Feeling stuck by your apartment’s size? Don’t worry! This article is full of creative and stylish decor ideas for small spaces. Whether you rent or own your place, we have tips to make your space look amazing. We’ll show you how to use every inch wisely and make it look like a designer’s dream.
Key Takeaways
- Discover innovative ways to make the most of small spaces through strategic layout and storage solutions.
- Learn how to incorporate versatile and removable decor elements to personalize your rental without permanent changes.
- Uncover budget-friendly DIY projects that can elevate your apartment’s style and ambiance.
- Explore design tricks to visually expand the feel of your living area, even in a compact floor plan.
- Get inspired by real-life examples of stylish apartment decor that blend function and fashion.
Ready to turn your apartment into a stylish and functional haven? Let’s start exploring the secrets to enhancing your space, one decor idea at a time.
Embrace Open Shelving and Display Your Favorites
Open shelving is a great way to show off your favorite items. It lets you display decor, books, and records in a way that reflects your style. This design element is both practical and visually appealing.
Showcasing Books and Records
Arranging books and records on open shelves is like creating art. Mix different heights, colors, and textures for an interesting look. Staggering shelves or using a statement wall adds depth and personality.
Creating a Statement Wall
Think about adding a statement wall with open shelving for a bold look. Designer Lauren Liess used symmetrical shelves and similar light fixtures in a Florida kitchen. This drew attention to a standout range hood.
In an English cottage by Elizabeth Hay, one open shelf showcased potted flowers. This added a pop of color in the kitchen.
Open shelving promotes minimalism and decluttering by showing only what you love. Designer Mallory Kaye updated a ranch kitchen with white marble shelves. This kept the space clean with glasses and dinnerware.
Celebrity decorator Kathryn M. Ireland‘s kitchen has open shelves for dinnerware and decor. This gives it a cozy feel.
For a polished look, balance and symmetry are key with open shelving. Adding a ledge under closed cabinets lets you display small items or mugs without clutter.
Maximize Vertical Space for Kitchen Storage
In compact urban apartments, every inch of space counts, especially in the kitchen. Using vertical space is a smart way to increase storage. By focusing on kitchen storage, vertical storage, and small space storage, you can make your kitchen look great and stay organized.
Begin by adding floating shelves and wall-mounted racks. These let you stack dishes, glassware, and items you don’t use often up high. This saves counter space and makes your kitchen look nice. Research shows that vertical storage can increase your kitchen’s storage by 30-40%.
- Use wall-mounted furniture to save 15-20% of floor space in your compact home.
- Add an indoor vertical garden to improve air quality and bring in some greenery.
- Install tall bookshelves to increase storage by 25-30% without taking up more floor space.
Consider over-the-door storage and ceiling-hung solutions to keep your kitchen tidy. These smart ideas can cut clutter by 20-25% and add 20-25% more storage space.
Vertical storage can turn your small kitchen into a neat and efficient place. It keeps your kitchen stylish and welcoming. Make the most of your compact kitchen space with vertically-optimized storage solutions.
Get Creative with Removable Wallpaper and Tiles
Renting an apartment often means you can’t change the decor easily. But, removable wallpaper and peel-and-stick tiles let you add your style without making big changes.
Peel-and-Stick Tiles for Bathrooms
Make your bathroom look new with peel-and-stick tiles. They’re easy to put up and take down, making them perfect for renters. One roll covered a wall nine feet long and fifteen inches high with a faux tile backsplash.
Temporary Wallpaper Accent Walls
For a bold look, try temporary wallpaper on an accent wall. It’s easy to put up and take down, great for renters or those who like to change things often. Mix five different tile patterns, like herringbone and honeycomb, for a unique look.
Removable wallpaper and peel-and-stick tiles are great for a quick change without the hassle. They’re perfect for anyone who likes to try new things or update their space easily. These products make it simple to add a personal touch to your home.
“Peel and stick wallpaper allows for quick room transformation by being installed in just minutes and removed in seconds.”
Anchor Your Space with an Oversized Area Rug
If your apartment’s flooring isn’t what you want, an oversized area rug or layered rugs can camouflage the problem. A big, statement rug can also make a small living room feel bigger. It can change the look of your space, whether you have hardwood or old carpet.
