How can I decorate my small apartment on the cheap?

Thrift stores are your friend when you’re trying to decorate a small apartment on a budget. Affordable small apartment decorating ideas include buying used furniture that has hidden storage space. For example, use an old chest for a coffee table and buy a bed that includes built-in drawers beneath. Habitat for Humanity stores often have paint, curtain rods, wall shelves, and other decor necessities at ridiculously low prices. Wall decals are inexpensive, removable alternatives to pricey framed paintings. Mirrors are a cheap way to visually expand a smaller space.

How can I make the most of my small apartment kitchen ?

Cooking a full meal in a tiny space can be a challenge, especially if you’re used to a lot of counter space. But with a little ingenuity, you can incorporate everything your inner chef needs. A small rolling cart adds an extra prep surface along with extra storage space beneath. White walls and cabinets are a simple way to make the kitchen look bigger.

Small Apartment Ideas for Different Rooms (with Photos)

If you’re living in a small apartment, you can probably sympathize with the notion of a “scarf-sized” floorplan. No matter its size, your home is still home. It will always be a great place to showcase your own tastes and decor preferences.

Limited space doesn’t have to limit your style. Take your time checking out our best small apartment ideas and see what incredible spaces you can create within a small footprint.

1. Bathroom

A studio apartment or small house isn’t the only place you’ll find tiny bathrooms—even large homes sometimes have little washrooms. But as airplanes and campers prove, you can create a functional bathroom in a very small area. The key to doing so is to maximize every inch of space you have.

White bathroom with a shower curtain, potted plants, towel rack, window, and a basket on the sink counter — Source: @amy.cathleen via Instagram

Bathroom with plants, wall shelves, and patterned yellow curtains — Source: @c.l.home via Instagram

Modern bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, gray tile walls, white sink, mirrored cabinet, and toiletries — Source: @camelle_veloso_design via Instagram

Modern bathroom with red tiled shower, wooden vanity, white toilet, and decorative rug featuring minimalist decor with plants and towels — Source: @dbtile via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom featuring a wood vanity, round mirror, and black fixtures with a gray striped shower curtain and small plant on the counter — Source: @heatherbarta via Instagram

A bathroom with a patterned shower curtain, a potted plant, towels on a rack, and a framed wall sign with cactus illustration — Source: @herecomethemillers_ via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with black and white patterned walls, a small sink, wall decor, and plants on shelves sunlit from a window — Source: @kvyainc via Instagram

Modern white bathroom with shiplap walls, vanity with plants, wicker basket, shelves with decor, and a shower curtain by the tub — Source: @thatdiyhome via Instagram

A cozy bathroom with a white tub, wooden tray, plants, candles, and a window featuring dark green walls and white tiles complete the serene space — Source: @thelittlegreyhouse_ via Instagram

Modern bathroom with blue walls, patterned floor tiles, a white sink, toilet, towel rack, and colorful wall art — Source: @thisoldtownhouse via Instagram

Decluttering and organizing bathroom cabinet space is essential. Hang shelves on the wall over the toilet, or install an over-toilet shelf unit. Hang a shoe organizer on the back of the door and use it to stash toiletries and washcloths. Invest in a sink cover to turn your bathroom basin into usable vanity space for applying makeup or styling your hair. Incidentally, sink covers are a great way of adding counterspace in the kitchen, too.

2. Cool

One way to create a cool small apartment living room or bedroom is to adhere to modern midcentury decor. Few interior design styles give off a cooler vibe than the trendy elements from the 1960s. A low, modern sofa goes well in a small living room, not taking up as much room as a larger piece of furniture. A loft bed looks cool in a small sleeping space and leaves room below for a desk or extra seating.

