By Anna Sophie » Home Decor » How To Decorate Your Small Space Like A Pro: 19 Small Apartment Decorating Ideas
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How To Decorate Your Small Space Like A Pro: 19 Small Apartment Decorating Ideas

Living in a small apartment means you notice everything. When something works, the whole space feels better and when it doesn’t, it shows immediately.

Maybe you’ve tried rearranging furniture more times than you can count or wondered why it still feels a bit off.

The good news is, small spaces aren’t harder to decorate, they just play by slightly different rules.

In this blog post, I’ll start with the foundation, you’ll learn how to get your measurements right and take a closer look at materials that make a difference in small apartments.

You’ll also find 19 small apartment decorating ideas you can use right away, plus simple ways to maintain the look over time.

And if you’re renting, don’t worry! I’ll also share a few clever styling hacks that work without drilling or making permanent changes.

This site includes affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Let’s Start With The Foundation

Okay, let’s get started! Since you have a small apartment, I’d like to explain a few basic things to keep in mind when working in small spaces to make the most of them.

I advise you to avoid bulky furniture, like a velvet sofa, because it visually shrinks the room. Furniture with legs is much better. Because you can see the floor through the legs, the room feels airier and lighter.

So, it’s important to keep the floor visible. But walkways should also be clear. An interesting finding: When the brain registers more floor space, it automatically perceives the room as larger.

Another tip from me is to focus on verticality. This means deliberately using furniture or objects that extend upwards. These could be tall shelves or long curtains. They draw the eye upwards to the ceiling, which emphasizes the room’s height.

Now let’s talk about color: While white is always a good choice for small rooms, you don’t have to stick to white. I recommend monochrome color schemes and soft tone-on-tone palettes. This way you won’t overload your small room with color.

Recommend: 18 Genius Small Living Room Ideas For Your Apartment

Get The Right Measurements

I think it’s incredibly important not to choose distances haphazardly. Distances also influence how we perceive a small apartment.

I would always prioritize walkways. Make sure the main passageways in the room remain at least 90 cm wide so the space doesn’t feel cramped.

I recommend a distance of about 45 cm between the sofa and the coffee table. This gives you enough legroom while still keeping everything within easy reach.

Something else that works well is placing furniture about 5 to 10 cm away from the wall. This allows the room to “breathe” and feels more airy.

Even though it sounds obvious, it’s very important in my opinion: The windows should be unobstructed and not blocked by furniture. Light and a clear view are, in my view, the most important tricks for making a room feel larger.

Material Deep Dive

Materials also play a role.

If you live in a small apartment, it makes sense to work with glass. Glass reflects and distributes light throughout the room. It also doubles the sight lines, which visually enlarges your space and can, for example, make walls appear to “disappear.”

In small apartments, I also recommend emphasizing lightness, for example, by using cane. The woven material allows you to see through it. It offers storage space without the visual weight of a solid cabinet.

I also always recommend using transparent materials, such as acrylic or glass tables. They remain almost invisible in the room and don’t interrupt the flow of the floor.

Furthermore, I find it advisable to use furniture made of light wood or rattan in the apartment. Their texture brings warmth to the apartment without visually shrinking the space with dark, heavy tones.

Small Apartment Decorating Ideas

So that we don’t just stick to theory, I would like to present you with 19 small apartment decorating ideas next.

1. Magazines, Candles & Picture In Frame

A minimalist and aesthetic vignette showcasing small apartment decorating ideas. The scene features a stack of magazines, candles and picture in frame arranged on a white surface against a plain wall. A light wood frame holds a delicate line drawing of a flower, partially obscured by a clear glass of water. Next to the magazines, two thick cream-colored pillar candles sit on a small dark tray, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Save

I’m a big fan of layering in home decor.

To recreate this look, simply stack three attractive white magazines on top of each other. Next to them, place a small tray with two beige candles and behind the magazines, lean a subtle print in a wooden frame against the wall.

Alternatively, you can stack high-quality coffee table books to create a base.

My tip: I always choose a single frame color that I then use throughout the entire room (or even the whole apartment). This makes the details look calm and harmonious.

