10 Tips for Making a Small (or Not So Small) Apartment Feel Bigger

News Flash – you don’t have to be an interior designer to make smart design and decorating decisions about your apartment. Just ask my mother. She collects things like barn doors and tricycles and magically turns them into headboards or lamp shades.

Whew, now that I have that off my chest, let’s get to the good stuff. I am a professional leasing consultant and have helped hundreds of customers looking to move into apartments – both big and small (the apartments, not the customers).

How to Make a Small Apartment Feel Bigger

No matter what size apartment they’re moving into (small is a relative term), one thing never changes: wanting to make the apartment feel bigger. So consider these great tips for making small (or not so small) spaces look even bigger.

1. Paint with Light Colors

Most apartment buildings will allow you to paint; some will even add an accent wall for you. Use light colors, as this will make the room feel bigger and brighter.

2. Use a Light Rug on Dark Floors

If you have dark floors, a light-colored rug will make the room feel less dense and more open.

3. Hang a Mirror Opposite a Window

This allows natural light to bounce around the room, making the space feel airier and more spacious.

4. Add Some Greenery

Buy a plant. Not only will a plant make you feel better, but the greenery will also make even the smallest room feel lighter and fresher. If you’re running out of space on the floor, try a hanging plant!

5. Use Floating Shelves Instead of Bulky Furniture

Instead of large bookcases or dressers, use floating shelves. This will free up floor space while still offering plenty of storage.

(Photo: I thought these were cool, and they are less than $40 at Target.)

6. Make Smart Use of Corners

Corners can be valuable real estate if you know how to work them. Squeeze in an accent chair or a corner bookshelf to maximize every inch.

7. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

Look for furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose: a trundle bed that folds into a sofa, a coffee table with drawers, or a dining table with a built-in leaf for entertaining.

8. Add Metallic Accents

Whether it’s a lamp shade, light fixture, or shimmering décor piece, metallic accents reflect light and make your apartment feel brighter.

I found the lamp below at Lamps Plus. It goes with all decor.

9. Declutter Regularly

Make an effort to declutter your apartment once or twice a year. Go through your possessions and re-evaluate what should stay. If you’re having a hard time letting go of something but don’t want it in your apartment, give it to my mother – she’ll turn it into an ironing board for you!

10. Pull Furniture Away from the Walls

It sounds odd, but just a few inches between the wall and the back of your couch can make the living room feel more open and inviting.

Well, there you have it – an even larger (feeling) apartment than you thought you had. The decorating and buying stuff part should be fun.

If you need help finding the right apartment in downtown Chicago for doing that kind of stuff, drop us a note!