How To Make A Small Apartment Feel Bigger

Published On: 15 January, 2024|4.2 min read|

Table of Contents

Living in a small apartment can feel cramped and cluttered. But with some strategic decorating tricks and smart storage solutions, you can transform even the tiniest home into a light, airy oasis. Read on for 12 tips to make your small apartment feel big.

Key Takeaway Table

Key Point	Summary
Brighten with Light Colors and Maximize Natural Light	Use white or light wall colors and sheer curtains to create an open, airy feel while amplifying natural light.
Open Floor Plan with Furniture and Multifunctional Furniture	Use furniture to define spaces without walls and opt for multifunctional furniture to save space.
Appropriately Scaled and Transparent Furniture	Choose furniture that fits the scale of the room and consider transparent pieces for an open feel.
Utilize Vertical Storage Space	Install shelves and wall-mounted cabinets to maximize floor space and reduce clutter.
Built-In Storage Solutions	Convert nooks into shelving and cabinetry for efficient storage.
Purge Unnecessary Items and Hidden Storage in Furniture	Declutter using the KonMari method and modify furniture for additional storage.
Strategic Mirror Placement and Decor Patterns for Illusion	Use mirrors and patterns like vertical stripes to create illusions of space and depth.
High Decor to Draw the Eye Upwards	Decorate with art and lights placed high to make ceilings appear taller and enhance vertical space.

Brighten It Up With Light Color

Painting your walls white or light colors like beige, light grey, or soft yellow will instantly make your rooms feel more open and airy. Dark colors tend to close in a space, while light colors reflect more light and give the illusion of expanded walls.

small apartment

Let Natural Light Shine In

Maximize natural light by using sheer curtains on your windows to filter light while maintaining privacy. If your layout allows, add a skylight to let sunshine flood in. Hang mirrors across from windows to reflect and amplify the natural light.

Knock Down Visual Barriers for an Open Floor Plan

Removing physical walls is the ultimate way to open up a cramped apartment, but that’s not always possible. Use furniture placement to create defined “zones” instead of walls. An area rug can designate a living room, while a console table dividers the entry from the kitchen.

Choose Multifunctional Furniture

Rather than cluttering your space with multiple single-purpose items, opt for multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans, futon beds, nested coffee tables, and convertible dining tables. This maximizes your functional space while minimizing items. For more ideas on versatile furniture, check out Keepsafe Storage’s blog.

Scale Down with Thoughtfully Sized Furniture

Oversized furniture will make a small space feel even smaller. Choose couches, beds, tables, and chairs that are appropriately scaled for your rooms. Transparent acrylic or glass furniture also helps maintain an open feel.

Utilize Vertical Storage Space

Install floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, and organizers to store items and tuck away clutter while maximizing precious floor space. You can also hang utensils, pots and pans on a wall-mounted rack in the kitchen. Learn more about vertical storage solutions at KeepSafe Storage Tips.

Hide Items in Plain Sight with Built-In Storage

Take advantage of awkward nooks and crannies by turning them into built-in shelving and cabinetry. You can build custom storage benches by windows, media cabinets around the TV, or a Murphy bed that folds into the wall.

Only Keep What You Really Need

Get organized and purge any unnecessary possessions using the KonMari method. Be ruthless and only keep items that serve a purpose or truly spark joy. Then organize and contain what remains with baskets, bins, and storage containers. Discover more about decluttering at Keepsafe Storage FAQs.

Repurpose Furniture for Hidden Storage

Give existing furniture a storage makeover. Add shelves inside a hollow coffee table, or put baskets under tables and beds. Repurpose items like vintage suitcases, trunks, and ottomans as stylish storage containers.

Strategically Place Mirrors to Expand Perception

Hang a mirror opposite a window to reflect more light. Place mirrors at the end of a hallway to create the illusion of depth. Positioning mirrors across from each other creates a feeling of infinite space.

Use Patterns and Illusions in Your Decor

Install wallpaper, tile, or panels with vertical stripes to make walls appear taller. A rectangular rug or elongated floor tile makes rooms feel longer. Bold geometric patterns add visual interest and make spaces appear larger. For more decorating tips, visit Keepsafe Storage’s About Us page.

Draw the Eye Upwards with High Decor

Decorate your walls with art and photographs to lead the eye upwards, which makes your ceilings feel higher. Hang pendant lights high above dining tables and kitchen islands to amplify the vertical space.

With a bit of creativity and strategic decorating, you can make even the smallest studio apartment feel open, airy, and twice as big. What space-maximizing tip are you most excited to try in your home? Let me know in the comments below!

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