2. Bench In Front Of Window

A cozy living area illustrating creative small apartment decorating ideas to maximize light and space. A simple wooden bench in front of window is laden with soft textiles, including a folded plaid blanket and decorative throw pillows, creating an inviting reading nook. Below the white-framed window with a small air conditioning unit, a round rattan basket sits next to a green glass vase on the dark wood floor. The room is decorated with a tall, leafy fiddle leaf fig tree in a cream pot and several framed botanical art prints arranged on the light green wall. A small, round white table with books and a candle is partially visible. Save

Do you also have unused, dead space under your window and just don’t know what to do with it?

How about a cozy bench? It’s a particularly great idea for bookworms, as placing it in front of the window will ensure you always have plenty of light for reading.

I recommend choosing a bench on legs so that it doesn’t block the view and makes the room feel more airy.

I think Viennese wickerwork or light wood are especially suitable. The light color won’t make the room feel cramped, but rather creates a sense of visual lightness.

To make the bench extra cozy, you can decorate it with a soft sheepskin or flat cushions.

3. Big Plant For Corners

A bright and airy living area illustrating smart small apartment decorating ideas to create a cozy feel. On a white side table with a patterned cloth, a round terracotta pot holds a leafy Big Plant for Corners, its fronds spreading towards the light. Behind it, a gallery wall features framed botanical art prints and a woven fan decoration against a pale green wall. A small, comfy armchair is partially visible, flanked by string lights and a floor lamp, creating a perfect reading nook. Save

If you’re unsure what to do with your empty corners, I have an idea for you.

Tall, large plants will bring your corner to life and draw the eye upward, emphasizing the room’s height.

I think a large Monstera or a fiddle-leaf fig are perfect for this. They act like living sculptures and create a striking green focal point.

Something I like to do: I place my plants on small wooden stools. This raises them even higher and the floor beneath them remains visible. As we’ve learned, this makes the room feel more airy and less cluttered 🙂

Related: The Only Guide You Need To Small Living Room Decor + 19 Mindblowing Ideas

4. Fireplace Decor – Small Apartment Decorating Ideas

A cozy living room setting that provides inspiration for small apartment decorating ideas. The focal point is a corner fireplace with white mantel fireplace decor, featuring a collection of framed tribal and abstract art, bust sculptures, and small potted plants. A large leaning mirror reflects the room, while a grey sofa with plush velvet pillows and a wooden coffee table with a chess set complete the inviting atmosphere. A tall, dark leafy plant stands beside the fireplace, adding height and texture to the neutral-toned space. Save

If your small apartment has a fireplace, it doesn’t have to be used only in winter, it can also be a great decorative element in the warmer months.

You can place picture frames, candles and vases of flowers on the mantelpiece and decorate it according to the season.

I would always recommend making sure that the decorative elements are at different heights. This makes the overall look more visually interesting.

5. Freestanding Mirror

A brightly lit bedroom corner showcasing stylish small apartment decorating ideas. A tall, arched freestanding mirror with a thin black frame leans against a light-colored wall, reflecting the surrounding space including a woven basket and a plant. The floor is made of large, square grey tiles. To the right, a queen-sized bed is made with light grey bedding, a chunky beige knit throw, and an assortment of pillows with varying textures and patterns. A minimalist, multi-arm black chandelier hangs from the white ceiling, and a large potted fiddle-leaf fig tree stands prominently in the foreground next to the bed, adding organic greenery. Save

If you’re looking for a real magnifying trick, a freestanding mirror might be just what you need.

What I love about a mirror like this is that it reflects light into dark corners, acting almost like an extra window.

And the best part? You don’t even need much for this decorating idea. Just lean a large full-length mirror against the wall, and voilà, that’s it! This idea is also perfect for renters because you don’t have to drill any holes in the wall.

To reflect as much light as possible, you should position the mirror facing a light source, such as a window. This will give you the maximum brightness effect.

6. Light Colors – Small Apartment Decorating Ideas

A brightly lit, minimalist living space illustrating effective small apartment decorating ideas. The open-plan room is unified by light colors, including pale grey walls and light-toned wood plank flooring. A clean-lined cream sofa with a textured throw and pillows sits opposite a mounted television and a white console unit. Natural light streams through two large white-framed windows on the far wall. A large neutral rug anchors the area, which also features a round coffee table with simple decor and a black floor lamp, creating a calm and airy atmosphere. Save

Light colors are best suited for small apartments.

They make the room appear larger and, in my opinion, simply look fresh and clean.

Light colors create a more open atmosphere.

My decorating tip: I recommend using a palette of off-white, cream and light gray. This is especially suitable for walls and large pieces of furniture, as these occupy a lot of space.