When picking an oversized area rug, think about the room’s size and how your furniture is arranged. The rug should be big enough to cover the main seating area, leaving at least 18 inches of space around it. Sizes for living rooms usually go from 8×10 feet to 9×12 feet. But, you can choose a bigger rug if your room can handle it.
| Rug Size | Recommended Room Size |
|---|---|
| 5×7 feet | Small bedrooms, entryways |
| 7×9 feet | Medium-sized bedrooms, small living rooms |
| 8×10 feet | Large living rooms, open-concept spaces |
| 9×12 feet | Spacious living rooms, dining rooms |
| 12×18 feet | Large, open-plan areas |
When layering rugs, pick patterns and textures that match well together. Try different rug angles and spots until you see what looks best. The rug should set the space’s tone and help place the furniture, not the other way around.
Getting an oversized area rug can really change your apartment’s look. It can hide old flooring or just add warmth and character. The right layered rugs can camouflage any flooring and make your home look better.
Apartment Decor: Bring In Luxurious Window Treatments
Upgrading your apartment’s window treatments can make a big difference. Luxurious draperies can make windows look bigger and add a designer touch. They also help with privacy and separate areas in shared spaces.
Recent design trends show that 35% of apartments used floor-length curtains. These curtains make a big statement and make ceilings seem taller. 15% used blue linen shades for color, and 10% chose bamboo blinds for a Japanese look.
5% of apartments matched their window treatments with their furniture for a unified look. 5% used café curtains in the kitchen for a vintage feel. And 10% framed views with curtains to highlight the natural light.
Now, trends are leaning towards luxurious gold valances for drama, and floor-grazing curtains to highlight the space’s height. Complementary patterns on curtains make small windows look bigger. And prettily patterned Roman shades add elegance.
Whether your style is modern or classic, investing in quality window treatments can change your apartment’s look. It adds a luxurious touch that elevates the design.
Fake the Built-In Look with Tall Bookcases
If your apartment doesn’t have built-in storage, you can make it seem like you do. Add tall, floor-to-ceiling shelving units for a custom look. This trick not only uses vertical space well but also makes your bedroom look polished and unified.
Framing the Bed with Bookcases
To fake a built-in look, place tall bookcases on either side of your bed. Pick units that almost hit the ceiling, like the famous IKEA BILLY bookcases, which are 15 3/4″ wide and 93 1/4″ tall. This setup creates a cozy spot around your bed and offers lots of storage for books, decor, and more.
Adding Moldings for a Custom Feel
To make your bookcases look like they’re part of your bedroom’s design, add decorative moldings on top. This easy step can make the shelves seem like they were always meant to be there. Use 1-in x 12-in x 8-ft Whitewood boards and 10 pieces of 1-in x 2-in x 8 ft poplar boards for a custom crown molding look.
This DIY project to create faux built-in bookcases costs about $1,500. That’s much cheaper than the $9,000+ for professional built-in shelves. With some creativity and basic tools, you can turn your apartment’s storage into a stylish, custom feature.
Create a Gallery Wall to Frame Your TV
Make your living room stylish by adding a gallery wall around your TV. This look frames the TV and brings depth and personality to your space. Gallery walls are a classic decor choice that always stay in style. With creativity, you can make one that matches your TV display and living room decor.
Starting a gallery wall might seem hard because of art costs and time to pick items. But, it’s worth it. Begin by laying out your design on the floor and try different setups until you find the best one. Keep about a 3-inch gap between pieces for a nice look, and stick to a single color theme for a polished feel.
Start with a big piece for your gallery wall, then add various sizes and shapes. Use both horizontal and vertical pieces for interest. Feel free to add things like textiles, ceramics, or sculptures for more character. Floating mounts can also make your items look modern and elegant.
Add personal touches like digital prints or photos that show off your style and memories. A gallery wall can change as your tastes and items do, so don’t hesitate to move things around.
Creating a gallery wall around your TV turns a simple piece into a stunning centerpiece. With creativity and planning, you can make your living room decor look amazing. Show off your style in a beautiful way.
Multipurpose Furniture: Daybed as Sofa and Guest Bed
A daybed is a great choice for small spaces. It can be a comfy sofa by day and a cozy guest bed at night. With plush pillows, it’s perfect for relaxing, socializing, and hosting guests without taking up too much room.
This article highlights stylish daybed designs, from linen-covered to cozy blanket ones. They fit well in living rooms, bedrooms, and even entryways. These daybeds often have rich fabrics, antique quilts, or bespoke cushions, matching the room’s decor.
Daybeds are versatile, easily switching from a place to sit to a spot for sleep without making the room look cluttered. They can be in a cozy corner or be a statement piece, balancing style with practicality.
For those living in small spaces or wanting to make the most of their rooms, a daybed is a smart choice. There are many sizes, styles, and prices to fit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or a designer piece, a daybed can enhance your decor and offer practical guest and everyday solutions.
“Daybeds are a game-changer for small spaces, offering the functionality of a sofa and the comfort of a guest bed in one stylish package.”
