Design Tips for How To Make a Small Apartment Feel Bigger

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Category: Apartment Life, Home Decorating, Home Improvement, Moving Advice, Organization

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Living in a small apartment can present a few challenges. Namely, you have limited space for your stuff. That can lead to a buildup of clutter and a general sense of claustrophobia.

If you feel like you’re living in a glorified closet, you can implement some design strategies to make your place seem bigger. Maximizing the space you have available not only makes your apartment look better, but benefits your mental health. And all it takes are a few smart design choices.

Put Unnecessary Stuff Into Three Piles

a short-haired woman sorts clothing into three piles to help declutter and make space in a small apartment

The first step to opening up your space is the most obvious: getting rid of clutter. Not only is it visually distracting, but clutter can affect your anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus. 

You likely already know the common tips for decluttering such as sorting items into categories like  “keep,” “throw away,” “donate,” or “sell”, or the one-year rule that states, “if you haven’t used or worn an item in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go”. 

 

“Whether it’s statement artwork or an interesting piece of furniture, creating a focal point can help to balance the visual weight in a room, preventing it from feeling too cluttered or too sparse.”

 

But, you can also use technology to help reduce any paper clutter around the house by scanning important documents and storing them digitally. Cancel any print subscriptions and opt for digital versions of magazines, newspapers, and bills so the paper piles don’t accumulate again.

And if you’re struggling to declutter on your own, consider enlisting the help of a professional organizer, a supportive friend, or a family member. They can provide guidance and motivation to help keep you on track during the process, and be a more ruthless and objective third party when it comes to throwing items out.

Learn How To Siphon Natural Light

a view of a living room. Natural light is flowing in from large windows with semi-transparent yellow and white curtains. There is a white couch with multicolored throw pillows, as well as a settee and turquoise blanket in the foreground

When it comes to making a space look bigger, natural lighting is your friend. It’s a great way to make it feel more spacious, inviting, and energizing. Plus, it can also reduce your energy costs by lessening the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Light-colored walls reflect natural light better than dark colors, so opt for white, eggshell, beige, etc. A matte finish also helps light bounce around without a glare. 

Additionally, heavy curtains or window treatments can block natural light from entering your home, so opt for sheer or light-colored window treatments to allow more light to come through. If you have trees or bushes outside your windows, they may be blocking light from entering your home as well. Keep the landscaping around windows trimmed back. Dirty windows also block light, so clean your windows regularly and keep clutter out of the way.

Decorate With Mirrors

Using strategically placed mirrors can make your space look bigger and brighter by reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space. The simplest way to do this is to hang a large mirror on a wall opposite a window or corner to maximize the effect.  

a solid square mirrored coffee table in the middle of a living room. The reflection of the floor and the flowers and candles on top are visible in the table's mirrored surface
Wayfair.com

You could also create a mirror gallery; instead of hanging one large mirror, create a gallery of mirrors in different shapes and sizes on a wall. This will create a focal point and add depth to the room.

Another creative option is to use mirrored furniture such as coffee tables, side tables, and dressers. The reflective surface of the furniture will bounce light around the room, making it appear brighter and more spacious. The same goes for mirrored accessories such as vases, picture frames, and candleholders, which add an extra bit of sparkle and elegance to a room.

Just remember to be careful and not to overdo it with mirrors. While they can make a space look bigger and brighter, too many mirrors and their reflections can be overwhelming and distracting.

Make the Most Out of Your Furniture

a couple walking through a section of a furniture store, looking at shelving and couch options

When choosing furniture for a small space, it’s important to prioritize functionality and versatility. You also need to meet the challenge of keeping your space clutter-free. Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes, double as storage, and can be easily moved or stowed away when not in use. 

There are some furniture pieces that are necessary to have in a home, so here are some tips about what types to get, and how they can save you space.

Seating

a brown and white upholstered foldable chair for use in small apartments
target.com

Folding chairs are a great way to keep your space clear. And many have modern designs that make them indistinguishable from standard chairs — nothing like the cold and uncomfortable metal sort you might be thinking of.  

