50 Top-Notch Decorating Tips for Furnishing Small Apartments

Try these small-space solutions on for size and you'll find your small apartment has never looked bigger.

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By: Anne Krueger, Kayla Kitts, and Kamron Sanders

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Go Curvy

Because most apartments are boxy, it's fun to add some curves. Designer Libby Langdon suggests round tables, chairs with a curve and rugs that are either shaped or adorned with spirals and dots.

Lighten Up

"A light rug can open up your room and make it feel larger," says Langdon. A bound carpet remnant can work great. If your apartment came with stained or dark wall-to-wall carpeting, cover it up with a rug in a lighter hue.

From: Anjie Cho

Go With Curtains

You don't have to live with those standard-issue apartment blinds. Add a touch of drama with curtains, and consider the tricks you can do with them to make your space appear larger. Hang curtains outside the window or even on bare walls. Hang them floor to ceiling to create height, or have them flow from a cornice that hides the curtain rod.

From: S&K Interiors

Layer It

Contrary to what you might think, small spaces don't have to forgo a bed with lots of linens and fabrics. Layers and an elegant mix of colors, prints and pillows can make a space seem airy and give depth to what is likely one of the biggest pieces in the home.

From: Paige Morse

All About Scale

Unless you're trying to make a statement with a dramatic, overstuffed couch, your small space will actually look larger with moderately sized or slightly smaller furnishings. It's all about scale!

From: LABLstudio

See Clearly

Lucite tables or chairs and glass tops all give the impression of openness while still delivering the function you need.

From: Butter Lutz Interiors

Sleep On It

An old solution for cramped spaces has come back into style for good reason. Today's Murphy beds pop out of sight and look just as great when they're in use, says designer Dawn Burns-Pratt.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Brighten Things Up

Add light up, down and all around to create interest and the feeling of space. "Lights are the most amazing way of making a home feel warm and welcoming. Using several lamps throughout a space creates a warm glow in the room," says designer Ron Marvin.

Priorites, Priorities

Because small spaces are very limited, you need to figure out your priorities and allocate accordingly, says Marvin. Some people need a desk area, but not a dining area. Some people want a living area and would prefer a bed that folds up. "Make the space work for your needs and don't hold yourself to what is traditional in a home. It's your home."

From: Nicholas Moriarty

Float It

A simple way to take advantage of vertical surfaces is to mount floating shelves wherever there is room. Because they float, this kind of shelving adds tons of storage but still looks sleek and contemporary. Plus, curating your open storage is a great way to add stylish functionality to your space.

From: Caitlin Jones Ghajar

Ditch Lamps for Wall Sconces

An easy design fix for saving some space on your nightstand is to use sconces instead of lamps next to your bed. If you don't want to hard-wire your lights, you can skip hiring an electrician and just choose plug-in sconces that you can install yourself. BOOM: Now you have extra space on your bedside table for fresh flowers and a stack of your favorite reads!

From: Alexis Manfer

Double-Duty Spaces

If you live in a tiny home, you might need to think about setting up some double-duty spaces. By this, we mean areas that can be used for more than one purpose. Here, the owner has set up a work area on the side of their sofa. Instead of a smaller side table, a slightly larger console becomes both a desk and spot to put down a cold drink.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

No Side Table? No Problem.

Here's a super clever idea that highlights the "use what you have" mantra. Instead of a standard side table in the living room, these homeowners simply use an artfully stacked pile of books. This hack could work in a living room, bedroom or even in a bathroom, and is also a great way to add a bit of color to your space by choosing titles with colorful spines.

From: Alison Jennison

Convert a Closet

True, closet space is usually a precious commodity for most of us tiny home dwellers. However, if you happen to have an extra closet to spare, converting it into usable space could really be a game-changer. In this example, a tiny closet was easily converted into a kids' workspace by removing the door, adding some shelves and a streamlined desk.

From: Claire Paquin

Try a Shelf as a Nighstand

Tiny bedside tables are the unicorns of the design world — they're almost impossible to find. So if you have a tiny bedroom or dorm room, you've got to get creative. That's what this homeowner did when they decided to use a simple shelf as a bedside table in their bedroom. Some other ideas for tiny nightstands include plant stands, drink tables or even a coat rack!

From: Jonathan Rachman

Split It Up

Another space-saving trick for tiny apartments is to divide your existing rooms. Depending on your needs, you can create some additional, usable space in your home using room dividers like shelves, screens or curtains. In this example, a large shelf is used to separate the kitchen from the living area, which creates extra lounging and dining space in this tiny home.

Put A Mirror On It

Want to make your tiny apartment feel much larger? Look no further than a massive mirror. This design trick has been around for ages, but only because it actually works. Adding a large mirror to a smaller space instantly makes your space feel larger, lighter and brighter. Large mirrors *can* be expensive but you can get creative here too: try using an inexpensive full-length mirror, but hang it horizontally in your living room, hallway or bedroom to really open up the space.

From: Lauren Nelson

Add Storage Wherever You Can

To maximize your storage or design potential, take advantage of underutilized space and add shelving where possible. In this example, shelves were added in the unused space above a nightstand creating both a functional storage solution as well a gorgeous design moment.

