36 Ingenious Small Apartment Decorating Tips to Make Rooms Feel More Spacious

1. Opt for Subtle, Neutral Artwork

"Opting for light, neutral tones is a design strategy that can turn a small space into a spacious retreat," says Andrea Wells, co-founder of Casa de Sana. She recommends using soft whites, soothing beiges, and subtle grays to reflect natural light and create an airy atmosphere. "By sticking to this color scheme for not only walls, ceilings, and floors but also artwork and decorative accents, you’ll immediately make the room feel more open and expansive," she explains. "Neutrals provide visual breathing space, helping every corner feel welcoming and larger."

2. Rearrange Your Bedroom

"If you’re short on space for a bed and nightstands, try combining the headboard with floating nightstands to optimize space and clear up floor area, making the room feel more spacious," suggests TALD designer Tami Wassong of Tami Wassong Interiors. "Bed lighting can also be mounted on the wall to free up the top of the nightstand."

3. Opt for Light Paint Shades

Light-colored walls and floors are ideal because they help a small apartment appear larger and brighter. The reflective quality of light tones gives the space an airy, open vibe and enhances the natural light. On the other hand, dark shades absorb light, making the room feel more cramped.

4. Install a Mirror

Placing a mirror across from a window reflects natural light throughout the room, creating a lighter and more open feel. The larger the mirror, the greater the effect. At night, a mirror enhances the soft, warm glow from your lighting fixtures, making it one of the best tricks for opening up small spaces.

5. Consider a Murphy Bed

For multifunctional rooms, consider versatile furniture pieces, suggests Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors. "In a guest bedroom that also serves as a home office, a Murphy bed and desk unit are perfect," she says. "When the bed is down, the room feels cozy and welcoming, and when it's tucked away, the space becomes strictly functional. This not only saves space but also creates a clear separation between work and relaxation, enhancing work/life balance."

6. Allow Natural Light In

Ample natural light makes a space feel open and less confined, but in smaller rooms, you may not always have that luxury. Still, you can make the most of the light you do have by keeping your windows clear of any furniture that extends higher than the sill.

If your window view isn't ideal—perhaps a brick wall or a neighbor's window—or you'd rather not have the public peering in, let in the light while maintaining privacy by opting for sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes, or consider shades that shield the view while allowing light to filter through.

7. Introduce Some Metallic Elements

A glimmering lamp, light fixture, or any other metallic accent can help illuminate a space, much like how a mirror works. Consider these tips for using metallics to make a room appear more spacious:

• Limit the number of different metals and colors you use to avoid a cluttered, chaotic look.
• In addition to light fixtures and decorative items, think about incorporating metallic paint on your walls, metallic screens as room dividers, and furniture with metallic details.

8. Incorporate Mirrors into Cabinetry

Susan Klimala of TKS Design Group recommends swapping out the central panels of kitchen cabinet doors with mirrors to create a sense of depth, as demonstrated here.

9. Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves and nightstands provide storage without the heft of bulky chests, bookcases, or armoires. They also keep the floor clear of clutter, making the space appear more open and organized.

Apply this strategy to lighting as well. Rather than using floor lamps, choose wall-mounted or hanging lights.

10. Opt for Custom Solutions

"In small spaces, every inch counts!" says Alexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew. "Incorporating built-in features can optimize the available space and truly make a significant difference. Custom desks, bookshelves, storage units, or even banquette seating can help you make the most of tight spaces and limited square footage."

11. Consider Vertical Solutions

If your room feels cramped, simply look up. Most of the time, the upper half of the room is underused. Start by exploring these ideas:

• Incorporate vertical storage, like a vintage ladder for organizing throw blankets, towels, placemats, or quilts.
• Utilize the tops of bookcases, hutches, and doorways to display framed pictures, add lighting, or showcase treasured items.
• Bring in a palm tree to your décor to naturally draw attention upward.

12. Utilize Corner Spaces

This often-neglected space is ideal for adding an extra accent chair or a corner bookshelf, enhancing the livability of a studio apartment or small room. Consider these additional suggestions:

• Place a snug bean bag chair with a warm throw blanket in a corner to instantly create a cozy reading nook.
• Introduce a plant and grow light to a dim corner to inject some life into the space.
• Set up a stunning floor lamp or a bold hanging light fixture that doubles as an artistic piece.

