11 Best Small Apartment Decorating Ideas to Maximize Your Space

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer for more information.

Small apartment decorating is not easy, but it can be a lot of fun once you figure out how to strategically use your space. It’s not unusual to feel sometimes as if the small shape of your room is closing in on you. Believe me, I know the feeling and I feel your pain!

Living in a small apartment is difficult enough without having to decorate it. And while it can be challenging to decorate a small apartment, having less space will also push you to be more creative. In this post, we will cover the top space-saving small apartment decoration ideas.

On this pot, I’ve put together 11 ideas to prove that size isn’t always a determining factor in style, whether your goal is to turn your little flat into a comfortable yet fashionable area but you still need access to seating that doesn’t bother you or your visitors. Continue reading for more creative decorating ideas for small apartments that will make your place look more stylish.

1) Use a Light and Airy Color Scheme

When you’re working with a small space, the colors you choose can have a big impact on how open and airy the room feels. Light colors like white, cream, and soft pastels can help make a room feel larger by reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness. These colors also have a calming effect, which can make your small apartment feel more inviting and comfortable. Additionally, using a monochromatic color scheme, where you stick to shades of one color, can help create a cohesive look without overwhelming the space.

Textures and materials:

To add interest and depth to a light color palette, go for textures and materials. For example, you could mix smooth fabrics like cotton and linen with more tactile materials like wool, fur, or woven rattan. This adds visual interest to the room while still keeping the overall look light and airy. You can also layer different shades of the same color to create depth and dimension. For instance, pair a crisp white sofa with soft ivory throw pillows and a textured cream rug for a cozy yet sophisticated look.

Adding subtle pops of color is a great way to decorate small spaces!

Another way to add dimension to a light color scheme is by using subtle pops of color. While you’ll want to keep the majority of your décor light and neutral, adding small accents in complementary colors can prevent the room from feeling flat.

For example, you could introduce touches of pale blush pink, soft sage green, or muted sky blue through throw pillows, artwork, or decorative accessories. These subtle hints of color can add warmth and personality to your small apartment without overwhelming the space.

2) Multipurpose Furniture

In a small apartment, every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep. That’s why opting for multipurpose furniture is essential for maximizing space and functionality. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose or offer additional storage to help keep your small apartment organized and clutter-free.

One popular option for multipurpose furniture is a coffee table with built-in storage. This type of coffee table typically features drawers, shelves, or compartments where you can stash away magazines, remotes, and other living room essentials. Some coffee tables even come with lift-top surfaces that reveal hidden storage compartments underneath, perfect for stashing blankets, board games, or extra throw pillows.

By choosing a coffee table with built-in storage, you can keep your living room tidy and organized while still having easy access to the things you need. And this makes it a handy small apartment decorating hack!

Site pick: Modern Round Lift Top Coffee Table with Storage from Amazon

Sleeper sofas and futons:

Another versatile piece of furniture for small apartments is a sleeper sofa or futon. These space-saving solutions provide comfortable seating during the day and convert into a cozy bed for overnight guests. Look for a sleeper sofa with a streamlined design and clean lines to prevent it from overwhelming your space. You can also find sleeper sofas with built-in storage compartments for storing bedding and pillows, making them even more practical for small living rooms or studio apartments.

Modular furniture pieces

Additionally, I would invest in furniture that can be easily moved or rearranged to suit your needs. Modular furniture pieces like ottomans with hidden storage, nesting tables, and stackable chairs can be rearranged to create different seating arrangements or open up space when needed. This flexibility allows you to adapt your furniture layout to accommodate different activities or social gatherings without feeling constrained by the size of your apartment.

Make Use of Corner Spaces

Corners are often overlooked in small apartments, but they can actually be valuable real estate for storage and display. By making use of corner spaces, you can maximize your apartment’s square footage and create additional storage without sacrificing floor space.

One way to utilize corner spaces is by installing corner shelves. These floating shelves are designed to fit snugly into the corners of a room, providing vertical storage for books, decorative items, and personal belongings. You can use corner shelves to display cherished mementos, potted plants, or small sculptures, adding personality and charm to your apartment without cluttering up surfaces or floor space.

Set up a corner desk

Another way for maximizing corner spaces is to set up a corner desk. A corner desk is a space-efficient solution for creating a dedicated workspace in a small apartment. By tucking the desk into a corner, you can make use of an otherwise unused area and free up valuable floor space for other furniture or activities. Look for a corner desk with built-in storage or shelves to keep office supplies, paperwork, and electronics organized and within easy reach.

Site pick: Reversible Corner Office Desk with Shelves on Amazon

Corner cabinets or armoires:

Consider installing corner cabinets or armoires for storing clothing, linens, or kitchen essentials. These tall, narrow storage solutions are perfect for small apartments where space is at a premium. You can use corner cabinets to store glassware, or pantry staples in the kitchen, or to keep shoes, clothing and accessories organized in the bedroom. By making use of vertical space in the corners of your apartment, you can create more storage options without cluttering up the room.

4) Decorate Your Walls to Maximize Small Spaces

When you’re working with limited square footage, it’s important to make the most of every inch of wall space. By decorating your walls wisely, you can add visual interest, personality, and functionality to your small apartment without overwhelming the space.

Floating shelves:

Another popular wall decor option for small apartments is floating shelves. Floating shelves are a versatile and space-saving solution for displaying artwork, photos, books, and decorative items without taking up valuable floor space.

(See 7 Amazing Benefits of Printable Wall Art for Small Spaces for more tips on adding artwork to your small space).

