17 Clever Decorating Tips For Compact Apartments
Is your place short on square metreage? Make it look bigger (and more practical and stylish, too) with these space-enhancing ideas
Natasha Saroca
7 September 2018
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
Decorating a spatially-challenged apartment can be tough. And I say that from experience; the cosy (read: Shoe box-sized) place I currently call home is a studio apartment just 36 square metres in size. And, let me tell you, furnishing and styling my compact space has been a daunting task. In fact, I still haven’t finished decorating the studio and I’ve lived here for almost nine months.
So, why has it taken me so long? Well, it’s mainly due to a lack of research on my part and not reading up on design tricks the pros use to transform diminutive dwellings like mine into stylish, inviting and liveable spaces that look much larger than they really are. Honestly, if I had known then what I know now, my apartment would’ve been fully decked out months ago!
If you’re an apartment dweller who, like me, is struggling to decorate their pint-sized place, try these simple space-enhancing tricks at home and watch as your compact apartment becomes an abode that’s big on style and functionality, and doesn’t look so small in size after all…
So, why has it taken me so long? Well, it’s mainly due to a lack of research on my part and not reading up on design tricks the pros use to transform diminutive dwellings like mine into stylish, inviting and liveable spaces that look much larger than they really are. Honestly, if I had known then what I know now, my apartment would’ve been fully decked out months ago!
If you’re an apartment dweller who, like me, is struggling to decorate their pint-sized place, try these simple space-enhancing tricks at home and watch as your compact apartment becomes an abode that’s big on style and functionality, and doesn’t look so small in size after all…
1. Show off your legs
Your furniture legs, that is. Decking out your space with furniture with exposed legs will make your home feel open and airy, unlike pieces that sit low on the ground and make compact areas look bottom heavy and cluttered. Notice how a wide array of leggy furniture (from an elevated bed frame to a dresser with tall, slender legs) is used throughout this open-plan bedroom and living zone to create the illusion of spaciousness.
Your furniture legs, that is. Decking out your space with furniture with exposed legs will make your home feel open and airy, unlike pieces that sit low on the ground and make compact areas look bottom heavy and cluttered. Notice how a wide array of leggy furniture (from an elevated bed frame to a dresser with tall, slender legs) is used throughout this open-plan bedroom and living zone to create the illusion of spaciousness.
2. Master the art of distraction
Want to draw attention away from the poky size of your space? Add a statement-making design feature that dazzles and becomes the focus of the room, rather than its diminutive dimensions. The bright, playful wallpaper does the job nicely in this petite powder room.
Check out these powder rooms from contemporary Indian homes
Want to draw attention away from the poky size of your space? Add a statement-making design feature that dazzles and becomes the focus of the room, rather than its diminutive dimensions. The bright, playful wallpaper does the job nicely in this petite powder room.
Check out these powder rooms from contemporary Indian homes
3. Just add stripes
Introducing a bold striped pattern to your interior will not only add visual interest to your home but make it appear larger, too. While horizontal stripes make narrow spaces look wider, vertical lines give the illusion of height and can make any room seem taller. Here, alternating strips of wallpaper and mirrored wall panels work wonders in this compact living zone – notice how the thick, reflective stripes bounce light around the room and amplify the space-enhancing effect of the stripy pattern.
Introducing a bold striped pattern to your interior will not only add visual interest to your home but make it appear larger, too. While horizontal stripes make narrow spaces look wider, vertical lines give the illusion of height and can make any room seem taller. Here, alternating strips of wallpaper and mirrored wall panels work wonders in this compact living zone – notice how the thick, reflective stripes bounce light around the room and amplify the space-enhancing effect of the stripy pattern.
4. Invest in multi-tasking furniture
When space is at a premium, incorporating furniture that serves multiple purposes into your interior is a must. One of hardest working furniture pieces around is the multi-tasking ottoman, which can be used as a coffee table, extra seating or a footrest. Likewise, a stool can also be used as a side table in your living zone or a nightstand in your bedroom.
Take a look at these multipurpose furniture pieces
When space is at a premium, incorporating furniture that serves multiple purposes into your interior is a must. One of hardest working furniture pieces around is the multi-tasking ottoman, which can be used as a coffee table, extra seating or a footrest. Likewise, a stool can also be used as a side table in your living zone or a nightstand in your bedroom.
