If you have a small apartment, you know firsthand just how hard it can be to make your apartment feel and look spacious so you aren’t feeling claustrophobic in your space. After reading this post, you’ll quickly realize that not all hope is lost just because you have a small apartment.
There are tons of tricks and decor hacks that you can try for your space that will make all of the difference! Let’s go over a few hacks to make your small apartment look bigger.
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How to Make a Small Apartment Look More Spacious
1. Add mirrors everywhere
Adding mirrors around your apartment is a classic trick in the book to make your apartment feel bigger than it is. Why? Well, mirrors reflect the light that comes in from windows back into your space, backing your room to look brighter and it also gives the illusion of depth in your room.
So what type of mirrors should you be using?
Floor mirrors
Floor mirrors, particularly large ones will work really well in a corner of your small apartment. And If you can find a corner next to a window that’s even better!
Here some floor mirrors you may like for your space:
Wall/Circle mirrors
Circle mirrors are commonly used on walls. When thinking about what size mirror to put on your wall, in this case bigger is better. This helps maximize the mirror’s impact and allows your mirror to be a focal point.
To get the full effect of this, try to hang your mirror on a wall that is opposite of a window or another light fixture in your apartment.
Here are some wall mirrors you may like for your space:
2. Avoid large furniture
This may sound obvious but you’d be surprised how often people will buy furniture for a small room or small apartment that is meant for bigger spaces.
When you have a smaller space, you want to buy furniture that is suited for that small space. Let’s go over a few of the basics.
Couches
If you have a small living room, those big and comfy looking sectionals most likely aren’t going to work for your space. You should go for a standard sofa or a sofa with a small chaise. These are much more suited for small spaces.
Couches you may like:
Chairs
Big chairs may be comfy to sit in, but when it comes to making the most out of your space in a small apartment, big chairs are a no go. If chairs are must have in your living room, opt for smaller chairs
Chairs you may like:
Beds
If you have a small bedroom, a king sized bed isn’t the best way to go. Instead go for a queen sized bed or even a full sized bed if you live alone. This way you’ll have more walking space and space for other furniture in your room.
3. Keep furniture off the wall
It may sound counter productive, but pushing your furniture slightly off of the wall will actually make your living room look and feel bigger than it is! With this, you should also angle any chairs you may have in your corners to give the illusion that your corner stretches farther than it really does!
4. Get a bed that has legs
Beds that are low to the ground are super trendy and aesthetic but they don’t make the best use of your space. If you have a bed or get a bed that is raised off of the ground, you can use that space to store any non essentials that you don’t reach for on a daily basis!
5. Use light colors
There is nothing that will make a room look smaller than dark colors. Keep your spaces light and bright to make your rooms feel more open.
If you already have dark furniture, you can balance everything out by opting for light curtains, a light area rug, and light colored throw pillows/blankets in your space!
6. Hang blinds/curtains close to the ceiling
Hanging your curtains 3-4 inches down from the ceiling will give the illusion that your windows are bigger than they really are and really elevates your space!
7. Use furniture that doubles as storage
Using furniture that doubles as storage basically kills two birds with one stone. There are so many ways that you can incorporate this hack.
Storage ottoman
Storage bench
Coffee table w/ storage space
8. Use your vertical space
Vertical space is one of the best ways to make sure you are maximizing the space in your apartment. Especially when it comes to decorating.
Using your vertical space draws the eye upward essentially extending the space’s appearance. Here are a few ways you can use vertical space to make your small apartment look bigger.
Floating shelves
Floating shelves are an easy way to add extra decorating space to your apartment and come in so many different colors and sizes! You can opt for 2 long floating shelves or 2-3 short floating shelves depending on your wall space.
Check out this post for inspo on how to decorate floating shelves
Bookshelves
Bookshelves are another great way to add some height to your small apartment. You can really go all out with decorating these so that they are able to match the overall decorating theme in your apartment. One of these looks great in a corner or you can use two side to side by side next to your TV Stand.
Related: Design Tricks to Make the Most out of Vertical Space
Looking for more apartment ideas?
- Small Pantry Organization Hacks to Make The Most Out of Your Space
- 32 Ways to Organize a Small Kitchen (on a budget!)
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