Install floating shelves above a sofa or bed to create a stylish focal point in the room, or use them to showcase a collection of favorite objects or plants. You can also place floating shelves in the kitchen to store cookbooks, spices, and cooking utensils, or in the bathroom to hold toiletries, towels, and candles.

Site pick: Wooden wall mounted shelves on Amazon

Use Art Prints:

Art prints or wall art can enhance the visual appeal of small spaces by adding color, texture, and visual interest to your walls. Whether you choose bold statement pieces or subtle accents, artwork can help tie the room together and create a cohesive look. By strategically placing prints in key areas, you can draw the eye upward and make the space feel larger and more inviting.

Learn more about how to find the perfect wall art for your home here

Other Wall Décor Elements for Small Apartment Decorating:

Apart from to mirrors and floating shelves, you can use other wall decor elements like gallery walls, wall decals, or tapestries. Gallery walls are a fun and creative way to display artwork, photographs, and other mementos, adding personality and charm to your apartment. Wall decals are a temporary and affordable way to add color, pattern, and visual interest to your walls without committing to permanent wallpaper or paint. Tapestries are a bohemian-inspired wall decor option that can add texture, warmth, and personality to your space, transforming blank walls into works of art.

5) Opt for a Small Couch

When it comes to furnishing a small living room, choosing the right sofa is key. While a large bulky sofa may be cozy, it can also overwhelm a small space and make it feel cramped and cluttered. That’s why opting for a small couch or loveseat is often a better choice for small apartments.

A small couch or loveseat offers comfortable seating without taking up too much valuable floor space. Look for sofas with clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and compact dimensions to ensure a perfect fit in your small living room. Consider styles with low-profile arms, tapered legs, and slim cushions for a modern and minimalist look that won’t overpower the room.

Check out this Single Seated Foam Sofa on Amazon

6) Create Cozy Corners

Creating cozy nooks and corner is another great small apartment decorating hack.

Small apartments can feel more spacious and inviting when you designate cozy corners for relaxation and lounging. Instead of cluttering your space with multiple chairs and tables, consider investing in a corner couch or sectional. These pieces of furniture maximize seating space while defining a specific area in your apartment.

Decorate your corner couch with plush throw pillows, a soft rug, and a simple coffee table to create a comfortable and stylish retreat. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling drapes can add an illusion of height and elegance to your space while allowing natural light to filter in.

Site pick: Washable Beige Cozy Rug on Amazon

7) Make Use of Your Fireplace

If your small apartment is lucky enough to have a fireplace, make the most of it! Transform the area around your fireplace into a cozy and functional nook by laying out a plush rug and adding a comfortable chair or two. You can use the mantel as a display shelf for books, artwork, or decorative objects.

Small apartment decorating hack: Even if you don’t plan on building a fire, arranging pillar candles in the firebox can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Consider using small potted plants or botanical prints to add a touch of greenery and freshness to your fireplace area.

8) Illuminate Dark Corners

Lighting plays a crucial role in making small spaces feel larger and more inviting. Dark corners can make a room feel smaller and less welcoming, especially in apartments with limited natural light. Combat this by strategically placing lamps throughout your space to create a soft and inviting glow. Floor lamps and table lamps are excellent options for illuminating dark corners and adding warmth to your apartment.

Opt for lamps with adjustable arms or shades to direct light where it’s needed most. Additionally, installing wall sconces or pendant lights can free up valuable floor space while providing ambient lighting in key areas.

9) Bring in the Plants!

Plants are one of my absolute favorite ways to decorate small spaces.

Using plants into your small apartment is a great way to add life, color, and texture to your space. Large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs, palms, and cacti can serve as striking focal points while filling empty corners and drawing the eye upward. If large plants feel too overwhelming, opt for smaller varieties like snake plants, philodendrons, or spider plants. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for adding a touch of greenery to shelves, side tables, or countertops. Consider placing plants on elevated surfaces or using hanging planters to maximize floor space. Not only do plants enhance the aesthetic appeal of your apartment, but they also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.

10) Choose Functional Décor

When decorating a small apartment, it’s important to prioritize functional decor that serves a purpose. Look for decorative items that not only enhance the aesthetic of your space but also offer practical benefits. For example, storage baskets can corral clutter and keep surfaces tidy while adding texture and warmth to your decor. Multipurpose trays can be used to organize small items like keys, jewelry, or remote controls while serving as stylish accents on coffee tables or ottomans.

Additionally, decorative mirrors can make rooms feel larger and more open while serving as practical tools for checking your appearance before heading out the door. By choosing decor that is both beautiful and functional, you can maximize the utility and enjoyment of your small apartment.

Site pick: Woven Baskets for Storage on Amazon

11) Use Mirrors Strategically for Small Apartment Decorating

Mirrors are a powerful tool for creating the illusion of space in a small apartment, and it’s a great small apartment decorating hack. Placing mirrors strategically can make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more open by reflecting light and views. Consider hanging a large mirror on a focal wall to visually expand the room and create a sense of depth. Alternatively, lean a tall mirror against a wall to create the illusion of height and make ceilings appear higher.

You can also arrange smaller mirrors in groupings to add visual interest and bounce light around the room. In addition to traditional framed mirrors, consider incorporating mirrored furniture or accessories like mirrored side tables or trays to amplify the reflective effect. By strategically placing mirrors throughout your apartment, you can transform small spaces into bright and airy retreats.

And if you’re like me and you love decorating with vintage accents, you will love Vintage Inspired DIY Home Deco Ideas!