet flooring, which flows seamlessly throughout the different parts of the small space.

Sleek mini-flat, London, UK

<p>Savills</p>

Savills

High ceilings with light fixtures concealed within the moulding creatively add a sense of height to the room where depth is lacking, and ample closet space allows for the minimalisation of clutter.

Plus, the flat comes with access to the building’s spa, gym, pool and cinema, so there’s plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs outside the confines of the tiny apartment.

'Vie boheme' flat, Berlin, Germany

<p>Heike / Airbnb</p>

Heike / Airbnb

Impossibly tiny but undeniably adorable, this micro apartment in the heart of Berlin offers the bare necessities in a bite-sized package – even if the shower is only two feet from the bed.

At just 194 square feet (18sqm), this cute 4th-floor flat couldn’t get much snugger, but we’re not complaining!

'Vie boheme' flat, Berlin, Germany

<p>Heike / Airbnb</p>

Heike / Airbnb

Located in the popular Winsstraße, the flat is situated in a renovated old building, which means it boasts both rustic charm and modern amenities.

The bathroom is not so much a room but an addition to the space, comprised of a glass shower, the world’s smallest shelf sink, and a toilet (which we promise is located discretely behind its own closed door. For modesty when showering, simply pull the curtain around the shower enclosure.

'Vie boheme' flat, Berlin, Germany

<p>Heike / Airbnb</p>

Heike / Airbnb

Meanwhile, the sleek black kitchen comes equipped with a toaster oven and two hot plates – just about enough to satisfy your cooking needs.

Remarkably, there is also a dishwasher and a reasonable amount of counter space. While you won’t be hosting dinner parties in this flat, there’s certainly room for a cosy meal for two at the antique wooden table.

'Vie boheme' flat, Berlin, Germany

<p>Heike / Airbnb</p>

Heike / Airbnb

A cast iron daybed completes the ‘vie boheme’ vibe of the apartment, conveniently functioning as both cosy sleeping quarters and a casual lounge.

With all of Berlin on your doorstep, who could ask for more than a simple space to rest your head at night?

Chambre de bonne, Paris, France

<p>Cristina / Airbnb</p>

Cristina / Airbnb

This quintessentially Parisian pocket apartment is about as dreamy as it gets…contained within its limited floorplan.

Situated in a stunning 19th-century Haussmann architectural building, the studio, or 'chambre de bonne' (a type of French apartment consisting of a single room in a middle-class house or apartment building), is the perfect place to experience the city of light from the heart of the coveted 5th arrondissement.

Chambre de bonne, Paris, France

<p>Cristina / Airbnb</p>

Cristina / Airbnb

Tucked perfectly into place, the bed folds out from a single into a double to accommodate two people and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Parisian rooftops.

An adjacent wardrobe provides sufficient storage space and, at the opposite end of the room, a quaint dining area enables you to live the French bistro experience from the comfort of your own apartment.

Chambre de bonne, Paris, France

<p>Cristina / Airbnb</p>

Cristina / Airbnb

Above the dining table, a cleverly positioned mirror reflects the city view from the window, creating the illusion of a second window and thereby seemingly expanding the small space.

The kitchen facilities, meanwhile, include a refrigerator, hot plate and microwave – not quite the necessities for a fine French feast, but with the rest of Paris just outside the door, who wants to eat in?

Chambre de bonne, Paris, France

<p>Cristina / Airbnb</p>

Cristina / Airbnb

Finally, tucked discretely in a ‘Harry Potter cupboard under the stairs-style closet, the bathroom facilities include a toilet and shower.

The minimalist design throughout the apartment creates a sense of elegant charm which embodies the idea of ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’ in an effortlessly stylish fashion we can only describe as très chic.

Monmartre pied-à-terre, Paris, France

<p>Roxane / Airbnb</p>

Roxane / Airbnb

Staying in Paris although this time atop the city of lights in Montmartre, this pied-à-terre (French for 'foot on the ground' and a small living space often in a large city) is packed with quirky charm squeezed into just 248 square feet (23sqm) of space.

The flat is located in the popular Château Rouge neighbourhood known as 'Little Africa' and offers easy access to all the lively cultural hotspots that surround it.

Monmartre pied-à-terre, Paris, France

<p>Roxane / Airbnb</p>

Roxane / Airbnb

The lounge area is replete with luxurious amenities you’d never expect to find in a space with such limited square footage, including a washing machine, dishwasher, oven and flatscreen TV.

A green accent wall and lots of plants give the home an earthy feel, while the abundance of natural light also helps to make the open-plan living area feel larger than it is.

Monmartre pied-à-terre, Paris, France

<p>Roxane / Airbnb</p>

Roxane / Airbnb

The separate bedroom consists of, well, a bed, but creates a cosy cocoon for two people to escape the hustle and bustle of the city at day’s end.