Take a look at these multipurpose furniture pieces
5. Opt for large format tiles
If your bathroom’s footprint is on the smaller side (as is the case with many apartments), one way to visually expand the room is to incorporate shiny large-format tiles into its design. This small bathing zone shows how its done – large shiny chocolate brown floor tiles anchor the space and make the floor plan appear larger in size, while the wide rectangular wall tiles in an arresting mirror-like red hue add depth and create the illusion of a wider space.
If your bathroom’s footprint is on the smaller side (as is the case with many apartments), one way to visually expand the room is to incorporate shiny large-format tiles into its design. This small bathing zone shows how its done – large shiny chocolate brown floor tiles anchor the space and make the floor plan appear larger in size, while the wide rectangular wall tiles in an arresting mirror-like red hue add depth and create the illusion of a wider space.
6. Choose lean, tailored furniture
Bulky furniture can make a compact space look cluttered and cramped, so opt for pieces with a slim silhouette instead. Notice how the lean metal dining chairs, side table and in-built bench used in this narrow kitchen and meals zone visually occupy little space and keep the sight lines of the room free, which helps make the area feel airy and open.
Bulky furniture can make a compact space look cluttered and cramped, so opt for pieces with a slim silhouette instead. Notice how the lean metal dining chairs, side table and in-built bench used in this narrow kitchen and meals zone visually occupy little space and keep the sight lines of the room free, which helps make the area feel airy and open.
7. Play with scale
It’s time to banish the notion that you can only decorate compact apartments with small-scale furniture and decor; after all, decorating a pint-sized space with multiple pieces of petite furniture and decorative accents can make an already small room appear cluttered and closed in.
The trick to pulling off a mixed-scale scheme like a pro is to splurge on one large statement item and complete the look with smaller pieces that offer balance and visual contrast. This cosy dining area shows how to play with pieces in varying proportions to great effect.
It’s time to banish the notion that you can only decorate compact apartments with small-scale furniture and decor; after all, decorating a pint-sized space with multiple pieces of petite furniture and decorative accents can make an already small room appear cluttered and closed in.
The trick to pulling off a mixed-scale scheme like a pro is to splurge on one large statement item and complete the look with smaller pieces that offer balance and visual contrast. This cosy dining area shows how to play with pieces in varying proportions to great effect.
8. Opt for open storage
Closed-in cupboards and built-in cabinetry can make a small space feel heavy, so use open storage – such as open bookcases, floating shelves and glass-front cabinets – throughout your apartment. To take this room-expanding look to the next level, choose airy storage solutions that extend from wall to wall or floor to ceiling, as they maximise space, create the illusion of width and height, provide space-savvy storage and make a striking focal point, too.
See these popular storage ideas on Houzz
Closed-in cupboards and built-in cabinetry can make a small space feel heavy, so use open storage – such as open bookcases, floating shelves and glass-front cabinets – throughout your apartment. To take this room-expanding look to the next level, choose airy storage solutions that extend from wall to wall or floor to ceiling, as they maximise space, create the illusion of width and height, provide space-savvy storage and make a striking focal point, too.
See these popular storage ideas on Houzz
9. Dress your floor and walls in the same colour
Another way to visually open up the interior of your pint-sized pad is to use the same tone or hues from the same colour family on your floor and walls. Doing so will draw the eye up and make the surfaces appear to recede, resulting in a room that feels grander than its actual proportions.
If you’re renting your apartment and can’t make permanent changes to your home, cover your walls with removable wallpaper and your floors with large area rugs so that each surface is dressed in the same or similar hues. If you want to introduce a patterned rug to your space, like the one seen in this cosy apartment living room, choose a design with a large-scale print that’s not too fussy. The dominant colour should also match the shade of your walls to achieve visual harmony and flow.
Another way to visually open up the interior of your pint-sized pad is to use the same tone or hues from the same colour family on your floor and walls. Doing so will draw the eye up and make the surfaces appear to recede, resulting in a room that feels grander than its actual proportions.