To still create some dimension and depth with the same colors, I suggest using different textiles (e.g., linen, cotton) in the same color palette.

7. Nesting Tables

An eclectically decorated living room filled with greenery, demonstrating smart small apartment decorating ideas. A set of white nesting tables serves as a versatile coffee table, holding a laptop, a notebook, and various small potted plants. The cozy space features a blue patterned sofa with large brown and white pillows, a shaggy white rug on wooden floors, and a black minimalist floor lamp with an oversized bulb. A black shelving unit on the right displays more trailing plants and books, while framed black-and-white art leans against the wall, contributing to the layered, botanical aesthetic. Save

I find nesting tables incredibly practical because they can be pushed together so flexibly.

When needed, you can simply pull the tables apart, for example, when you have guests. When you no longer need the space, you just push them together.

To make the tables appear even less bulky, I recommend choosing models with a glass top or a slim metal frame. This way, the floor remains clearly visible, creating an airy look.

8. Statement Piece

A bright, A-frame attic living space illustrating bold small apartment decorating ideas. The open floor plan features a white kitchen with wood countertops and stainless steel appliances alongside a cozy lounge area with a plush white sofa. A unique driftwood coffee table with a glass top serves as a natural statement piece in the center of the room. Sunlight pours through a series of large skylights in the slanted white wood-paneled ceiling, illuminating the neutral rug and creating an airy, expansive feel. Save

To prevent your small apartment from looking cluttered with too many small items, I recommend a few large statement pieces.

This could be, for example, a large piece of art on the wall or an extravagant coffee table.

I think it’s also worthwhile investing in striking designer pieces that draw attention. This way, you’re making an investment you can enjoy for a long time.

9. Use Reflecting Materials

A contemporary living area showcasing bright and functional small apartment decorating ideas. Natural light floods the open space from a large, floor-to-ceiling window on the left. To maximize the sense of space, the room's design smartly uses reflecting materials, including a large, frameless round mirror mounted above a light wood and white sideboard, and polished metal accents on the ceiling light and furniture. A comfortable light grey sofa sits opposite a mounted TV and media unit, while a small, round dining table with two chairs defines the foreground. The floor is made of large, glossy light grey tiles, and the entire room uses a palette of light, airy colors to create an open and welcoming atmosphere. Save

To bring even more light into your small apartment, you can use metallic accents that reflect the light.

I especially like decorative elements like candlesticks and vases made of chrome or brass, but glass vases work too.

Shiny metal picture frames or trays achieve the same effect.

10. Side Tables – Small Apartment Decorating Ideas

A cozy afternoon setting that offers charming small apartment decorating ideas. A white two-tiered side table is placed next to a grey armchair draped with a chunky white knit throw. On the table, a decorative tray holds a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, surrounded by a white vase of roses, a lit pillar candle on a gold stand, and a glass cloche filled with fairy lights. The scene is set against a large window with a view of a rainy day, creating a warm and inviting indoor atmosphere. Save

Perhaps you’re familiar with this problem: Your apartment is small and you lack storage space because there simply isn’t enough room.

How about side tables? They’re also the ideal replacement for bulky coffee tables.

For example, you can place side tables next to the sofa, thus freeing up more space for movement.

11. Decorate The Windowsill

A serene, close-up shot of a white window ledge, illustrating simple small apartment decorating ideas. To decorate the windowsill, a green glass bottle repurposed as a vase holds a few slender, dried branches. Next to it sit two miniature ceramic houses and a single pinecone, creating a charming winter-themed display. Soft fairy lights are draped against the windowpane, blurring into a warm glow against the out-of-focus green trees outside. Save

If you haven’t decorated your windowsill yet, you should definitely consider doing so.

The windowsill offers an additional decorative element without taking up any floor space.

I would always recommend making sure that there isn’t too much decoration on the windowsill so that it doesn’t block the daylight.

My extra tip: If you use transparent glass objects on the windowsill, the sunlight will refract beautifully 🙂

12. Floating Shelves

A warm and inviting open-plan living area demonstrating cozy small apartment decorating ideas. In the foreground, a beige sofa is draped with several soft blankets, with an open book resting on the cushions. The background features a glass dining table set for a meal with light grey chairs. On the wall above the sofa, several rustic wooden floating shelves are arranged at varying heights, displaying small potted succulents, decorative bowls, and an African-style mask. A vibrant yellow piece of art adds a pop of color to the neutral-toned walls and light wood flooring. Save

Floating shelves allow you to create storage space on the walls. This keeps the floor clear and makes the room appear larger.

