Looking to enhance the size of your space? Here are 9 of the best small apartment ideas that are guaranteed to make your space feel bigger.
After moving into my first apartment, I've found a few tricks and style techniques to make my place look bigger than it actually is while also being practical with the space.
Your first apartment is probably not huge. Finding the right furniture and decor to compliment your style while also being functional is super important to stay organized and utilize the space as best as possible.
Obviously, there are so many small apartment ideas out there, but these are just the ones I've incorporated in my own apartment and that have really made my space feel bigger. I love finding ways to style my apartment while also adding functionality, and these small apartment ideas do just that.
This post is all about small apartment ideas.
BEST SMALL APARTMENT IDEAS:
1. Use Mirrors
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One of the best small apartment ideas that I have incorporated all around my apartment is the use of mirrors. Mirrors give off the illusion that your space is bigger than it actually is which is exactly what you need when it comes to designing a small apartment. I have mirrors in my living room, entryway, and bedroom, and I absolutely love what they've added to my space.
The exact mirror in my room is no longer sold but you can find similar ones on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and even Facebook Marketplace. I have learned that Facebook Marketplace is a great place to get things on a budget if that's what you're looking for.
But this mirror from Amazon is the best price I have found for one this size! Regardless of the size or shape of them, you can always count on mirrors to enhance your space!
2. Multi-Use Furniture
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Another small apartment idea that I love is using multi-use furniture. In my bedroom, I have large nightstands that have drawers for storage. They hold a ton of clothing so it functions as storage as well as a bedside table and eliminates the need for a dresser.
I know many small apartments won't have room for a large nightstand, but just using multi-use furniture throughout your apartment can add storage and functionality throughout!
The exact nightstands/dressers I have are sold out right now, but these kids' dressers are practically the same thing and just as cute!
3. Turntable Organizers
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I'm a bit of an organization freak so I've tested out a huge variety of organizational containers and these turntable organizers are by far my favorite.
I use two of these underneath my sink as well as for hair products in my cabinets in my bathroom. They hold so much and also make it really easy to access whatever you need.
Another tip for underneath the sink: use the inside of your cabinets to store things too!
4. Use Every Inch Of Space
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Try to utilize every inch of your space. For example: in my living room, I have this nook that I added a bench into for extra seating as well as extra storage.
Go around your apartment and find those awkward divots that may not have any purpose yet, and find a way to utilize the space - whether it's decorating it, adding storage or seating, etc.
5. Go Vertical With Decor
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A really great tip to make your small apartment appear larger is to go vertical with your artwork. This way people's eyes are going up the wall, making the illusion that your ceilings are taller.
In my living room, I stacked three picture frames (from Michael's for $8!) and added a canvas that I DIYed. I have a video about how I made this and styled it here.
6. Be Smart When Buying Furniture
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This is more just a common sense thing... but be smart with your furniture purchases!
For example, I just added a table to the side of my couch but wanted to make sure that it was functional as well. It gives me a lot of extra storage with the drawers and the bins I added below.
I know there are beds that have storage underneath so those also serve another purpose than just a place for your mattress.
7. Floor To Ceiling Drapes
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Go floor to ceiling with your curtains... trust me this makes such a difference!
It really draws the eye up, making the room appear larger. My rule of thumb is to hang the curtains 2-3 inches from the ceiling. Then I like them going all the way to the bottom and touch the floor.
I actually sewed the bottom of mine (not very well though haha) but then it just gives it a more custom look.
{RELATED POST: The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist | Every Single Thing You Need In Your First Apartment}
8. Correct Sized Rugs
This is something that a lot of people get wrong... people always get too small of rugs.
For living rooms, you usually want a rug that's bigger than an 8x10, and for bedrooms you usually want an 8x10 rug.
I get almost all of my rugs from Rugs USA and they have pretty strange measurements so I use this rule of thumb:
- Bedroom: at least 8 inches of rug from the side of your bed
- Living Room: at least 6 inches from the edge of your couch
9. Use Acrylic Furniture
I haven't done this in my own apartment yet but it's a really great small apartment idea for super small spaces... incorporate acrylic furniture!
This doesn't block your eye since you can see completely through it so it really opens up the room.
This post was all about small apartment ideas.
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