How to Decorate a Small Apartment with Style

Furnishing a compact apartment can feel like a calculated game, where each choice matters. By making smart decisions, you can make the most of your limited square footage and fashion a welcoming, fashionable retreat that showcases your unique style.

Segment Areas with Rugs

Rugs can visually separate areas while adding warmth and texture.

Use rugs to segment different areas in an open-concept apartment. I worked on one project where a large rug helped separate the living space from the kitchen area.

A few things you might like:

Eclectic Rug: Define your living space with a colorful eclectic rug, adding warmth and character effortlessly.
Vintage Decorative Rug: Improve your apartment’s style by placing a vintage rug that complements your furniture and decor.
Contemporary Geometric Rug: Create defined spaces in your open layout with a sleek modern geometric patterned rug.

Make Use of Open Shelving

Open shelves offer practical storage and an opportunity to display personal treasures.

Open shelving provides display and storage space, keeping the area feeling spacious. I enjoy showcasing books and small decor on floating shelves in my home.

Integrate Plants in Key Spots

Plants add vibrancy and a hint of nature to any small area.

Adding houseplants can liven up your apartment and establish a dynamic atmosphere. I have a few perfectly placed succulents in my kitchen that contribute a burst of color and freshness.

These products might help:

Collection of Decorative Succulent Pots: Liven up your window sill with a lovely set of succulent pots, contributing a fresh element.
Suspended Macramé Plant Hangers: Enhance your decor with fashionable macramé holders, great for optimizing greenery in small environments.
Tiered Plant Display Stand: Keep your indoor plants organized with a sophisticated tiered stand, efficiently saving floor space.

Incorporate Textured Wall Treatments

Textured wall panels add depth and elegance to small spaces.

Textured wall panels can add dimension and character without being too overpowering. I once installed subtle wood paneling that brought warmth and texture to a small bedroom.

Explore these options:

Textured Wood Panels: Enhance warmth in your room with wood panels, adding depth and a cozy ambiance.
Textured Wall Tiles: Create a focal point with 3D wall panels, elevating your space’s overall design.
Adhesive Wood Wall Tiles: Easily transform your walls with peel and stick panels, perfect for renters wanting style.

Embrace Streamlined Furnishings

Multi-purpose furniture can transform a small space into a highly functional area.

Select multi-purpose pieces that provide storage options without dominating the room. In my own place in Denver, a small profile sofa that unfolds into a bed also has a storage component, which has revolutionized my small space.

Some ideas to consider:

Adaptable Sleeper Sofa with Storage: Get the most out of your space with a chic sofa that easily becomes a bed, complete with extra storage.
Floating Bookshelf System: Make effective use of wall space with an elegant floating bookshelf for your books and decorative items.
Space-Saving Coffee Table with Storage: Maintain a neat living space with a coffee table featuring concealed storage areas.

Maximize Vertical Space

Tall shelving can increase storage without taking up floor space.

Make the most of vertical space with tall shelving. In my own home, a tall bookshelf not only holds books but also draws the eye upward, making the room seem taller.

Useful items to consider:

Tall Wood Bookshelf: Transform vertical space into stylish storage with a tall wood bookshelf. Enhance room height effortlessly.
Customizable Shelf System: Create flexible storage options in small spaces with customizable shelving units. Adapt to fit your needs.
Wall-Mounted Shelves: Improve storage without sacrificing floor space using wall-mounted shelves. A chic and practical solution.

Enhance Natural Light

Natural light can significantly improve the perceived size of your apartment.

Maximize natural light by hanging sheer curtains that allow sunlight to brighten the space. My Denver studio feels much bigger just by adding these light, breezy drapes.

Maybe worth checking out:

Light Filtering Curtains: Brighten your space with elegant light filtering curtains, effortlessly inviting sunlight into your room.
Adjustable Length Curtain Pole: Easily hang your curtains for optimal light flow with an adjustable, stylish curtain pole.
Indoor Green Plant: Enhance natural light with vibrant greenery, adding freshness and brightness to your living space.

Choose See-Through Furniture

Transparent furniture offers functionality without visual bulk.

Transparent furniture like acrylic tables can make a room appear less full. I used an acrylic coffee table in a client’s apartment, and it virtually disappeared, keeping the space open and bright.

Might be a good match:

Acrylic Top Coffee Table: Enhance your living space with an acrylic coffee table for a modern, open feel.
Clear Acrylic Chair: Choose a clear acrylic chair to create an illusion of more space in your apartment.
See Through Console Table: Incorporate a transparent console table for a sleek, uncluttered look in small living areas.

Use Built-In Storage

Built-in storage solutions keep spaces tidy and uncluttered.

Built-in storage keeps clutter out of sight while maintaining a clean aesthetic. I installed a bed with built-in drawers for a client, which freed up valuable closet space.

A few relevant products:

Bedframe with Storage Drawers: Maximize your space by choosing a bed with storage drawers, keeping essentials neatly tucked away.
Wall-Mounted Shelves: Enhance your walls with stylish shelving units for books and decor, saving floor space.
Under Bed Storage Containers: Utilize the area under your bed for additional storage with sleek, low-profile containers.

Use Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces can make a room feel larger and more open.

Mirrors and glass tables can give the illusion of expanded space. A mirrored coffee table in my friend’s apartment reflects light and visually enlarges the area.