If you’re looking for a versatile and space-saving furniture piece, think about adding a daybed to your decor. It can easily switch from a place to sit to a spot for sleep. A daybed is the ultimate example of multipurpose furniture for small space solutions.
Studio Apartment Design: Zones and Cohesive Color Palette
Designing a studio apartment means creating zones in the open floor plan. This makes the space both functional and cohesive. Use a consistent color palette and rugs to anchor each zone. This approach helps the space look intentional and unified.
Studio apartments vary in size, from 350 to 600 square feet, with some under 200 square feet. To make the most of the space, use creative furniture, built-in storage, and pieces like Murphy beds and expanding kitchen consoles.
Choosing a cohesive color palette makes a studio apartment feel bigger and more harmonious. Furniture and architectural details like half walls and exposed brick add to the spacious feel. Loft beds are great for using high ceilings to increase living space.
Privacy is key in studio apartments. Use room dividers, curtains, and zoning techniques to separate areas. This creates a sense of privacy and separation in the open floor plan.
Plan the layout, lighting, and furniture carefully to make a small studio apartment work well. The secret to great studio apartment design is balancing efficiency with a cohesive, comfortable feel.
Refresh Furniture with a New Coat of Paint
Stuck with old furniture in your rental and want a new look? Try a simple furniture makeover with paint! Changing the color of a bed frame, dresser, or other piece can make your space look modern and personalized. You won’t need to do big renovations.
This trick is great because it’s easy and doesn’t cost much. A small painting project usually needs just ¼ gallon of paint, which costs about $10. Plus, Product Care’s PaintShare locations offer free paint, helping to recycle and reuse this valuable resource.
With furniture stores closed, many are shopping online for decor. Stores like Article offer contactless delivery, making it easy to update furniture without big work. Using PaintShare lets you refresh your furniture with a new look, saving money and reducing waste.
Don’t be shy to try new colors for your furniture makeover. Go for bold colors or a neutral rental-friendly decor look. Painting your furniture means you can change it up later, updating your space as your style changes.
Think about adding new hardware to your furniture for more style. Changing old knobs and pulls can make a dresser or cabinet look custom and high-end.
If you want an easy, budget-friendly way to update your rental, consider a furniture makeover. A fresh coat of paint and some creative touches can turn your old furniture into the highlight of your space.
Layer Rugs to Camouflage Outdated Floors
Renting an apartment often means dealing with less-than-ideal flooring. But, there’s a stylish solution – layer rugs! By placing an oversized area rug or coordinating multiple rugs over the existing flooring, you can create a cohesive look. This is without the commitment of a permanent fix.
The key to this rental-friendly decor trick is to choose rugs that complement each other in color and texture. Layered rugs not only hide outdated floors, but they also add depth and warmth to your space. Start with a neutral jute or natural fiber rug as your base. Then, layer a plush, patterned rug on top for a dynamic, layered effect.
- Opt for oversized area rugs that stretch beyond your furniture to create a custom look.
- Mix and match different rug types, like a natural fiber base with a bold, patterned top layer.
- Focus on layering rugs in high-traffic areas to disguise less-than-ideal flooring.
By embracing the layered rug trend, you can transform your rental space into a stylish oasis. This is all without compromising your rental-friendly decor approach. Get creative with your rug combinations and enjoy the cozy, cohesive look you’ve created.
DIY Curtains to Elevate Plain Windows
Rental apartments often have basic window treatments like mini blinds. But, you can make your own custom curtains to upgrade them. This DIY project is budget-friendly and lets you change the look of your space without breaking a rental agreement.
Designer-trimmed curtains can be over $1,000 per panel. But, you can make stunning curtains for just $50 for both panels. You’ll need basic sewing skills, some affordable supplies, and a bit of time.
Begin by upcycling old curtains or finding cheap fabric. Trim tape, which adds a luxurious touch, costs only $3 per yard. The curtains in this project would have been over $2,000, but the DIY version is much cheaper.
The art of passementerie can make your DIY curtains look high-end. By adding simple details, you can turn basic panels into a statement piece. This fits well with rental-friendly decor.
- Use 10 curtain rings per panel to hang the curtains
- Attach the curtains with 10 curtain hooks per panel
- Hang the curtain rod 6-8 inches from the ceiling for a dramatic effect
- Create a formal pinch-pleat curtain using pleating hooks with four prongs
- Choose curtain rings that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch larger than the rod diameter
- Use two panels per side for a fuller, high-end appearance
With a bit of time and effort, you can make plain windows a stylish focal point in your rental. DIY curtains let you personalize your home without breaking a lease. They’re a budget-friendly and versatile choice for any apartment dweller.
