11 Ways To Make Small Apartment Look Bigger

Living in a small apartment often requires creative thinking to make the most of limited space. Whether you’re a student in a studio, a professional living in a city loft, or simply working with cozy square footage, maximizing space is essential to creating a home that feels comfortable and functional. 

In this article, we’ll share 11 practical and stylish ways to make your small apartment look and feel bigger. From design tips to storage hacks, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to transform your space into an open and airy retreat. Let’s dive in!

11 Ways To Make Small Apartment Look Bigger

1. Transparent or Glass Furniture:

When you’re working with limited space, bulky furniture can make a small apartment feel cramped. Transparent or glass furniture, such as a clear acrylic coffee table or a glass dining table, can create the illusion of more space by allowing light to flow through the room. These pieces take up physical space without visually overwhelming the area, which helps maintain an open and uncluttered appearance.

For example, consider replacing a traditional solid-wood dining table with a glass-topped option. Pair it with chairs that have minimal frames or a clear design to keep the look cohesive. Transparent furniture works particularly well in living rooms, dining areas, and even bedrooms. 

2. Create a Cohesive Color Palette:

A cohesive color palette is a powerful tool for visually expanding the space of a small apartment. When too many colors clash in a limited area, the space can feel chaotic and crowded. By choosing a palette of two to three complementary shades, you can create a sense of flow and unity that makes the apartment feel larger.

Neutral tones such as whites, grays, and beige are excellent choices for walls and larger furniture pieces, as they reflect light and open up the room. Accent these with subtle pops of color in your decor, such as throw pillows, artwork, or a small rug.

When painting walls, consider using lighter shades, as they reflect more light than darker hues. 

3. Use Floating Shelves:

Floating shelves are a fantastic way to save space while also adding style to your apartment. Unlike traditional shelving units, which can take up valuable floor space, floating shelves are mounted directly to the wall. This leaves the floor clear and creates an open, airy vibe.

Install floating shelves in strategic locations, such as above a desk, near a bed, or in the kitchen. Use them to display books, plants, or decorative objects. To keep the look clean and uncluttered, avoid overloading the shelves and space out items to give the display room to breathe.

4. Arrange Furniture Away from Walls:

One common mistake in small spaces is pushing all the furniture against the walls. While this may seem like it creates more room, it can actually make the space feel boxed in. Instead, try pulling furniture away from the walls slightly to give the illusion of more depth.

For example, place your sofa a few inches away from the wall and add a slim console table behind it. In a bedroom, position the bed slightly away from the corner and add a small bedside table for balance. 

When arranging furniture, consider the flow of the room. Create pathways that make it easy to move through the space without feeling cramped.

5. Use Light Curtains or Blinds:

Window treatments can significantly impact how large or small a space feels. Heavy, dark curtains tend to block natural light and make a room feel closed off. Instead, go for light-colored curtains or blinds made from sheer or lightweight materials. These allow more light to filter in while still providing privacy.

Hang curtains high above the window frame to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of taller ceilings. If possible, extend the curtain rod beyond the width of the window so the curtains can be pulled entirely to the side.

This technique maximizes the amount of light entering the room and makes the windows appear larger.

6. Use Large-Scale Art or Decor:

It may seem counterintuitive, but adding a few large-scale art pieces or decorative items can actually make a small apartment feel bigger. Small, scattered decor can create visual clutter, while a single large piece creates a focal point and simplifies the overall look.

Choose artwork that complements your color palette and enhances the mood of the room. A large painting or framed print above the sofa or bed can draw the eye and make the ceiling appear higher. 

If you’re not ready to commit to wall art, consider oversized vases, floor lamps, or even large plants. These items add personality to the space while maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.

7. Go for Sliding Doors:

Traditional doors that swing open require clearance space, which can be a challenge in small apartments. Sliding doors, on the other hand, save space while adding a modern touch to your home.

Install sliding doors for closets, bathrooms, or even as room dividers. Barn-style doors or pocket doors are popular options that fit well into various design aesthetics. Sliding doors are especially useful for creating privacy in studio apartments without taking up valuable square footage.

8. Use Light Colors:

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make a small apartment look bigger is to use light colors in your design. Light hues, such as whites, creams, soft grays, and pastels, can reflect natural and artificial light, creating an airy and expansive feel. 

Use light-colored furniture and decor to maintain a cohesive and open aesthetic. For example, a cream-colored sofa paired with pastel throw pillows can enhance the feeling of space in your living room.

To tie everything together, don’t forget the ceilings. Painting your ceiling a shade lighter than your walls can make the room feel taller.

9. Include Mirrors:

Mirrors are a tried-and-true trick for creating the illusion of a larger space. They reflect light and their surroundings, effectively doubling the sense of depth and openness in a room. The key to using mirrors successfully in your small apartment lies in their placement.

Hang a large mirror on a central wall to serve as a focal point and visually expand the space. Alternatively, place mirrors across from windows to reflect natural light and bring brightness into the room.

10. Declutter and Organize:

Clutter can make even the largest spaces feel cramped and chaotic, so staying organized is essential in a small apartment. The first step is to declutter your space by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Be honest with yourself about what’s truly essential, and let go of anything that’s just taking up space.

Once you’ve decluttered, invest in storage solutions to keep your belongings neatly organized. Use baskets, bins, and drawer dividers to group similar items together and make them easier to find. 

Maintaining a tidy and clutter-free environment doesn’t just make your apartment look bigger; it also makes it feel more spacious. It also makes it a more relaxing and enjoyable place to live.

11. Add Plants Strategically:

Plants can bring life and vibrancy to a small apartment, but it’s important to use them strategically to avoid overwhelming the space. Choose smaller plants or vertical planters that can be placed on shelves, window sills, or hanging pots.

Avoid large, bulky planters that take up valuable floor space. Instead, group a few smaller plants together to create visual interest.

Plants with trailing vines, like pothos or string of pearls, can be hung from the ceiling to add greenery without taking up surface space. Just be sure to choose low-maintenance varieties that thrive in indoor environments.

Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style. With a few smart design choices and organizational strategies, you can make your space feel open, airy, and inviting. Start implementing these tips today, and watch your small apartment transform into a spacious place.

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