If you’re renting your apartment and can’t make permanent changes to your home, cover your walls with removable wallpaper and your floors with large area rugs so that each surface is dressed in the same or similar hues. If you want to introduce a patterned rug to your space, like the one seen in this cosy apartment living room, choose a design with a large-scale print that’s not too fussy. The dominant colour should also match the shade of your walls to achieve visual harmony and flow.
10. Try a fresh, airy palette…
Sure, a crisp white palette can make a spatially challenged apartment feel airy and open, but all-white schemes can sometimes feel cold and lifeless. Rather than dressing your space in this classic tone from ceiling to floor, introduce muted shades like soft pastels or light neutrals that achieve the same space-maximising effect but offer character and visual interest as well. This compact culinary zone features a calming colour combo of fresh mint and white that makes the room feel more spacious and infuses it with a relaxed vibe and personality.
Sure, a crisp white palette can make a spatially challenged apartment feel airy and open, but all-white schemes can sometimes feel cold and lifeless. Rather than dressing your space in this classic tone from ceiling to floor, introduce muted shades like soft pastels or light neutrals that achieve the same space-maximising effect but offer character and visual interest as well. This compact culinary zone features a calming colour combo of fresh mint and white that makes the room feel more spacious and infuses it with a relaxed vibe and personality.
11. …or balance moody hues with lighter tones
Are you a decorating rule breaker who wants to dress your small apartment in moody hues? The trick to pulling off this look successfully and ensuring your space looks chic and cocoon-like, but not claustrophobic, is to paint your walls a dark dramatic colour and lighten the look by keeping your ceiling crisp white, then use lighter tones for your furniture and decor. While your interior will have a cosy vibe, the bright white ceiling will give the illusion of height and ensure the space feels light and airy overhead and not too closed in. This dramatic look may be too overwhelming if used throughout a whole apartment, so I’d suggest sticking to one room.
Are you a decorating rule breaker who wants to dress your small apartment in moody hues? The trick to pulling off this look successfully and ensuring your space looks chic and cocoon-like, but not claustrophobic, is to paint your walls a dark dramatic colour and lighten the look by keeping your ceiling crisp white, then use lighter tones for your furniture and decor. While your interior will have a cosy vibe, the bright white ceiling will give the illusion of height and ensure the space feels light and airy overhead and not too closed in. This dramatic look may be too overwhelming if used throughout a whole apartment, so I’d suggest sticking to one room.
12. Work space-enhancing magic with mirrors
An easy way to make your compact apartment appear bigger and brighter is by strategically placing mirrors around your space. Try hanging or leaning a large mirror on the wall opposite a window – this will maximise natural light and completely open up the room. Placing mirrors on facing walls will have a similar effect.
Mirrored or high-shine chrome furniture are also clever (and chic) additions to small flats as they, too, bounce light around a room, create the illusion of space and offer functionality without adding visual clutter as they blend seamlessly with the surrounding space.
Here’s how to make your home look bigger with mirrors
An easy way to make your compact apartment appear bigger and brighter is by strategically placing mirrors around your space. Try hanging or leaning a large mirror on the wall opposite a window – this will maximise natural light and completely open up the room. Placing mirrors on facing walls will have a similar effect.
Mirrored or high-shine chrome furniture are also clever (and chic) additions to small flats as they, too, bounce light around a room, create the illusion of space and offer functionality without adding visual clutter as they blend seamlessly with the surrounding space.
Here’s how to make your home look bigger with mirrors
13. Create zones in open spaces
If you live in a studio apartment or your unit boasts an open-plan (albeit small) living space, resist the temptation to line all of your furniture around your walls so the middle of your room remains free. Although you may think it may make your space appear roomier, it will actually create cluttered walls and an area that lacks visual appeal and practicality.
A better solution is to divide your space into different zones, as this will transform any compact room into one that’s inviting, boasts a practical floor plan and offers clearly defined areas for living, dining and/or sleeping. Permanent, solid structures, such as room dividers, can disturb the airy, open feel of a space, so try using visual tricks including defining different zones with floor rugs, clever furniture placement or portable decorative screens.
If you live in a studio apartment or your unit boasts an open-plan (albeit small) living space, resist the temptation to line all of your furniture around your walls so the middle of your room remains free. Although you may think it may make your space appear roomier, it will actually create cluttered walls and an area that lacks visual appeal and practicality.