13. Make Windows Appear Larger

By positioning curtain rods several inches below the ceiling (instead of directly above the window frame), you draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of taller windows. To make the window appear wider, hang the rods a few inches beyond the window's edges. To enhance this effect, use curtains that are roughly twice the width of the window.

14. Coordinate Your Curtain Color with Your Walls

By hanging curtains that match the color of the walls, you create a seamless flow, making the room feel more expansive. But don't stop there:

• Choose curtain fabrics that allow sunlight to filter through, particularly if the curtains are usually drawn.
• Pick curtains with vertical patterns or weaves to create the illusion of height.
• Steer clear of mid-length or window-sized curtains, as they divide the room and highlight its limitations.
• Install an ornamental curtain rod to draw the eye upward.

15. Opt for Smaller-Scale Furniture

In a compact apartment, choose furniture that fits the space, such as a small table. Even bulky items like club chairs now come in slimmer versions, allowing you to achieve the same aesthetic without overcrowding the room with furniture.

16. Make a Statement With a Chandelier

Don't hesitate to choose a bold lighting fixture for your compact space. An oversized chandelier or pendant light can be a striking addition to a small room. It serves as a focal point that draws the eye upwards, adding vertical interest and balancing the space.

If you choose a larger light fixture, ensure that the rest of the room's decor is more subdued to avoid overcrowding the space. Also, remember the height rule: the light should hang at least 7 feet above the floor.

17. Ensure Clear Walking Paths

According to Amy Mobley and Katie Norrid of City Hill Design, one of the most important factors to keep in mind when arranging furniture in smaller spaces is ensuring enough room for movement. 'We suggest leaving 18 inches between seating and coffee tables, and at least 3 feet between furniture pieces to maintain proper flow. With the right scale and spacing, even a compact area can feel more spacious!'

18. Choose Lightweight Pieces

The choice of furniture significantly influences how open or cramped a space feels:

• Typically, sleek and streamlined furniture with clean, straight lines tends to appear more spacious and works better in compact rooms compared to pieces with curves.
• Rather than opting for a solid-wood coffee table that might weigh down a room, consider a transparent acrylic table or one with an open metal frame.
• For a smaller area, choose armless sofas or chairs to maximize available space.

19. Decorate With Multifunctional Pieces

When choosing furniture for a compact space, it's essential that each item serves more than one function. Look for versatile pieces like these:

• A garden stool that can double as an end table and a place to sit
• An ottoman with a removable tray for holding your TV remote that can also serve as extra seating
• A bench that displays books when not used for sitting
• A light fixture that doubles as a piece of art

20. Texture, Texture, Texture!

"Incorporating texture into your space helps break up a flat surface and adds depth," explains Kate Spiro, designer at Kate Spiro Interiors. "A room that lacks texture feels smaller and more confined. Layering in textured fabrics, adding natural elements, and mixing materials all contribute to visual interest and a sense of space."

21. Sneak in Some Storage

A great way to prevent a small room from feeling cramped is by choosing furniture that offers storage space, such as these options:

• A two-tier coffee table
• A bench with storage bins beneath it
• An ottoman with a removable lid and hidden storage inside

22. Make the Most of a Low Ceiling

A low ceiling can make a compact room feel even more cramped, and while it’s often a feature we can't change, there are ways to work around it. Here are some tips to make the most of a low ceiling:

• Using vertical stripes or patterns on walls or curtains can give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
• Opt for a bold rug that draws attention away from the ceiling.
• Hang artwork at varying heights to create the impression of more vertical space.
• Choose ceiling-mounted lighting that blends in, such as glass or simple monochromatic fixtures.

23. Opt for Furniture That’s Easy to Move

Furniture on casters (or adding casters to your own furniture) makes it easy to rearrange your space as needed. You can effortlessly move a chair, table, plant, or even a kitchen island, or roll a futon into place when preparing for overnight guests.

