Decorating Tips to Make Your Small Apartment Appear Bigger

When looking for an apartment to rent, don’t discount the cozy ones. Your utility bills will probably be lower in smaller apartments, and there are so many creative ways to make spaces seem more spacious. If you are already in a small space, see if these tips can help get things in proportion.

Reflect Light
Keep walls light and bright. This doesn’t mean you should not hang art walls or that the walls have to be painted white. However, avoid dark paints or colors in your decor. In addition, hang a large mirror in small rooms to make the space feel larger instantly. This effect is even greater if you hang the mirror opposite a window to catch the outdoor scenery. Speaking of windows, choose gauzy window dressings over heavy drapes. Even though thin drapes probably won’t block out most light, the material feels more airy and evokes an open ambience. Use darker drapes in bedrooms where you can close them off.

{West Elm}

Avoid Clutter
Knick-knacks and other small make a room feel smaller. Choose only a few for display and store other things away. This includes kitchen items, such as salt and pepper shakers, and blenders that can quickly clutter the counters. Store your household items in closets, cupboards, and drawers whenever you can. Live minimally and always try to clear space of clutter and daily items.

{Bless’er House–Drawer Organization}

Use Vertical Space
Using vertical shelving is space draws attention towards the ceiling and gives the illusion of more space. See if you can’t stack more of your belonging and don’t forget about using hangers and hooks to hold more things off the floors or counter space.

{Thistlewood Farms}

Create Sitting Areas
When faced with a small living room, most people are tempted to shove furniture against the walls and leave the center open. In some cases, this has the opposite effect and makes the room feel smaller. Instead, try creating a small seating area in one corner and keep furniture away from the walls.

{Luxe Decor}

Incorporate Glass
Clear glass doesn’t block the visual field as much as opaque items do. Give up your wood coffee table and wood shelving in favor of glass and watch the room open up.

{Dot & Bo}

Add Darker Throw Rugs
Using light flooring materials seems like it would brighten the room, and it can in some cases. However, if you use too many muted, light colors, everything will blend and make the whole apartment feel sterile and boring. Use darker floor rugs in any color that harmonizes with your apartment’s color palette. Providing this pleasing contrast will make walls look taller and add interest to your new home.

{Laurel Bern Interiors}

Plan all decorating steps with spaciousness in mind, and you might be surprised at the pleasing results. If your realtor suggests some smaller options don’t immediately cross them off the list. Have fun with lighting, color, and airy textiles and don’t fear trying new styles. Any small apartment can feel more spacious than it is, and achieving it just takes some thoughtful decorating.

Guest Post By Brooke Chaplan

Brooke is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on getting a good apartment check out options at Infinity Properties. You can contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.