5 Styling Tricks That Make a Small Apartment Feel Bigger

Good things come in small packages and we happen to think this holds true for homes as well. Small apartments can have big potential and, with the right styling tricks, they can feel just as calm and comfortable as bigger homes. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to make the most of small spaces. 

Choose colors that feel expansive

The color palette you select for your home will have a major impact on how the space feels. We love dark colors for creating a cozy, intimate space, but if you’re looking to make a small apartment feel bigger, it’s best to steer clear of them. You’re better off choosing light, cool colors, as they have the effect of opening up a room, making the ceiling seem higher and the corners deeper. 

Here’s an insider tip. Paint chips don’t tell the whole story of how a color will look in all its glory on a wall. Many people have chosen what they think is a light, subtle color based on a chip only to find it is much darker and more dramatic when it is applied from floor to ceiling.  

Instead of taping up paint chips to your wall to test how they’ll look, get small samples from the store (they usually cost less than ten dollars) and paint a 12” by 12” patch on your wall. This will give you a better sense of what it will feel like to live with the color. 

Make use of multi-functional furniture

Since even a small amount of clutter or excess items can make a small apartment feel cramped and messy, it’s key to be intentional about the furniture you choose. One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your furniture choices is to go for pieces that can be used in multiple ways. For example, ottomans that double as storage give you somewhere to put your feet (or additional seating) as well as secret places to stash blankets, magazines, or whatever you want to keep close at hand but out of view. 

Another smart strategy is to look for seating options that you can configure in different ways. Find furniture you like in order to open up a ton of possibilities for arranging the room in different ways. The great thing about modular seating is that all the pieces match, so whether they’re assembled into one large piece or scattered around the room as separates, the room still feels polished and put together. 

Get reflective with mirrors 

This tip is nothing new. But it has stood the test of time because it works. Putting mirrors in a small space instantly increases the sense of volume by reflecting light and objects, making everything feel twice as big. 

There are lots of different ways you can make use of mirrors. A classic approach is to mount a large framed mirror on the wall with the most surface area. You can also simply stand a framed mirror against a wall to achieve the same room-widening effect. 

If you want to get creative, choose a coffee table or end table with a mirror for its top surface, or create your own by simply placing a beveled plate mirror on top of an existing table. Mirrored mobiles or chandeliers are another stunning way to add elegance to a room while adding the illusion of space. 

Reach for new heights

You’re missing out on a lot of decorating potential if you don’t look up to the top third of your apartment. You can make a space feel much bigger by drawing attention to the height of the room. 

Put up wallpaper that has a vertical stripe motif (taking care to remember the importance of color choice and subtlety) or hang artwork that draws the eye upward. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf will also emphasize the grandeur of a room by creating visual interest above eye level. 

Reconsider curtains and rugs

What you decide not to include in your space can be just as important as what you do include. If you’re going for airy and spacious, curtains and rugs should probably be in the former category. While they do add flair and character to a room, they also tend to add visual clutter, which is magnified in close quarters. 

To cover your windows, vertical or horizontal blinds will do the trick and have the added benefit of drawing up or to the side neatly and more or less out of sight. 

The same goes for rugs. They do have a place in the world of home decor, just not in rooms where the goal is to open up space, not fill it in. A small accent rug here and there can be a nice touch, but anything more than that will start to take over the room.

Final thoughts

Now more than ever, it’s important that our homes beplaces where we can relax and feel at ease. Small apartments are an exciting design challenge that, when handled well, feel just as spacious and airy as much bigger spaces, and provide that much-needed sanctuary from the stress of the world.

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