I find it particularly attractive when the shelves are the same color as the wall. Then the shelves visually blend in with the wall.

In my opinion, it’s also important not to overcrowd the shelves, but rather to decorate them in an airy way. Intentionally leave gaps between the books and objects so that the shelf doesn’t look cluttered.

13. Recurring Elements

A chic and curated display that uses recurring elements to create a cohesive look, perfect for small apartment decorating ideas. On a black console table, a small eye-shaped gold mirror on a stand is paired with a matching sunburst mirror mounted on the wall above. The arrangement includes a grey bust sculpture on a gold-rimmed glass tray, a silver tin, and a black notebook with the words Save

I like to use recurring elements in my decor.

Ideally, repeat certain materials or an accent color consistently throughout your small apartment.

Do you have a chrome vase? Perfect! Add some chrome picture frames or candle holders as well.

This creates visual cohesion and harmony.

If you want to take it a step further, you can use the same style for handles and doorknobs.

14. Light Wood & White Flowers

A dreamlike bedroom corner featuring small apartment decorating ideas with a focus on airy textures. A minimalist round side table made of light wood and white metal legs holds a ceramic vase filled with delicate light wood and white flowers, specifically baby's breath. Beside the vase sits a small white classical bust sculpture. The scene is softened by flowing white linen curtains and a white bed skirt, all resting on a rustic hardwood floor, creating a bright and peaceful atmosphere. Save

I love the combination of light wood and white flowers. Isn’t that the epitome of freshness and naturalness?

I especially love how light wood combined with white flowers, such as baby’s breath, creates a bright, welcoming and timeless look. And I think the Scandinavian aesthetic definitely shines through here.

All you need for this look is a dining table, coffee table or side table in light wood (e.g., ash or oak) and a simple white vase with seasonal white blooms (e.g., baby’s breath, white roses, white tulips).

What I also really love is adding white ceramic objects to wooden shelves. This echoes the wood-and-white combination.

Related: Nordic Living Room Ideas: The Complete Guide To Cozy, Minimal & Timeless Design (+15 Ways To Get The Look)

15. Dresser – Small Apartment Decorating Ideas

A bright and airy bedroom scene featuring elegant small apartment decorating ideas centered around a neutral-toned wooden dresser. The six-drawer dresser is styled with a white lamp, a black-framed art print, a reed diffuser, perfume bottles, and a small stack of books. To the left, a tall, frameless floor mirror leans against the white wall, reflecting a bit of the bed area. The minimalist aesthetic is enhanced by white curtains and a glimpse of a snake plant on the right, creating a serene and organized living space. Save

Dressers don’t take up much space, but they offer a great way to create enclosed storage. This is important to keep your small apartment tidy.

And what’s especially practical: The top of the dresser provides a display surface for decorative items!

I like to put a tray of perfumes or a small table lamp there for a cozy light source.

If you don’t want your dresser to look too bulky, choose a narrow, tall dresser or one with slender legs so that the floor is still visible.

16. Colorful Highlight

A vibrant living area featuring creative small apartment decorating ideas to add personality to a compact space. A grey tufted chaise lounge sits by a large window, serving as the base for a colorful highlight of eclectic textiles. The arrangement includes several decorative pillows with intricate embroidery, pom-poms, and geometric patterns in shades of orange, teal, and red, along with a fringed turquoise throw blanket. An industrial-style metal floor lamp leans over the seating area, while the large window in the background offers a blurred view of urban buildings. Save

A colorful highlight in your small apartment adds a splash of color and prevents your light color palette from looking bland.

This gives you the opportunity to create deliberate accents.

For example, I like to choose eye-catching velvet cushions, colorful candles or a vibrant bowl. A particularly practical advantage of these items is that they can be easily swapped out.

But be careful: Make sure your room doesn’t become too colorful. I always recommend limiting yourself to one or two bold colors to maintain a sense of calm.

17. Keep Decor Simple

A close-up shot of a polished white surface illustrating how to keep decor simple for effective small apartment decorating ideas. A small, vibrant green artificial plant in a minimalist white ceramic pot rests atop a single large hardcover book with a white spine. The arrangement is positioned near a window with soft, sheer grey curtains that diffuse the natural light, while a sleek chrome furniture frame is partially visible in the background, emphasizing a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. Save

In small rooms, I always recommend keeping the decor simple. The motto is “less is more”.