A better solution is to divide your space into different zones, as this will transform any compact room into one that’s inviting, boasts a practical floor plan and offers clearly defined areas for living, dining and/or sleeping. Permanent, solid structures, such as room dividers, can disturb the airy, open feel of a space, so try using visual tricks including defining different zones with floor rugs, clever furniture placement or portable decorative screens.
14. Embrace eye-popping patterns
Don’t be afraid to introduce large, bold patterns into your home – while they can make rooms feel more intimate, they can also be used to add depth to a space and make it appear larger. This narrow apartment entry provides the perfect example. Notice how the strong directional lines of the chevron pattern appear to elongate the space, while the use of the striking motif on the floor and ceiling as well as the wall helps visually expand the compact thoroughfare.
Don’t be afraid to introduce large, bold patterns into your home – while they can make rooms feel more intimate, they can also be used to add depth to a space and make it appear larger. This narrow apartment entry provides the perfect example. Notice how the strong directional lines of the chevron pattern appear to elongate the space, while the use of the striking motif on the floor and ceiling as well as the wall helps visually expand the compact thoroughfare.
15. Embrace transparency
Furniture made from sheer, transparent materials, such as glass or clear acrylic, are an ideal addition to any compact apartment, as they offer functionality without adding visual clutter, plus they exude chic appeal.
Furniture made from sheer, transparent materials, such as glass or clear acrylic, are an ideal addition to any compact apartment, as they offer functionality without adding visual clutter, plus they exude chic appeal.
16. Experiment with symmetry
A mirror-image scheme can instantly make a compact room appear larger and more organised. Symmetrical arrangements also exude visual harmony and a calming, sophisticated vibe. Take note of how the balanced appearance of this bedroom makes the space look and feel more open, airy and expansive.
A mirror-image scheme can instantly make a compact room appear larger and more organised. Symmetrical arrangements also exude visual harmony and a calming, sophisticated vibe. Take note of how the balanced appearance of this bedroom makes the space look and feel more open, airy and expansive.
17. Set your sights high
A simple trick that will make your small apartment feel taller and impossibly airy is to introduce elements that draw the eye upwards to the ceiling and amplify the height of any tight space. Here, a tall floor lamp and a cluster of framed art and decorative accents that sit high on the wall elevate the look of this cosy living zone and make it feel more open and spacious. Curtains that drop from the ceiling to the floor, towering storage units, striking pendant lights and tall bedheads that seem to climb up your bedroom wall also achieve a similar space-enhancing effect.
Read more:
Ultimate Space-Boosting Ideas for Small Homes
Tell us:
Do you have a small-space decorating tip you’d like to share with other apartment dwellers? Share your advice (and pictures of your space, too) in the Comments below.
A simple trick that will make your small apartment feel taller and impossibly airy is to introduce elements that draw the eye upwards to the ceiling and amplify the height of any tight space. Here, a tall floor lamp and a cluster of framed art and decorative accents that sit high on the wall elevate the look of this cosy living zone and make it feel more open and spacious. Curtains that drop from the ceiling to the floor, towering storage units, striking pendant lights and tall bedheads that seem to climb up your bedroom wall also achieve a similar space-enhancing effect.
Read more:
Ultimate Space-Boosting Ideas for Small Homes
Tell us:
Do you have a small-space decorating tip you’d like to share with other apartment dwellers? Share your advice (and pictures of your space, too) in the Comments below.
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I am desperate need for some advise, inspiration, tips & help.
The studio is just under 30sqm
Attached are the photos -
1- looking from outside
2- the full ground floor area with small court yard garden space to either side
3- layout
4- kitchen & bathroom
Thanks for reading and any help will be much appreciated.
Actually fountain design, I incorporated BOTH ends of that spectrum in my studio apt. I had all furniture no higher than 70cm, including backs of sofas and accent chairs PLUS I made sure they were all on legs at least 10-15cm off the ground. I won't say it wasn't challenging finding the pieces, I had to cut down a lot of legs on some items!! But the end result was amazing!! I felt like I had floor space and ceiling height!