Photo courtesy of Floyd

Narrow stairwells, small doorframes, tiny apartments, multi-purpose spaces–these are just some of the factors that make purchasing a sofa for an apartment challenging. But today, there are a lot of new direct-to-consumer brands that specialize in modular furniture, as well as tried-and-true companies that have adapted their designs for an urban lifestyle. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best couches for apartments, but don’t be fooled–you probably won’t want to give these away when you do upgrade to a bigger space.

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Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

With winter bearing down on us, it can often feel impossible to get warm. But in addition to layering on fuzzy socks and turning up the thermostat (if you’re one of the lucky New Yorkers who has this control!), there are some easy tips and tricks for keeping the temperature and mood in your apartment cozy all winter long. Not only is it important to reassess some of our more functional home accessories like bedding and window dressings, but it’s also smart to consider how design can help a space feel warmer as we hibernate for the rest of the chilly months.

See 6sqft’s list of winter-ready hacks

Image courtesy of The Sill.

Plants don’t just make our rooms look great, they also purify indoor air, reduce stress (especially important in 2020!), and add liven up even the smallest apartments for a relatively low cost. Even if plant care and feeding lie just outside your skillset, faux foliage, like the life-like specimens from The Sill, has come a long way. Plants and everything you need to nurture them can be easy and convenient to order online, and plants and accessories make great gifts for both experienced “plant people” and newbies. See our guide below for some great green thumb gift ideas.

Get growing

It’s always fun to show a little hometown pride, but this year, New York really deserves it. Whether you want to give your out-of-town family member a memento of your city or get something personal for a local friend, these NYC-themed gifts are sure to please. From cute subway merch to puzzles of your favorite landmarks to all the best books, this guide has a little something for everyone.

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The past year has put a lot in perspective, and when it comes to holiday shopping, many of us are hoping our dollar will also help others in some way. That’s why 6sqft has put together a list of gifts that give back, from Parachute sheets that fund malaria awareness to artwork from Society6 that supports Black artists to a tote bag that helps Americares’ COVID-19 response efforts. We’ve also included some more local ideas, like Citymeals on Wheel’s holiday cards and a food gift box from Brooklyn restaurant Emma’s Torch, which acts as a culinary school for refugees and asylum seekers.

Check out the full list here

In the pandemic world of 2020, online holiday shopping is expected to grow by 33 percent, and many retailers are taking advantage of this by offering bigger, better, and longer-running Black Friday and Cyber Week deals. Of course, the number of bargains out there are countless, but here at 6sqft, we decided to round up the very best deals on offer from some of your favorite New York City-based brands and small businesses. From Insta-famous companies like Brooklinen and Great Jones to local favorites like CatBird jewelry and The Sill, these promos will save you money and support our beloved city.

Check them all out

With the pandemic hitting the NYC restaurant industry especially hard, the holidays are a great time to support your favorite local businesses. So many restaurants, bakeries, and food/drink businesses based in New York offer national shipping on their products, which means you can send your loved ones a taste of the city no matter where they are. From virtual cheese classes at Murray’s to pierogi samplers from Veselka to Bread’s Bakery’s famous chocolate babka to sake made right here in Brooklyn, there’s a little something for everyone. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite options for shopping local and spreading some delicious cheer this year.

Check out the full list

Photo by 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

Here in NYC, Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo have both advised against traveling for Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. One option is to host a virtual holiday. It won’t be the same, but it’s got its selling points (i.e. no squabbling with your mother-in-law in the kitchen or having dad refuse to turn the game off during dinner); it’ll just take some extra planning in advance. If you have family and friends local, you may want to consider a safe, outdoor meal. But we recommend buying a heater now and figuring out how you’ll keep the food warm. Ahead, we’ve put together a guide to planning a COVID Thanksgiving, no matter how you plan to enjoy the day.

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

No matter how long we live in New York City, it’s hard to get used to the sounds of jackhammers, children screaming, or our neighbors getting a little too, um, frisky on the other side of our apartment wall. And with noise complaints up a whopping 300 percent during the pandemic, many of us are actively seeking solutions to help muffle (or hopefully mute) these urban intrusions. From sound-proofing wall panels and curtains to white noise machines, we’ve rounded up some simple soundproofing home upgrades, as well as a couple more robust improvements, that will help you achieve a quieter household.

Get started soundproofing here