Ottomans are also a great, multi-purpose choice. They can serve as a coffee table, extra seating, and footrests while also providing hidden storage. They’re also lightweight and can be easily moved around a room. Look for an ottoman with a removable lid or one that has a hinged top for easy access to the storage space inside.

Similarly, sectional couches have storage in some of the pieces, often at the ends or the footrests, which are perfect for storing things like shoes, blankets, remotes, or extra video game controllers.  

Beds

a murphy bed with brown sheets and patterned pillows is built into a corner desk set up. There is plenty of storage space for a small apartment
Closet and Storage Concepts

A bed with built-in storage is also a great way to maximize space in a bedroom. Look for a platform bed with drawers underneath, or a headboard with shelves for storing books and other items. 

Murphy beds are a great option for small bedrooms or studio apartments. They can be folded up and stored in a closet or against a wall during the day, freeing up space for other activities. You also might want to consider sleeping on a Japanese-style futon. While you have to be mindful to air them out so they don’t get musty, they’re a great way to save some space since they’re made to be folded up and stored during the day. 

Tables

There are many kinds of coffee tables that have storage. You can pick between the ones that have drawers at the bottom or sides, or the kind that has a space accessible from lifting part of the tabletop itself.

 

“…[R]educe any paper clutter around the house by scanning important documents and storing them digitally. Cancel any print subscriptions and opt for digital versions of magazines, newspapers, and bills so the paper piles don’t accumulate again.”

 

There are also nesting tables, which are a set of tables that fit together like Russian dolls. They can be separated and used as individual tables, or stacked together to save space when not in use. Foldable tables are also an option, and much like foldable chairs, they come in all kinds of styles and sizes to fit your taste and needs.

Shelving and Closets

a two white clothing racks set up by a wall. One is taller and contains a set of mesh shelving for shoes and handbags. The other is shorter and has blouses hanging from it.
ikea.com

It seems like a no-brainer to say that shelving is storage, but you might not have considered that it can be converted into drawers, a table, a tv stand, or a pantry at will. Simply outfit a piece of furniture like bookshelves with storage baskets or cabinets, or turn it on its side instead of placing it against a wall. 

If you’re short on closet space, clothes racks are a great way to store bulky items like coats out of the way. They can also come with wheels, meaning it’s easy to move them out of the way entirely, or trade out a winter-clothing standing dresser for a summer-clothing one. And while it’s not exactly furniture, getting a vacuum sealer for your clothing and bedding can save a lot of room in your closet.

Rolling carts are another great option for small kitchens or dining rooms. They can be used as a serving cart, a bar cart, or as an extra pantry.

Decorate Upwards

a section of a room with three levels of floating shelves set above a countertop. Both are decorated with plants in white planters and small vases.
Shapeless Studio

To make a space look bigger, it helps to direct the eyes up. Plus, taking advantage of vertical space means you don’t have to crowd the floor of a tiny room

Tall bookcases are a great way to add storage and display space to a room while also drawing the eye up and making the ceiling appear higher. Or you can opt for floating shelves, which add storage and display space to a room without taking up floor space. 

Hanging curtains close to the ceiling creates a similar illusion of height in a room, as do tall, vertical artwork and high-mounted light fixtures.

Make Rooms Using ‘Zones’

a living room in a small apartment set up into zones. A blue couch is a divider for the dining room in the corner. One square rug sits under the living room couches while a circular rug is set under another sitting area. There are white stairs leading to upper rooms in the top left.
housebeautiful.com

Small apartments may not have a fully separate bedroom, dining room, kitchen, etc., which can make the space feel cramped. But dividing your apartment into different zones based on their functions, and choosing furniture that fits each zone’s specific needs, will make things feel less closed-in and more functional.

When setting up your zones, make sure the furniture placement allows for a clear flow of traffic between each one. Furniture such as bookcases or room dividers can also be used to create physical barriers between different zones, helping to define each space and create a sense of privacy (if that’s what you want). You can also use different patterns, colors, or sizes of furniture, like rugs, to create distinct areas within a single room.

Take Advantage of Outdoor Space

a view of a balcony with planters hanging on the railing and a small table and chairs set with food.

Having a balcony in a small apartment can be a great advantage, as it’s another way to provide additional space and make your home feel bigger. Depending on where your balcony or patio is located, you could use it as an extension of your living space. Adding an outdoor rug, seating, and a few plants can transform your outdoor space into an inviting hangout.

