How do Swedish people live in such tiny apartments?

 

How Do Swedish People Live Comfortably in Tiny Apartments?

The Art of Small-Space Living in Sweden

Sweden is known worldwide for its sleek design, minimalist lifestyle, and innovative solutions to everyday problems. One intriguing question that often arises is: How do Swedish people live so well in such tiny apartments? Despite limited space, many Swedes manage to create homes that are both functional and beautiful, supporting a high quality of life. This article explores the cultural values, housing context, interior design approaches, and daily habits that make small-space living in Sweden both practical and inspiring.

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1. The Swedish Housing Landscape: Why So Small?

Before diving into how Swedes live in small apartments, it’s important to understand why apartments tend to be small in Sweden.

• Urbanization and Population Density: Cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö have growing populations and limited housing stock, driving demand for compact living spaces.

• Historical Building Stock: Many apartment buildings date back to the mid-20th century or earlier, built when smaller units were the norm.

• Environmental and Economic Factors: Smaller apartments use fewer resources, reduce heating costs, and align with Sweden’s sustainability goals.

The average apartment size in Stockholm is around 40-50 square meters (430-540 square feet), which many international visitors find surprisingly small.

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2. Cultural Mindset: Embracing Minimalism and Hygge

Swedish culture embraces minimalism, simplicity, and functionality—not just in design but in life philosophy. This mindset encourages people to:

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Instead of accumulating possessions, Swedes focus on owning fewer, better items.

• Value ‘lagom’: A Swedish word meaning “just the right amount,” lagom promotes balance and moderation—perfect for small-space living.

• Enjoy ‘mys’ or coziness: Creating warm, inviting environments despite limited space is a cultural priority.

This cultural acceptance of minimalism reduces the desire for clutter and excess furniture that often overwhelms small spaces.

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3. Smart Interior Design: The Scandinavian Small-Space Formula

Swedish apartments showcase some of the best examples of Scandinavian design principles, especially for small spaces:

3.1 Light Colors and Natural Light

• Walls and ceilings are usually painted white or light pastels, reflecting natural light and making rooms appear larger.

• Large windows without heavy curtains maximize daylight, a crucial factor during long winters.

3.2 Multi-functional Furniture

• Beds with built-in storage drawers underneath

• Fold-out dining tables and wall-mounted desks

• Sofa beds and ottomans with storage space

3.3 Clever Storage Solutions

• Use of vertical space with shelves reaching up to the ceiling

• Built-in wardrobes replacing bulky furniture

• Hooks and racks behind doors for coats, bags, and kitchen utensils

3.4 Open Floor Plans and Defined Zones

Though apartments are small, open layouts create a sense of space. Furniture arrangement subtly defines living, dining, and sleeping areas without physical walls.

3.5 Natural Materials and Textures

Wood floors, wool rugs, linen curtains, and natural fiber baskets add warmth and tactile interest, making small spaces feel inviting rather than cramped.

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4. Practical Tips Swedes Use Every Day

4.1 Declutter Regularly

Swedes often adopt a “one in, one out” rule for belongings and regularly declutter to avoid overcrowding.

4.2 Prioritize Functionality

Items that serve multiple purposes (e.g., a kitchen island that’s also a dining table) are common. Less-used items are stored away or given away.

4.3 Use Outdoor Space

In summer, Swedes maximize balconies and community gardens for additional “living” areas, extending their usable space.

4.4 Respect Quiet and Personal Space

Apartment living demands respect for neighbors, so noise is kept low, and spaces are designed for personal retreat despite small size.

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5. Typical Swedish Tiny Apartment Layout

A 40m² apartment might include:

• Combined living and dining room: A sofa bed, a small table, and compact chairs.

• Mini kitchen: Efficiently designed with essential appliances and smart cabinetry.

• Bathroom: Small but fully functional, often with washing machine included.

• Bedroom or alcove: May have a built-in bed with storage or a lofted bed to save floor space.

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6. Swedish Lifestyle and Its Role in Small-Space Success

6.1 Focus on Experiences Over Possessions

Swedes tend to spend money and time on outdoor activities, travel, and social gatherings rather than accumulating lots of household items.

6.2 Community and Shared Spaces

Many apartment buildings include shared laundry rooms, bike storage, and common areas, reducing the need for individual apartments to house everything.

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7. Examples: Real Swedish Small Apartment Tours

Numerous bloggers and YouTubers showcase Swedish tiny apartments that combine design and lifestyle seamlessly:

• Compact apartments featuring minimalist furniture and plants

• Studios with loft beds and multifunctional furniture

• Creative use of IKEA hacks for small spaces

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8. How to Apply Swedish Tiny Apartment Principles to Your Home

Step 1: Assess What You Truly Need

Identify items that bring value or joy. Let go of duplicates or rarely used things.

Step 2: Maximize Light and Color

Paint walls white or light hues and use mirrors to bounce light.

Step 3: Invest in Multi-use Furniture

Look for beds with storage, foldable tables, and stackable chairs.

Step 4: Declutter and Organize Often

Create daily habits of tidying to keep your space breathable.

Step 5: Add Natural Elements

Plants, wooden furniture, and soft textiles make the space cozy.

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9. Challenges and How Swedes Overcome Them

Challenge: Limited Privacy

Solution: Use room dividers, curtains, or shelving units as visual partitions.

Challenge: Storage

Solution: Use creative vertical storage and under-bed space.

Challenge: Small Kitchen

Solution: Prioritize essential appliances and keep countertops clear.

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10. Conclusion

Swedish people live comfortably in tiny apartments thanks to a blend of:

• A minimalist, balanced lifestyle mindset

• Clever, functional design and decor choices

• Community-oriented living that extends beyond the individual apartment

• Respect for space and environmental sustainability

By embracing these principles, anyone can transform small living spaces into peaceful, efficient, and stylish homes.