From: Kristina Crestin

Take It Outside

If you're lucky enough to live in a warmer climate and have the luxury of your own outdoor space, why not use it to expand your living area. No room for all of your friends to hang out in your living room? Take it outside! No dining room? Create a small outdoor dining area! Think about how you might be able to maximize your outdoor space and invest in turning it into another functional space for your apartment.

Experiment With Color

If you have permission to paint your rental's walls, there are two things you should know: 1) We're all jealous and 2) Off-white isn't your only option. Though lighter colors make a space feel bigger and more open, darker shades can work just as well by blurring a room's lines and edges.

From: Joe Human

Keep It on The Down Low

Low-level furniture is another savvy solution for helping small apartments feel larger. By keeping your sofa close to the ground or forgoing a traditional bed frame, you'll create the illusion of taller ceilings. You'll also have more wall-space for artwork or to showcase skyline views, as designer Caitlin McCarthy did in this cool, midcentury-inspired loft.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Glitz and Glam

More often than not, you adopt a few less-than-beautiful appliances with your newly leased apartment. Since convincing your landlord to buy you all new appliances is out of the questions, it's time to get creative. It only took Dina from Honey & Fitz two rolls of gold duct tape to turn a basic white fridge into a glitzy showstopper.

Dual-Purpose Pieces

When you're strapped for square footage, it pays to have dual-purpose pieces on deck. In this eclectic bedroom from designer Allison Lind, a vintage trunk works overtime to display pillows and store linens, while a shelf over the bed doubles as a nightstand for odds-and-ends. The result? Every inch counts.

From: Allison Lind

Minimalize Your Life

A great way to make your space feel larger is to avoid visual clutter. Opting for minimalistic furnishings and decor creates clean lines of sight and allows a space to speak for itself. A suspended light bulb provides plenty of light and takes up a fraction of the space a lamp does while making a space feel ultra-chic.

From: Clara Jung

Built-In Beauty

While some apartments come equipped with beautiful built-ins, others can be more lifeless. Designer Nick Olsen says: “To add intrigue and make the space feel like it was built just for you, add your own built-ins without damaging walls.” One way to do this, he advises, is by adding two tall bookshelves that reach to nearly the top of the ceiling on either side of a doorway.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Peel-And-Stick Bliss

Even if your landlord is strict, there are still plenty of ways to put your personal touch on a space without leaving a permanent mark. Peel-and-stick wall decals can often be cheesy, but when used in the right setting, they provide a beautiful texture that easily comes down when your lease is up.

Easy Switch

A great way to add some personality to your rented space is to simply switch out those basic doorknobs with some that suit your taste. Just make sure you switch back to the originals before you move out.

Camo and Custom Shelving

Radiators are not attractive; it's as simple as that. But covering a radiator is not always so simple. Luckily, Marian from Miss Mustard Seed shares her beautiful solution. Her custom radiator cover not only disguises the unit, but it even adds extra storage in an often tight space.

Light Up Your Life

“Most rentals have dreadful, cheap ceiling lights and fans,” says designer Allison Hennesey. She suggests updating these eyesores with inexpensive landlord-friendly fixes. “Swap out current fixtures with new pendants or lampshades that complement your decor. When it’s time to move you can easily put back the old fixture and take the new one with you.” If you're not comfortable with this solution, try hanging plug-in wall sconces in hallways or above sofas.

Choose Transitional Items

As apartments often provide little space to fill with all of your favorite items, make sure to be particular with the furnishings and accessories you do have in each room. First, get rid of any items that have lost their purpose or are no longer in style. Then, invest in pieces that can easily transition to the next apartment, such as neutral upholstery, chairs, end tables, beautiful bed linens, lamps and art.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Mirror Your Square Footage

To create architectural interest, seemingly double the size of the room and welcome more light, add a large leaning mirror to one wall. Try to find a mirror that’s nearly half the size of the wall or place a few medium-size mirrors side by side to visually enlarge the space. Try positioning across from a window that receives natural light so it can be reflected back into the room.

Apartment-Friendly Wallpaper

For some people, the thought of being surrounded by four off-white walls is simply unbearable. And for others, it's just plain boring. As removable wallpaper becomes more popular, the designs become more stylish and more affordable. Pro tip: Don't be afraid to opt for trendy, bold patterns. If you eventually get tired of it, just take it down.

From: LABLstudio

Decor Disguise

You're certainly not going to change the electrical work in your rental apartment, so you may be forced to live with some oddly-placed lights, light switches or power outlets. Carmel from Our Fifth House solved this problem by camouflaging a light switch within a tasteful gallery wall.

Washi Accent Wall

Desperate to jump on the accent wall trend but limited by your landlord's wishes? Just grab some washi tape. A washi tape wall can be as colorful or as subdued as you like. Emily from Everything Emily created this stunning accent wall with just two rolls of black washi tape. The best part? She completed the project for less than $10.

Sneaky Stainless Makeover

Here is another brilliant way to dress up old, unsightly appliances. Julie Blanner found an ideal solution in the form of stainless steel contact paper. For around $5, this change has the power to totally transform your kitchen. In fact, the landlord may even ask you to leave it up.