To maximize floor space, choose furniture that can be folded away when not in use. Look for items like a folding desk, folding table and chairs, or room-dividing screens.

24. Employ Clustered Lighting

Darkness can make a space feel cramped, so maximizing lighting can create a more open atmosphere. Instead of relying on one large lamp, try grouping several smaller ones to make an impact in a corner or on a mantelpiece. Likewise, hanging a few small pendant lights over a coffee table will have a more dramatic visual effect—and more illumination—than a single light source.

25. Maintain Clear Sight Lines

TALD designer Audrey Scheck, of Audrey Scheck Design, advises arranging furniture to create unobstructed sightlines from one end of the room to the other: "This can make the space appear more open and spacious," she explains. "Choosing minimal decor also helps avoid visual clutter. Opt for a few bold pieces that enhance the room's aesthetic without overwhelming it."

26. Add Some Greenery

Greenery brings a breath of fresh air to even the tiniest of spaces. A potted tree adds vertical appeal and draws the eye upward. If floor space is limited, consider placing a houseplant on a high shelf or bookcase, or opt for a hanging plant instead.

27. Keep Clutter in Check

Eliminating clutter is a smart move for any room, but it’s especially crucial in smaller spaces. Adopting a minimalist décor style can help a compact room feel larger, brighter, and airier. While this may seem challenging, begin by focusing on one corner at a time.

28. Utilize Walls as Display Features

Transform your cherished collection—or everyday items—into a decorative statement on your walls:

• Free up precious drawer space in the bedroom by displaying your jewelry on the wall.
• In the kitchen, create a visually appealing wall arrangement with elegant cutting boards, trivets, or cookware.
• Show off your fancy hats by hanging them as a unique gallery wall display.

29. Move Furniture Away from the Walls

Allowing air and space to flow around your furniture can visually enlarge a small room or studio. For instance, shifting a couch a few inches from the wall helps make the living room appear more expansive, while preventing an awkward unused gap in the center of the room.

30. Add a Touch of Black Paint

Although it might seem paradoxical, black can work wonders to visually elongate a space when used strategically. By applying black to the ceiling and walls, a visual void is created, tricking the eye into perceiving additional space. The key to making this work is ensuring an abundance of natural light, which stops the room from feeling enclosed or overly dark.

31. Embrace Larger Pieces!

"When you're working with a smaller space, go BIG!" says Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home. "It might sound counterintuitive, and many people think they should pick smaller furniture for tight spaces. But the truth is quite the opposite—larger furniture in a small room actually makes the space feel more expansive."

32. Enhance Your Walls

Meichtry also suggests that adding more to your walls can benefit your compact space. "We absolutely love using wallpaper in small spaces because it brings depth and texture without taking up valuable floor space. Try wallpapering all four walls or even the ceiling! I assure you, your room will come to life."

33. Mirrors and Color

"We recently transformed an old coat closet into a charming wine room for a client just outside Charlotte," says Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design. "Though the room could never feel particularly large, we used antique mirror glass along the back wall and wrapped both the ceiling and walls with wallpaper in the same shade as the millwork. The mirrors, of course, helped create a sense of space, but the monochromatic color scheme had a major effect on making the room feel more expansive." Hackett also encourages using bold colors: "Just because a room is small doesn't mean it needs to be entirely white. Bold hues work wonderfully when the entire room—walls and ceiling—share the same color."

34. Add Roman Shades

"Install a Roman shade with semi-opaque fabric that allows just the right amount of sunlight to brighten a room while maintaining privacy," advises Susan Klimala of TKS Design Group. "Choose a light-colored linen-cotton blend fabric for this effect."

35. Create a Balanced Color Scheme

Shaolin Low from Studio Shaolin shares her insight on creating the illusion of a larger space through color. She suggests, "If your sofa is navy blue, balance the space with lighter, brighter hues. And remember, don’t hesitate to fill the room—utilize the entire wall where your bed and nightstands are placed!"

36. Add Artistic Touches

TALD designer Susan Galvani of Spruce Interior advises incorporating artwork that adds depth to make the space appear larger, especially pieces like Kate Holstein’s "Poolside St. Barth" (pictured here), which uses photography to suggest a broader dimension.