But keep in mind that the same rules apply outside as they do inside. In other words, you should avoid too many knick-knacks, extra large furniture, and dark colors, Instead, opt for sleek and minimalistic furniture and decor, and be sure it’s made to handle the sun and weather from being outdoors

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Pick These Colors, Textures, and Materials 

To summarize, you have to be selective about what you bring into your home — and strategic about how you place it all — to make a small space appear larger, brighter, and more welcoming.

To maximize the appearance of space in your apartment, follow these tips:

  • Use light colors: Choose soft tones of white, beige, or gray, and avoid dark or heavy colors that can make the space feel cramped.
  • Create texture and depth: Incorporate different materials and finishes, such as wood, metal, glass, fabric, and plants. Mixing materials will add depth and dimension to your space.
  • Use transparent or glass furniture: Transparent or glass furniture, like coffee tables or dining tables, can help create a sense of openness by allowing light to pass through them.
  • Create a focal point: Whether it’s statement artwork or an interesting piece of furniture, creating a focal point can help to balance the visual weight in a room, preventing it from feeling too cluttered or too sparse. It can also help to distribute the attention evenly across the space, making it feel more comfortable and inviting.
  • Use lighting: Create different moods and highlight different features of your apartment with a mix of soft overhead lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • Keep it clean: A tidy and organized space will always appear larger. Use storage solutions to keep your belongings organized and out of sight, and avoid having too many items on display.
  • Choose the right furniture scale: Avoid oversized furniture, which can make a small space feel more cramped. Instead, opt for smaller, more streamlined pieces that won’t dominate the room.
  • Incorporate rugs: They can help to create the illusion of more space by defining separate areas within an open-plan living space or studio. Bookcases and partitions can also help define different zones.

Not everyone has the luxury of living in a big, wide-open home. But if you do live in a small apartment, it doesn’t have to feel that way. A few smart design choices can make your space seem much larger than it really is, which creates a much more pleasant atmosphere. 

Bubble Wrap 101: Protips, What It Doesn’t Work With, and Solid Alternatives

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For keeping your most valuable, most expensive stuff protected when you move, it may seem like there’s nothing better than bubble wrap. But we’ll let you in on a little secret. 

Movers very rarely – if ever – use the stuff.

Not because it doesn’t work. It does. But the pros know, all those little bubbles add up to some bulky and relatively expensive bit of cushioning. Packing paper, used correctly, will serve most any packing purpose and save you both space and money.

Still, you may be more comfortable enveloping your flat screen TV, your electronics, your stemware and your china in bubble wrap. That’s totally understandable. So if you decide to go this route, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Using Bubble Wrap: 5 Quick Tips

  1. Put a layer of packing paper between your TV and that bubble wrap. Plastic can leave marks on your screen, particularly in extreme temperatures. This goes for anything you wrap in bubbles. For items with sharp edges or corners, some extra paper can help keep those sharp areas from poking right through the plastic.
  2. Wrap your items with the bubbles facing inward for better protection against exterior pressure and accidental impact. The flat side is easier to write on (in case you want to be able to identify each item quickly) and will hold the tape in place much more effectively.
  3. Don’t bank on one layer of bubble wrap. Two layers of small bubble sheeting might be enough for a piece of stemware, though this would be in addition to packing them with plenty of packing paper and, for extra peace of mind, individual cells inside your cardboard box. If you are using the stuff with the bigger bubbles for heavier items like a large framed mirror or your CPU, one layer may suffice – but again, only in addition to some crumpled packing paper for extra cushioning on all sides.
  4. Keep that bubble wrap firmly in place by taping not just along the edges, but all the way around the item. You splurged on that bubble wrap, don’t start skimping on the tape!
  5. Have a pair of scissors on hand when you are unpacking. It would be a real bummer to break something – or drop and break something – while trying to tear that bubble wrap off using only your hands. 

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What to Pack in Bubble Wrap

bubble wrap

Valuable items. Fragile items. Heavy and hard-to-replace items. If you’re staring at something and you can’t decide whether to bubble wrap it, err on the side of caution and wrap it.

