Is it possible to live well in 40m²? 5 tips to make the space comfortable

Living in an apartment of up to 40m² is an increasingly common reality, especially in large cities. Although the reduced square footage may seem like a challenge at first glance, the truth is that, with smart decor choices and planning, it is entirely possible to create a functional, welcoming, and full-of-personality project.

According to an exclusive survey by Housi, the trend is clear: the focus on compact units should gain even more momentum in the coming years. This phenomenon reflects a growing desire for freedom and practicality, where the "less is more" mindset stops being just an aesthetic concept and starts to dictate the architecture of cities.

Developments that prioritize curated services and multifunctional design prove that living well doesn’t depend on large square footage, but on smart choices.

More than simply adapting to the size, the proposal is to transform the small space into an intelligent place where every detail works in favor of comfort and practicality.

(Júlia Tótoli/Divulgação)

Contrary to what many imagine, living well is not directly linked to the number of square meters, but to how they are used. Creative solutions, versatile furniture, and good organization make all the difference day to day, bringing visual lightness and making the routine easier. Below, check out five essential tips to make a compact space much more pleasant and efficient.

1. Invest in multifunctional furniture

Marcenaria multifuncional caracteriza apartamento com vista para o Cristo. Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. Na foto, copa com canto alemão e canto do café. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

In a reduced space, every piece needs to play more than one role. Multifunctional furniture is a great ally, as it helps optimize the project without compromising comfort. Sofa beds, folding tables, storage beds, and retractable countertops are practical examples that let you transform how you use the space as needed. This versatility is essential for those who need to balance different activities in the same project, such as working, resting, and hosting guests, without creating a feeling of tightness or information overload.

2. Go for a light, continuous color palette

(Júlia Tótoli/Divulgação)

Colors have a direct impact on the perception of space. Light tones, such as white, beige, soft gray, and pastel hues, help reflect light better and create a sense of spaciousness. In addition, maintaining a continuous palette across projects avoids abrupt visual breaks, making the apartment look larger than it really is. This doesn’t mean giving up personality: pops of color can appear in decorative objects, cushions, or artworks, bringing life without weighing down the composition.

3. Use vertical space to your advantage

(Alexandre Suplicy/Divulgação)

When horizontal space is limited, the solution lies in exploring the walls vertically. Tall bookcases, shelves, and niches increase storage capacity without taking up usable circulation area. Verticality can also be used aesthetically, creating interesting compositions that enhance the décor. In addition, keeping the floor more open contributes to a sense of organization and lightness, essential in compact projects.

4. Prioritize natural and artificial lighting

(Alexandre Suplicy/Divulgação)

Lighting is one of the most important elements in a small space. Whenever possible, maximize natural light, avoiding the use of heavy curtains or furniture that block windows. As for artificial lighting, the ideal is to opt for different points of light — such as table lamps, LED strips, and spotlights — to create layers that make the project more welcoming. Good lighting not only visually expands the space, but also contributes to day-to-day well-being.

5. Keep organization a priority

Projeto de Fernanda Medeiros. (Luiza Schreier/Divulgação)

In compact projects, organization is not just an aesthetic matter, but a functional one. Accumulated or out-of-place items can quickly create a sense of disorder and reduce usable area. That’s why investing in organizing solutions, such as boxes, baskets, and internal dividers, makes all the difference. In addition, adopting a more minimalist lifestyle — prioritizing only what is truly necessary — helps keep the project light, practical, and pleasant to use.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.