The apartment is situated on the 4th floor of the building, so no need to worry about busy street noise while you’re sleeping either.

Monmartre pied-à-terre, Paris, France

<p>Roxane / Airbnb</p>

Roxane / Airbnb

The adjoining bathroom is small, but, as with everything in the apartment, offers everything you need, including a shower, shelf sink and toilet, all of which are sleek and modern.

Impeccably presented throughout, the pied-à-terre packs a powerful style punch in a pint-sized floor plan.

Manhattan micro-apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Compass</p>

Compass

This adorable micro-apartment in the heart of Manhattan is packed with period charm, from its beautifully detailed moulding to its breathtaking hardwood floors.

The 1940s studio is a far cry from the modern box builds so frequently associated with micro-apartments and instead boasts a wealth of charm, colour and warmth in a neatly packaged parcel.

Manhattan micro-apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Compass</p>

Compass

The combined bedroom and living area, while compact, still offers room enough to fit a double bed, snuggly situated in its own niche and a large, sectional sofa and entertainment centre.

If you’re wondering where on earth the storage is hiding, you’re in for a surprise, there’s actually a walk-in closet right next to the bedroom, an unheard-of luxury in such a small apartment.

Manhattan micro-apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Compass</p>

Compass

Viewed without the bed in the picture, the living room itself could easily be believed to belong in a standard-sized home. Two large windows help to open up the space and white furniture adds to the sense of airy brightness.

An arched doorway off the entrance hall, lantern-style matching light fixtures and an accent wall bookcase combine to make the space feel elegant but cosy.

Manhattan micro-apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Compass</p>

Compass

There is also a fully equipped kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, as well as a tiny dining nook with fold-out seating to maximise cooking space when not in use.

The bathroom, meanwhile, boasts a soaking tub complete with Jacuzzi jets, the ultimate form of relaxation.

City skyline apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Corcoran</p>

Corcoran

With city skyline views, polished hardwood floors and plenty of natural light, this sleek modern apartment epitomises the New York studio.

The space offers everything you need: a bedroom, dining area, living room and kitchen, all in one compact, 330-square-foot (30.7sqm) corner apartment.

City skyline apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Corcoran</p>

Corcoran

At the rear of the micro-apartment, the bedroom area makes the most of the windows and view and includes a flat-screen TV opposite the bed.

The area is made somewhat private from the rest of the space by a shelving unit, the backless shelves of which not only provide ample storage but also cleverly allow light to permeate through to the rest of the space.

City skyline apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Corcoran</p>

Corcoran

The second ‘quadrant’ of the apartment includes the sofa and modular dining area, which also benefit from a large window and view.

Against the plain white walls, the black-framed windows act as dramatic focal points throughout the apartment, superseding the need for art or other decorations and making the city itself the star of the show.

City skyline apartment, New York City, USA

<p>Corcoran</p>

Corcoran

Moving past the three-piece bathroom and closet, the last ‘quadrant’ of the studio is the kitchen, which you immediately enter upon opening the front door.

A somewhat pared-down facility, the kitchen includes an oven, mini-fridge and pantry… and that’s about it. Good thing you can feast your eyes on those views.

Shabby-chic loft, London, UK

<p>Miranda / Airbnb</p>

Miranda / Airbnb

French country meets cottage-core in this adorable London loft, which certainly doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style along with square footage.

Halfway between Nine Elms and Brixton, this tiny flat offers the perfect cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of central London and even includes access to a private garden.

Shabby-chic loft, London, UK

<p>Miranda / Airbnb</p>

Miranda / Airbnb

The French-country style kitchen, though compact, comes fully equipped with an oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and farmhouse sink.

The soft robin’s egg blue paint used for both the flat’s shiplap walls and cabinetry creates a sense of unity throughout the space, which includes the kitchen, living area and dining nook.

Shabby-chic loft, London, UK

<p>Miranda / Airbnb</p>

Miranda / Airbnb

Featuring a stylish hodgepodge of dining chairs and bench seating, the cosy breakfast area overlooks the rest of the living space, which includes a plush sofa, an assortment of shabby-chic occasional chairs and, believe it or not, even an upright piano.

One wall is comprised of a set of French doors opening out onto the garden, while the opposite wall behind the dining table is covered by a large mirror to maximise the light source.

Shabby-chic loft, London, UK

<p>Miranda / Airbnb</p>

Miranda / Airbnb

Up a flight of stairs, the lofted bedroom boasts a luxurious mahogany sleigh bed. This clever sleeping solution provides the perfect means of maximising both space and privacy.

Meanwhile, back downstairs, the cleverly designed wet room includes a walk-in shower, toilet and sink, all beautifully tiled to match the rest of the flat. What could be sweeter?