Rethink Your Furniture Arrangement
When designing a rental, think beyond your current furniture setup. Furniture placement can change your living space’s look and feel. By placing furniture in the middle and using console tables, you can make your apartment look better and work better.
Floating Furniture for Zoned Living
Put your furniture in the room’s center, not against the walls. This makes different areas for living, dining, or working. Floating furniture makes the space feel open and flexible, helping people move around easily.
Put your sofa in the middle. Add a console table behind it to separate the living and dining areas. This makes the space look better and work better.
Console Tables for Storage
Console tables behind the sofa add storage for living and dining areas. They can hold decorations, books, or even be a bar or buffet. Console tables make your furniture arrangement look good and work well for you.
“Experiment with creative furniture placement and accessories to inject personality into your living room decor.”
– The Decorologist
Throw Pillows: An Easy Way to Add Personality
Throw pillows can change the look of a rental with basic furniture. They let you add your style to any room. By mixing patterns, colors, and textures, you can easily update your apartment’s look without spending a lot.
Throw pillows are great for making a room look new and stylish without spending much. You can choose from bold prints, soft solids, or cozy textures like velvet or faux fur. They’re also easy to change with the seasons, keeping your space fresh and up-to-date.
Styling with throw pillows is fun and endless. Try mixing solid and patterned pillows for a lively look, or use different shades for an ombre effect. You can also mix shapes and sizes, like square, round, and rectangular pillows, for a unique look.
When picking throw pillows, think about the room’s color scheme and style. Choose colors that match your decor and add different textures for depth. Remember, using odd numbers of pillows looks better than even numbers.
Throw pillows are a simple and affordable way to add personality to any room. So, have fun and be creative with these versatile home decor items.
Maximize Bathroom Storage with Vanities
In small apartments, making the most of your storage is key. A bathroom vanity is a great spot for this. Using stackable or pull-out storage in the vanity helps keep things tidy. This way, you don’t need extra units that can make the bathroom feel tight.
Using the space inside the vanity cabinet is a smart move. Install pull-out drawers or shelves to easily find what you need. Adding baskets or fabric bins to the shelves keeps things looking neat and organized.
Don’t overlook the space behind the vanity doors. Put a magnetic strip for small items like bobby pins or hair ties. For bigger items, think about a U-shaped under-sink drawer to use every inch of space.
If your vanity is too small, find a two-in-one mirror with storage. Or, use a bar cart or wall-mounted file folder for extra storage. The goal is to use every inch of space to keep clutter away.
With a bit of creativity and the right bathroom storage solutions, you can turn your small apartment’s bathroom into a tidy space. From clever vanity tricks to repurposing furniture, there are many ways to maximize bathroom storage in small spaces.
Skirted Tables for Hidden Storage
Apartment dwellers, rejoice! Skirted tables are a stylish way to add storage without losing style. They hide clutter with a fabric skirt, turning the space underneath into a secret spot for your things.
Looking to stash extra linens, magazines, or kids’ toys? Skirted tables make it easy with style. You can pick from many fabrics to match your apartment’s look.
Skirted tables fit any room, like the bedroom, living room, or entryway. They’re versatile and essential for those who want style and storage in their apartment.
These tables are affordable, costing less than $30 for a basic skirt. If you’re handy, you can even make your own skirted table from old furniture or start fresh. The possibilities are endless!
Ready to say goodbye to clutter and hello to a tidy look? Consider a skirted table. It’s the perfect mix of style and function for apartment living.
| Skirted Table Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Hidden Storage | Conceal clutter and keep your space looking polished |
| Versatile Placement | Use in bedrooms, living rooms, entryways, and more |
| Customizable Design | Choose from a variety of fabric options to match your décor |
| Affordable Solution | Skirted tables can be made for under $30 on average |
| DIY Possibilities | Repurpose old furniture or create your own skirted table |
Interior designer Mark D. Sikes says skirted tables are a timeless choice. They can easily improve your apartment’s look and function. So, why not use the power of hidden storage and let your skirted tables work for you?
Conclusion
Turning a rental apartment into a stylish, personalized home is easier than you think. Use creative ideas, make the most of every space, and pick apartment decor that works for rentals. You can make a space that shows off your unique style with things like open shelving and multipurpose furniture.
Whether your place is small or big, think outside the box and use smart small space living tips. Use vertical storage and pick colors that work well together. These ideas will help you make your apartment both stylish and cozy.
So, let your creativity shine, use the ideas from this article, and start making your apartment your own. Happy decorating!