Small apartments can be a challenge to live in, especially if you feel like you’re constantly tripping over things or running out of space. But with a few clever tricks, you can make your small apartment feel more spacious and comfortable. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Design Tips for Small Spaces
1. Let In The Light
One of the best ways to make a small space feel larger is to let in as much natural light as possible. If you have windows, open the curtains or blinds and let the sunlight stream in. You can also try using lighter-colored paint on your walls to reflect more light.
2. Use Mirrors
Mirrors are great for making a space look bigger because they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Hang a mirror on a wall or place one in a strategic spot, like near a window, to make your small apartment feel more spacious.
3. Keep It Simple
When it comes to furnishing your small apartment, less is definitely more. Choose simple, clean-lined furniture that doesn’t take up too much space. And be sure to declutter regularly to keep your home looking neat and tidy.
4. Get Creative With Storage
If you’re lacking in storage space, get creative and find ways to store things elsewhere. Use baskets or bins to tuck away items that would normally clutter up your home. And consider using the space under your bed or in other nooks and crannies for extra storage.
5. Add Plants
Plants can do wonders for making a small space feel more open and airy. Choose some low-maintenance plants that won’t take up too much room, and place them around your apartment to help freshen things up.
6. Paint The Walls A Light Color
Light-colored walls will reflect more light and make a small space feel brighter and more open. Go with a white or light neutral shade to keep things feeling airy and spacious.
7. Avoid Dark Colors
Dark colors tend to absorb light, making a small space feel even smaller. So when painting or decorating your apartment, steer clear of deep hues like black, dark brown, or navy blue.
8. Let Go Of Unused Items
One of the best ways to make your small apartment feel more spacious is to get rid of things you don’t use or need. Do a purge every few months and get rid of clothes, books, or other items that are taking up valuable space in your home.
9. Use Multipurpose Furniture
Look for furniture that can serve more than one purpose to make the most of your small space. For example, a coffee table with storage underneath can double as a place to keep blankets or other items out of sight
. Or consider using a daybed as a sofa during the day and a bed at night.
10. Keep The Walls Bare
Too much stuff on the walls can make a small space feel cluttered and cramped. So instead of hanging up a lot of art or photos, try keeping the walls relatively bare to help open things up.
11. Use Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a great way to add storage without taking up too much space. They also create the illusion of more space by not interruption the flow of the room.
12. Hang Curtains Closer To The Ceiling
Hanging your curtains closer to the ceiling will make your windows look taller and your ceilings look higher, which will in turn make your space look bigger.
13. Use Light-Colored Fabrics
Light-colored fabrics can help brighten up a small space and make it feel more airy and spacious. When choosing furniture or window treatments, opt for white or light-hued fabrics instead of dark ones.
14. Avoid Bulky Furniture
Bulky furniture can make a small space feel even smaller, so try to avoid it if possible. If you must have a piece of bulky furniture, like a bookshelf or dresser, try to find one with slim lines or that can be tucked away in a corner.
15. Use Reflective Surfaces
In addition to mirrors, anything with a reflective surface can help make a small space feel larger. Try using glass or metal accents, or even glossy paint, to add some extra reflection and brighten things up.
16. Keep Things Organized
A cluttered space will feel even smaller, so it’s important to keep things tidy and organized. Make a habit of putting things away after using them, and invest in some storage containers or bins to help corral items.
17. Use Furniture With Exposed Legs
Furniture with exposed legs gives the illusion of more space since you can see underneath it. So when shopping for furniture, look for pieces with slim metal or wood legs that don’t block your view.
18. Don’t Be Afraid Of Empty Space
Embrace negative space and leave some areas of your small apartment unadorned. Having too much stuff can make a space feel cramped, so it’s okay to have a little bit of empty space here and there.
19. Use See-Through Furniture
See-through furniture, like acrylic tables or chairs, can help a small space feel more open since you can see through it. It’s also a great way to add some extra light and reflection.
20. Decorate With Plants
Plants not only add life to a space, but they can also help make it feel more spacious. Choose plants that are slim and tall, and place them in corners or other tight spaces to help fill the voids.
21. Use Rugs To Define Areas
Rugs are great for delineating different areas in a small space. They can also help anchor furniture and make a space feel more pulled together. Just be sure to choose a size that is appropriate for the space.
22. Hang Window Treatments Closer To The Ceiling
Like curtains, hanging your window treatments closer to the ceiling will make your windows look taller and your ceilings look higher. This will help create the illusion of more space in your small apartment.
You Can Make Your Space Feel More Open and Spacious
Small apartments can feel cramped and cluttered, but with a little bit of creativity and some design hacks, you can make your space feel more open and spacious. Try some of the tips we’ve listed above to help make your small apartment feel bigger. And if you need even more ideas, be sure to check out our other posts on small-space living!