Living Decor

If you're hoping to add a homey feel to your rented space, simply adding a few plants around the house might do the trick. This beautiful monstera plant adds life and texture to the space. And for an added bonus, plants help purify indoor air. (No more mystery smell from renters past.)

Gallery Wall Paper

If you've stumbled upon the perfect wallpaper only to remember it just isn't an option in your rental, Marianne Canada from HGTV Crafternoon recommends getting a sample of your favorite print and displaying it in a gorgeous frame. Now you can have your wallpaper and your rental deposit, too!

Shower in Luxury

One change that makes a huge difference, but is often overlooked, is the showerhead. This is one of those upgrades that is worth spending some extra dough. After all, when you're ready to move, simply reattach the old fixture and take yours to your new abode. Make barely-drizzling, clogged showerheads a thing of the past!

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Separate in Style

If you can't paint the walls, changing the basic structure of the room is obviously out of the question. That's where room dividers come in handy. Create a home office or give the kids their own play space in a single bedroom.

Rugs on Rugs on Rugs

Let's talk floors. Scratched hardwood and stained carpet are just the beginning. Before moving in, it never hurts to have the floors professionally cleaned. But if they still look like a mess, area rugs will be your new best friend. Place them over hardwood and even over carpet for a clean, updated look that is all you.

From: Art Home Garden

Small Shotgun Style

Since this shotgun-style apartment is only eight feet wide and 375-square-feet total, it was important to keep a clear pathway throughout the center, creating somewhat of a galley-style home. To keep the apartment both functional and stylish, furniture was arranged along two opposite walls with nothing in the middle, balanced visually with proper scale and proportion.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Stylishly Split

Since this apartment lacked a defined bedroom, airy curtains were hung to separate the sleeping quarters from the rest of the space. Sheer curtains were chosen to allow the bedroom areas natural light to permeate the entire space.

Neutral Know-How

This studio apartment may be small in size but makes up for this deficiency with sophisticated city style. Neutral walls and curtains make the space appear much larger, while black and silver accents add to the crispness of the style. The living room's furniture arrangement keeps the space separate from the bedroom and study area, giving the small apartment more functional areas.

Think Vertically

When you're short on space, decorating with anything beyond purely functional items can be a challenge. Time to think vertically! Covering your walls with art not only looks amazing, but it's a fantastic way to pack a decorative punch without compromising on square footage.

Color-Match Made in Heaven

To make this small dining area appear larger, its walls, ceiling, trim and doors are all painted the same shade of gray. This helps keep the room from feeling too boxed in by high-contrast trim by blurring lines and allowing shadows to work their magic.

From: Minhnuyet Hardy

Smart Storage

Open storage coffee tables are an excellent fit for a small apartment living room because they can serve double duty by offering a table surface for books or offering up dining space while keeping things neatly stored in baskets below.

Electric Style

If you're stuck with bland, white doors, you'll love this stylishly updated door by Stacie from Stars for Street Lights. Some quick measuring, a steady hand and a bit of electrical tape totally transformed these contractor-grade doors. The result is nothing short of fabulous!

Versatile Seating

Maximize your apartment's seating capacity with a mix of multifunctional pieces. Upholstered poufs and stools offer extra space to perch but can also work as tables for impromptu dinner parties.

Practical Pantry Additions

An excellent way to add extra space in your apartment's kitchen is an over-the-door pantry unit. You can maximize the space on the back of the pantry door with only a few screws. Warning: Some landlords are more than fine with storage additions like this one, but you may be asked to leave it behind when you move.

Renter-Friendly Wallpaper

While you've probably heard of removable wallpaper, removable fabric wallpaper is another great option for renters. It peels right off and has the potential to add a ton of color, pattern and even texture to your home. Learn how to install it here.

From: Marian Parsons

50 Top-Notch Decorating Tips for Furnishing Small Apartments

Related To:

Shop This Look

Go Curvy

Lighten Up

Go With Curtains

Layer It

All About Scale

See Clearly

Sleep On It

Brighten Things Up

Priorites, Priorities

Float It

Ditch Lamps for Wall Sconces

Double-Duty Spaces

No Side Table? No Problem.

Convert a Closet

Try a Shelf as a Nighstand

Split It Up

Put A Mirror On It

Add Storage Wherever You Can

Take It Outside

Experiment With Color

Keep It on The Down Low

Glitz and Glam

Dual-Purpose Pieces

Minimalize Your Life

Built-In Beauty

Peel-And-Stick Bliss

Easy Switch

Camo and Custom Shelving

Light Up Your Life

Choose Transitional Items

Mirror Your Square Footage

Apartment-Friendly Wallpaper

Decor Disguise

Washi Accent Wall

Sneaky Stainless Makeover

Living Decor

Gallery Wall Paper

Shower in Luxury

Separate in Style

Rugs on Rugs on Rugs

Small Shotgun Style

Stylishly Split

Neutral Know-How

Think Vertically

Color-Match Made in Heaven

Smart Storage

Electric Style

Versatile Seating

Practical Pantry Additions

Renter-Friendly Wallpaper

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