Specifically, you’ll want to consider bubble wrap for:

  • Large picture frames and mirrors
  • Flat screen TVs
  • Glass tabletops and shelving
  • Electronics and computers
  • Stemware and fine china
  • Fragile decorative items

Remember, bubble wrap alone will not do the trick. Even surrounded by two or three layers of air pockets, the things on this list will still need to be packed firmly in cardboard cartons with enough crumpled packing paper on all sides to keep them from shifting and bouncing in transit while keeping them safe from exterior impact.

After the bubble wrapping is done, use the right kind of box.

There’s no point in being safe if you use the wrong box for your stuff. Finish the job right by packing each bubble-wrapped item properly, surrounded by plenty of crumpled packing paper. Moving boxes come in specific shapes and sizes for your items, use accordingly.

bubble wrap

Mirror Cartons

Picture frames, mirrors, glass shelves and flat-screen TVs go in mirror cartons – sets of two, if not four pieces that you can use to form a custom-sized box.

Double-Walled Dish Pack Cartons

bubble wrap
containerstore.com

Electronics and computer components are best protected when packed in double-walled dish pack cartons, the same boxes we use for dishes, plates and glasses. And yes! This includes your china and stemware. Fragile decorative items like statuettes and ceramics can still be packed in medium (3 cubic foot) boxes, provided they are cushioned well and the boxes are clearly marked to minimize the chances of someone putting a box of books on top.

Cardboard Cells

A note about stemware: Nothing gets broken more often than this stuff. Wrapping each piece well is crucial, but so is packing it all correctly into your dish pack as the items on the bottom will have to support the weight of everything else in there.

bubble wrap
cactuscontainers.com

The best thing to do is get your hands on some of those cardboard cells, which not only keep your wine glasses from knocking against each other but offer an appreciable amount of vertical support, keeping all the weight of those glasses off the ones at the bottom of the box.

If you can’t find any cardboard cells, don’t despair! A thick layer of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of your dish pack and another layer of crumpled paper on top of each successive tier of firmly-packed stemware is what the pros use to keep everything safe. If you aren’t comfortable with that, line your entire dish pack with bubble wrap and put a couple of sheets in between your tiers of glasses. This isn’t the most cost-efficient way to pack your stemware, but it beats a box full of expensive shards of glass.

Alternatives

If not bubble wrap, then what? As stated earlier, packing paper is the standard. However, towels, crumpled newspaper, or virtually anything form-fitting, sturdy and that’s plenty soft can often do the trick for cheaper. Sound too simple? It really is. As long as you pad your items in a balanced way, it doesn’t need to be as expensive as bubble wrap. Just as long as “this one, extra towel” isn’t the only thing keeping your priceless vase safe. Check the moving supplies section at your local hardware store for bubble wrap alternatives.

A Note on Packing Peanuts

bubble wrapYou may like the idea of those Styrofoam nuggets, but in general, they are bulky, costly, and non-biodegradable. The eco-friendly alternative cornstarch peanuts are even more expensive and don’t make for a very satisfying snack, no matter how hungry you are at the end of your move. Plus, they end up getting scattered all over the floor and clinging to your clothes. In short, use (and eat) them if you like, but I don’t recommend them.


Admit it. It’s hard to resist popping those plastic bubbles once you’re done with that bubble wrap. But think for a moment how easy it is to pop them – and how much all the boxes you are packing must weigh.

Keep this in mind when you are packing up all those valuable, expensive, fragile items. On its own, a sheet of bubble wrap can’t adequately protect your stuff. You’re going to need plenty of packing paper (or towels or clothes) in a pinch. Pack those items firmly in the center of your box, protected on all sides.

And really, save yourself a headache (and maybe the stomachache) and stay away from those peanuts!

5 Hidden Benefits to Decorating With Mirrors

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If you’re itching to decorate your rental or your new home, then we urge you to consider using mirrors as your figurative paint brush. Mirrors: they’re not just for the bathroom anymore! As long as you restrain yourself from lining them across every last surface, supplementing mirrors in your living space is a key way to make your place feeling super open.

Knowing that, here are five things that a mirror can do super easily for you!

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