So, you’ve got a super apartment that’s not so super-sized. Decorating a small apartment can be tricky, but it’s a fun challenge. After all, anyone can pile on the furniture in a giant penthouse, but it takes a clever decorator to make a one-room apartment serve multiple functions.
Here are some golden rules for making the most of your small space (and some cool examples to check out!)
One of the easiest ways to maximize your space is to buy furniture that serves multiple purposes: beds with storage drawers, ottomans that open to reveal storage space and armchairs that turn into twin beds, for instance. If you can imagine it, someone is likely making it — and that multipurpose piece may serve your small space well.
Turn Your Home Office Into a Functional Storage Space
Interior decorators have a secret weapon when they need to make a room look bigger: mirrors! Decorating with mirrors helps you reflect light and create rooms that look like they go on forever. Replace closet doors with mirrored versions, hang decorative mirrors on walls, and select glass-topped dining and coffee tables.
Mirrors: Use Illusion to Open Up a Small Space Apartment
When decorating a one-room apartment or an especially small space, it can be hard to separate the living area from the dining area from the bedroom. Keep things clear by arranging furniture so that functional areas have distinctive designations. Using dividers like folding screens and other creative divider ideas can make your small space feel like a larger apartment.
A simple method for making your small apartment look larger is to decorate with light colors. Use different shades of color to brighten things up, but always go with the lighter end of the spectrum. It’s also smart to limit yourself to two main colors and one accent color, so you apartment doesn’t look crowded. A simple black and white color scheme works wonders, as well.
Let There Be Light: Create a Light, Bright Apartment Space
Speaking of feeling crowded by color, you also need to watch out for crowding by clutter. Smart storage is essential when decorating a small apartment, and knick-knacks should be kept to a minimum in a small space. Designate storage areas for items so you can easily put things away and maintain a clutter-free space. Paper can quickly get out of hand, so look for interesting ways to keep your bills out of sight in a unique home office.
Tips to Tame Your Cluttered Room of Shame
Here’s a quick and easy tip. Tall furniture makes your space look loftier. Choose tables, chairs and sofas with longer legs, as short, squat furniture can make a space look crowded. Pub tables are a great option for decorating.
Let there be light! Many of us don’t feel comfortable with naked windows, but resist the urge to hang heavy window coverings that block too much light; your apartment will seem brighter and bigger if you can keep your windows exposed. Opt for blinds or shades you can keep open during the day and close at night for privacy.
Finding the right furniture for a small apartment can be tough. Luckily, there are companies that make specialty furniture in smaller sizes perfect for apartment living. Choosing the right small-scale furniture can open up a entirely new way of decorating your place!
The main thing to remember when you are designing your small space decor is to have fun. Decorating a tiny space requires more creativity and gives you a chance to think outside the box, so to speak!