These products might be useful:

Mirrored Top Coffee Table: Enhance your space with a mirrored coffee table, reflecting light to open up your room.
Elegant Wall Mirror: Incorporate depth and style with an elegant wall mirror, perfect for enlarging small areas.
Clear End Table: Brighten corners with a sleek glass end table that enhances light and visual spaciousness.

Add Personality with Statement Pieces

Statement pieces can add personality and character to a small space.

Incorporate statement pieces like striking lamps to inject personality. I have a vintage lamp I picked up at a market that has become the focal point of my living room.

Check if these fit your needs:

Vintage Inspired Floor Lamp: Enhance your living room’s charm with a beautiful vintage floor lamp, contributing warmth and style.
Classic Table Lamp: Illuminate your space stylishly with an antique table lamp, ideal for cozy corner settings.
Detailed Lampshade: Change your lamp with a detailed lampshade, adding a touch of sophistication to your decor.

Experiment with Understated Color Palettes

Neutral shades bring a sense of calm and openness to tight spaces.

Bright, neutral hues can expand a space, giving it an open, airy ambiance. I once helped a client by painting their small living room in gentle cream tones, and it turned the area into a peaceful escape.

Products that could assist:

Soft Cream Sofa Cover: Refresh your living room with a subtle cream slipcover, incorporating elegance while protecting furniture.
Neutral Textured Floor Covering: Add warmth to your room with a neutral textured rug, providing both comfort and style seamlessly.
Delicate Cream Wall Decor: Bring a serene touch to your space with delicate cream wall art, enhancing your decor effortlessly.

Improve Ambiance with Wall Art and Decor

Mirrors and art can visually expand a room, adding depth and intrigue.

Incorporate art pieces and mirrors to enhance the visual space. I remember putting up a large mirror in a client’s narrow hallway, and it immediately made the area seem twice its size.

A few suggestions:

Large Statement Wall Mirror: Introduce depth to your room with a chic mirror that enhances light and space effortlessly.
Varied Wall Art Selection: Change your wall with a varied art selection, setting up a captivating gallery instantly.
Detailed Wall Decor Piece: Add charm and texture to your space with a unique, detailed wall accent piece.

Integrate Striking Lighting

Statement lighting can be a focal point and enhance the room's ambiance. — Statement lighting can be a focal point and enhance the room’s ambiance.

Statement lighting can transform a room’s ambiance. A bold pendant light in my dining area draws attention and adds a touch of elegance.

A few choices to try:

Geometric Hanging Light: Invite elegance with a geometric hanging light, perfect for modernizing any dining area style.
Woven Shade Ceiling Light: Add warmth with a woven shade ceiling lamp, balancing modern and cozy aesthetics seamlessly.
Black Iron Hanging Lamp: Enhance flair with an industrial black iron hanging lamp, offering a chic minimalist appeal.

Choose Collapsible Furniture

Collapsible furniture offers flexibility and convenience in small homes.

Collapsible furniture can be stowed away when not needed. A collapsible dining table I recommended to a client allowed for spur-of-the-moment dinner parties without sacrificing space.

Consider these options:

Small Collapsible Dining Table: Enhance your space with a foldable dining table perfect for small apartments and spontaneous gatherings.
Compact Folding Chairs: Maximize your room with foldable chairs that store easily yet provide comfortable seating solutions.
Wall-Mounted Folding Desk: Create a functional workspace with a wall-mounted desk that folds away while not in use.

Play with Different Textures

Layered textures result in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Incorporate different textures with throws and rugs for added warmth and dimension. In a friend’s apartment, mixing different fabrics created a cozy, inviting vibe in her living room.

Possibly handy products:

Bohemian Patterned Rug: Change your space with a Bohemian-patterned rug that adds personality and warmth to any room.
Thick Knit Throw Blanket: Enhance coziness with a thick knit throw, great for layering on your sofa or bed.
Textured Decorative Cushions: Elevate comfort with textured cushions, adding a stylish touch to your seating.

Select an Intelligent Layout

Smart furniture arrangement can define spaces and improve flow.

Position furniture to separate spaces without making it feel cramped. In a client’s studio, we used the sofa to slightly divide the living space from the dining area.

Try these:

Small Profile Sofa: Make the most of your living space with a small sofa that clearly defines your area.
Circular Dining Set: Enhance style and function with a modern circular dining table set for your dining nook.
Tall Display Shelf: Use wall space with a tall display shelf to keep your apartment organized and stylish.

Employ Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are space-efficient and stylish.

Sliding doors conserve space and add a sleek, modern touch. A sliding barn door in my friend’s apartment enhanced both style and practicality.

Give these a look:

Wood Sliding Door Set: Upgrade your space with a rustic wood sliding door for style and space efficiency.
Sliding Door Mounting Kit: Install a sliding door effortlessly with this durable and stylish mounting kit.
Sleek Sliding Door Handle: Enhance your sliding door with a sleek, modern handle for easy access and elegance.

Use a Striking Wall as a Focal Point

An accent wall can add depth and visual interest to a small room.

A bold accent wall can create a stunning focal point in a small room. I once helped a client by incorporating a deep blue wall behind the bed, which added drama and depth to the compact bedroom.

Possibly helpful picks:

Dark Blue Interior Paint: Transform your space with this dramatic blue paint, perfect for creating a striking accent wall.
Framed Gallery Wall: Add visual interest with a set of framed art, complementing your bold accent wall beautifully.
Wooden Bedside Lamp: Illuminate your room with this stylish wooden desk lamp, enhancing the room’s cozy atmosphere.