Small Apartment Design: 17+ Secrets to Making Small Look Spacious

Small apartment design solutions for a luxe look on a budget. Explore layouts, decor, and storage hacks to elevate your space.

Small apartment living presents unique challenges, but with efficient design principles, you can maximize space and style. This guide explores key strategies to transform your compact living area into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home.

Small Space Design Tips

Designing a small apartment is kind of like packing a suitcase for a week-long trip—everything has to fit, but it also has to look good. The key is making every inch count without making the space feel cluttered. Smart storage, light colors, and a few tricks to create the illusion of more room can turn even the tiniest apartment into a cozy, stylish haven. Here are some simple tips to help you get started:

• Choose furniture with legs to create the illusion of space
• Use light, neutral colors on walls and larger pieces
• Install shelves above doorways for extra storage
• Hang curtains close to the ceiling to make windows look taller
• Use mirrors to bounce light and make the room feel bigger

Small Apartment Design Ideas

The right layout, color scheme, and furniture choices can make your space feel open, inviting, and even a little bit luxurious. The goal is to keep things functional without skimping on personality. Try these ideas to maximize your space:

• Go vertical with shelves and storage
• Choose a statement piece like a bold rug or art to anchor the room
• Opt for foldable furniture that disappears when you don’t need it
• Use glass or acrylic furniture to keep things light and airy
• Stick to a neutral palette with pops of color for interest

Small Living Room Layout Ideas

Tiny living rooms can still be incredibly cozy and functional—you just need to get a little creative with the layout. It’s all about making zones for lounging, eating, and even working without feeling cramped.

1. Use Rugs to Create Zones

Rugs do more than just warm up a space—they help define different areas in a small apartment. Use one to anchor the living room and another under a dining table to create a sense of separation without putting up walls.

2. Opt for Storage Ottomans

Ottomans that double as storage are basically the small apartment MVPs. Use them to stash blankets, magazines, or the random stuff that inevitably collects in the living room. Plus, they add extra seating in a pinch.

3. Optimize Windowsills

Windowsills are prime real estate in a small apartment. Use them for potted plants, books, or even as a tiny desk for your laptop. A few well-placed candles can also turn a windowsill into a cozy focal point.

4. Embrace Luxury

Small doesn’t mean you can’t go big on style. Velvet pillows, marble coasters, or a vintage bar cart can make even a tiny living room feel luxe. Choose a few standout pieces that make the space feel curated and intentional.

5. Use Color to Define Spaces

Color isn’t just about personality—it’s also about defining zones in an open-plan apartment. A bold accent wall can separate a living area from a dining nook without needing physical dividers.

6. Make Rooms Multi-Purpose

In a small apartment, every piece of furniture should do double duty. Think fold-out desks, sofa beds, and console tables that turn into dining tables. It’s all about making your space work as hard as you do.

7. Always Use Under Furniture

The space under your bed, sofa, or even a console table is storage gold. Use shallow bins or baskets to keep out-of-season clothes, books, or anything else you don’t need every day out of sight but easy to grab.

Small Apartment Living Room Decor

Decorating a small living room is about striking a balance between cozy and cluttered. Thoughtful decor—like soft textiles, mirrors, and a few well-placed pieces of art—can make the space feel warm and inviting without overwhelming it.

• Hang a large mirror to reflect light
• Use wall-mounted shelves instead of bulky bookcases
• Add a few plants for a touch of green
• Choose furniture with hidden storage

L-Shaped Couch

An L-shaped couch is perfect for small living rooms because it makes the most of a corner. Choose one with clean lines and low arms to keep things from feeling too heavy.

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Storage Baskets

Cute storage baskets are the secret to a tidy small apartment. Use them to hide blankets, magazines, or even tech cables. Choose woven or fabric options to add a bit of texture.

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Throw Blankets and Cute Pillows

Throw blankets and pillows are the quickest way to make a small living room feel inviting. Choose a mix of textures—like velvet, knit, and linen—for a cozy but stylish look.

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Iconic Mirrors

A statement mirror can make even the smallest living room feel more spacious. Go for a round or arched design to soften the room’s edges.

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Wall Art

Art adds personality without taking up any floor space. A small gallery wall or a large statement piece above the sofa makes the room feel finished.

Rugs

A well-chosen rug anchors the room and makes it feel pulled together. Go for a neutral base with a subtle pattern for interest without overwhelming the space.

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Wall Sconces

Wall sconces free up floor space and add a warm glow to small living rooms. Choose adjustable ones for flexibility or go vintage for a bit of character.

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Small Living Room Ideas with a Fireplace

• Hang a mirror above the mantel to reflect light
• Use the hearth as extra seating with floor cushions
• Keep the decor minimal to let the fireplace shine
• Choose a low-profile coffee table to keep sightlines open
• Stack a few logs in a metal basket for a rustic touch

For more mantle decorating ideas click here!

Small Living Room Ideas on a Budget

Here are some of the best ways to truly upgrade your apartment, that make it your own!

• Swap out cabinet hardware for a quick upgrade
• Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for an accent wall
• DIY some wall art with framed fabric or printables
• Shop secondhand for vintage furniture with character
• Opt for fairy lights instead of pricey lamps for ambiance

Small Apartment Design Bedroom

A small bedroom can still feel like a retreat with the right layout and a few clever storage solutions.

1. Under Bed Storage

The space under your bed is perfect for storing out-of-season clothes, extra linens, or anything else you don’t need every day. Look for rolling bins or vacuum bags to keep things organized.

2. Use a Dresser as a Nightstand

Kill two birds with one stone by using a small dresser as your nightstand. It gives you extra storage for clothes and a spot for a lamp and book.

3. Layer Lighting

Small bedrooms can feel dark and cramped without the right lighting. Use a mix of table lamps, wall sconces, and a pendant light to create a warm, inviting glow.

4. Try Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper is a renter’s dream. Go for a bold print on one wall to create a focal point without the commitment—or the angry call from your landlord.

Small Apartment Design Plans

Designing a small apartment is like playing Tetris—every piece has to fit perfectly. The right layout, furniture choices, and a few multifunctional pieces can make even the tiniest space feel open and organized.

Furnishing Ideas for Small Apartments

• Choose modular furniture that adapts to your needs
• Opt for glass or acrylic pieces to keep things light
• Use nesting tables instead of a bulky coffee table
• Go vertical with wall shelves and hanging storage
• Pick furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans or beds with drawers

Small Apartment Design Recap

By implementing these small apartment design strategies, you can create a personalized and functional living space that feels spacious and stylish. Embrace the challenges of small space living and use these tips to transform your compact apartment into a comfortable and efficient home.