4 Simple Decorating Ideas to Make Your Small Apartment Feel More Spacious

Small space got you long in the face? Cramped room ushering a cloud of gloom? Or maybe you just can’t get close to making the most of your modest abode?

If you’re struggling with a small space, don’t give up. Instead, design for the space you dream of, and dream of the space you live in.

You might be thinking, “Really? My apartment is so small my toes stick out the front door when I’m sleeping!”

We hear you, and so here are four easy decorating ideas that you can try at home to make your tiny apartment look bigger. Because you deserve to live large, no matter how small your home may be.

1. Believe what you perceive.

Perception is everything when it comes to optimizing a small space. In fact, engaging with our space has more to do with how we see it than with how we interact with it. The moment we step into a room, our eyes scan the scene and our attention is naturally drawn to areas of light.

Darkness, shadow, and clutter create a natural feeling of contraction. So, to make sure you’re creating plenty of eye-pleasing space, copy the following simple decorating ideas:

• Hang curtains to create the illusion of height – choose patterns for a contemporary feel or subtle linens for a calming ambiance.
• Choose sleek furniture with minimal elements like a mid-century modern couch with short, narrow legs or a coffee table with a subtle metal frame.
• Employ chrome finishes, metal hues, and mirrored accents to help bounce around that precious natural light.

2. Multiply your multipurpose furniture.

Just because you live in a small apartment doesn’t mean you do less. You’ve got that in-home Flamenco dance class on Thursdays. You host a monthly graphic-novel book club in your living room. And you practice Ikebana in your bedroom/office every night after work.

Yup, small spaces have to accommodate a wide range of functions. Keep your activities uncramped by trying the following cool decorating ideas:

• Place a bistro table in an unused corner of your apartment to create a dining table, workstation, and gathering spot.
• Use multipurpose pieces that can double as storage solutions, like storage ottomans and bookshelves that also serve as convenient storage space for your wardrobe and daily essentials.
• Invest in a shiny cocktail tray and place it on top of your desk, dresser, or bookshelf as a cheap and space-aware alternative to a bar cart.

3. Give ‘em something to gawk at.

Being in a small space can feel claustrophobic, especially if you’re stuck staring at a wall or cluttered corner. But that won’t happen to you because you’re going to try the following creative decorating ideas:

• Hang art in creative places like behind, or next to, books in your bookcase.
• Strategically place mirrors in your apartment to alleviate your lack of windows and help spread that lovely natural light.
• Hang photos of outdoor scenes to bring in a colorful focal point.

4. Practice cleanliness and stylishness.

Cleanliness is next to stylishness, that’s for sure. Keeping a tidy apartment that’s simply-styled will encourage your guests to look across the room and out your window, without getting snagged on the coffee table that’s surrounded by the decor you’ve collected over the years. How do you make this happen for your guests? Follow these easy decorating tips:

• Choose a layout that’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical – for instance, if you live in a studio, choose a layout like The Harper’s, which separates a micro-apartment’s bedroom and living area with a divider wall.
• Store your loved-but-unused decor and memorabilia in MakeSpace.
• Keep your bicycle neatly tucked away or cleverly on display with a gorgeous bike rack.

This article was written by Havenly, an online interior design service that makes decorating simple, convenient, and affordable for all.