I find this really important to avoid visual overload.

My decorating tip for you: Always group decorative objects in small groups (the rule of three) instead of scattering them individually throughout the room.

And, as mentioned above, I would always opt for one large piece rather than many small “dust collectors”.

Related: How To Create A Minimalist Living Room: 17 Simple Ideas You Need To Try

18. Create A Cozy Atmosphere

A close-up shot of a small, rustic wooden table featuring elements that create a cozy atmosphere for small apartment decorating ideas. On the table, which has a distressed finish, sits a clear glass cup filled with water and a thin metal spoon, alongside a burning, cream-colored pillar candle with a visible flame. Two stacks of worn hardcover books with yellowed pages and gold-lettered spines provide a curated, lived-in feel. The table is placed on a shaggy, light beige wool rug, and in the blurred background, a patterned blue sofa and a tall potted plant can be discerned, all bathed in soft, natural daylight from an unseen window. Save

I love cozy spaces! That’s the only way four walls become a real home for me, a place where I can truly feel comfortable and relax.

If you also want to create a cozy home, lighting plays a crucial role. Instead of one large light source, use several smaller ones. They should all have warm white bulbs so the light feels warm and inviting, not cold and sterile.

Then, of course, cozy items like pillows and throws made of knit, linen or velvet (depending on your taste and the season) are essential on the couch and bed. The tactile experience is also important in making a room feel cozy.

Related: How To Create A Cozy Living Room: A Full Guide (+16 Living Room Layout Ideas To Copy)

19. Furniture With Legs

A brightly lit, minimalist living space that embodies thoughtful small apartment decorating ideas. The foreground features furniture with legs, specifically two slender mid-century modern style side tables on a natural fiber rug next to a white armchair. Through an arched doorway, the compact room opens into a sleek kitchen with light wood cabinetry. Natural light pours in from a large window on the left, which overlooks greenery and is flanked by a large, leafy fiddle leaf fig plant. The overall aesthetic is clean and airy, with a focus on maximizing space and light. Save

I’ve already touched on this a few times in this blog post. It’s about furniture with legs.

I think this is one of the most important rules for small rooms, because visible flooring creates the illusion of more square footage.

That’s why I recommend buying sofas, cabinets and beds with delicate legs.

The more of the flooring you can see under the furniture, the more spacious your home will appear.

How To Maintain The Result

To keep your small apartment looking good, here’s how to maintain it.

I recommend to get in the habit of keeping surfaces clear daily. Small spaces get messy fast. The mess can be created by dishes or mail and suddenly it feels cluttered.

Get rid of books and movies you don’t want anymore. They’re just taking up space you need for other things.

What I also like to do is to switch out heavy winter stuff (velvet, thick wool) for lighter summer fabrics (linen, cotton) when it warms up. This makes the room feel less heavy.

And one last thing I advise: When you buy something new, get rid of something old. One in, one out. This stops your place from filling up with stuff and keeps the look you worked for.

Some Rental Hacks: Styling Without Drilling

When you rent an apartment, you might not be allowed to drill into the walls or you might not want to, so you don’t have to fill holes when you move out.

For situations like this, there are self-adhesive solutions. With high-quality adhesive hooks or picture strips, you can display artwork and mirrors without leaving any holes in the wall.

If you want to hang curtains, you can use telescopic rods. These are simply clamped between two walls, protecting the building structure.

For mirrors, you could opt for large freestanding mirrors that lean against the wall.

A decorative item that also doesn’t require drilling, but that I really like, is the decorative ladder. You can, for example, place it in the bathroom and hang towels over the rungs.

If you want to completely transform your walls without drilling, you can also use peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile stickers. This way, you can give your room a makeover, and you won’t have any trouble reversing it when you move out.

The Final Polish

I always think that small apartments force you to make conscious decisions regarding design and decor.

Because: Less space means you have to focus more on the things you truly love. There’s no room for unnecessary clutter and that’s actually a good thing.

With a few strategic tricks regarding sight lines, light and textures, you can make your small apartment appear larger and more airy.

Which decorating idea do you like best? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear! 🙂

If you need more decorating ideas or organizational hacks, feel free to browse my blog. You’ll find numerous articles on these topics.

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