Bedroom with a pink headboard, monochrome botanical wallpaper, and neutral bedding. Light wood furniture and a round jute rug complete the look — Source: @atthelisles via Instagram

Modern sitting area with geometric wallpaper, dark upholstered L-shaped sofa, marble tables, cowhide rug, and golden deer sculpture — Source: @dennisbrackeendesigngroup via Instagram

A colorful living room with a vibrant floral sofa, decorative pillows, small stool, and a pink flamingo statue on a side table — Source: @ernut_oen via Instagram

Cozy living room with a grey sofa, yellow cushions, an armchair, coffee table, bird artwork, and a fluffy rug on wooden floor — Source: @ilstaging via Instagram

A cozy bedroom with a forest-themed mural, potted plants on a shelf, patterned bedding, an open book on a bedside cart, and a rug — Source: @kunis_lovely_vintage_home via Instagram

Minimalist white bedroom with round mirror, framed art on a shelf, and textured wall divider; cozy bed with white pillows and blanket — Source: @nics_abode via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with wooden wall, bed, desk, and chair; books and photos on shelves; window with blinds; black-and-white photo on the wall — Source: @nn_arquitetos via Instagram

Living room with blue walls, gray sofa, blue-patterned pillows, chandelier, and abstract art on the wall — Source: @ourstrataoporto77 via Instagram

A cozy bedroom with gray walls, a modern wall lamp, and a bed with pillows and a textured throw blanket — Source: @rooms_by_randi via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a large window framed by shelves, a neatly made bed with neutral bedding, and a tree view outside — Source: @vladimirkonovalov via Instagram

Keep your furniture choices as light and airy as possible. Succulents, air purifying plants, and indoor trees add a cool touch to any small room. Position them on higher shelves to draw the eye up, or center them on your coffee table.

3. Decor

Mirrors are essential for expanding a small studio apartment. Covering a whole wall with mirror panels can be transformational, as they trick the eye into seeing extra space even where it doesn’t exist. They also reflect a great deal of light and cut down on the number of lamps you need.

Bright living room with beige sectional sofa, colorful pillows, glass coffee table, patterned rug, art on walls, and potted plant — Source: @annelouisefisher via Instagram

Bright bedroom with a white bed, plants, a wooden nightstand, wicker chair, round mirror, and large window with sheer curtains — Source: @everything.related.to.home via Instagram

Cozy living room with a white sofa, nautical cushions, a daybed, woven wall decor, glass coffee table, and potted plant — Source: @hangthemoondesigns via Instagram

Cozy living room with a blue couch, patterned rug, plants, wall art, and large windows showcasing a city view — Source: @kaedyp via Instagram

Cozy living room with a light gray sectional, white rug, indoor plants, and a TV stand. Wooden floor and large window with a view — Source: @lacasitahappy via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with turquoise walls, a bed, green sofa, colorful pillows, hanging star lights, and various wall decorations — Source: @lindsaymcw via Instagram

Cozy living room with a brown sectional sofa, plaid pillows, dark accent wall with decor, and a wooden coffee table with candles — Source: @littleflatat34 via Instagram

Cozy living room with a gray sectional sofa, round wooden table, armchair, patterned rug, and large window with blinds and curtains — Source: @rakkauvella via Instagram

A cozy bedroom with a geometric accent wall, a TV on a stand, a bed with leaf-patterned bedding, and a pink circular rug — Source: @spicycandydc via Instagram

Cozy living room with green sofa, colorful pillows, abstract art, houseplants, warm lighting, and wooden floor — Source: @vraro via Instagram

Usually, the lighter the room, the larger it feels. So keep your color palette on the lighter side. Even smaller decor items, such as linens and dishes, lighten up a room when they’re in pale colors. Use rugs and a room divider to separate open floor space into designated zones.

4. Kitchen

If you have a lot of dishware to hide, you may find upper kitchen cabinets helpful. If not, remove them and replace them with a floating shelf display. Floating shelves are far less bulky than upper cabinets and are great places to store cookbooks, vases, mugs, and glassware. Take further advantage of available vertical space by storing chef knives on wall mounts, and hanging a pot rack from the ceiling.

Brick kitchen with dark cabinets, a central stove, marble countertop, and decorative plants; arched window and dark light fixtures — Source: @ahomefitforkings via Instagram

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a fridge, oven, and microwave. Open cabinets show dishes and glasses — Source: @amandaelainedesign via Instagram

Compact kitchen nook with vintage blue fridge, white cabinets, microwave, and decorative open shelves against geometric wallpaper — Source: @chemical_babe via Instagram

Compact kitchen with black and white appliances, wall decor, and a rug featuring a stove, microwave, and framed art on gray walls — Source: @cozyliltownhouse via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a retro table and chairs on a green rug, white cabinets, stove, and microwave, with a covered cake stand on the table — Source: @displayinglife via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, stainless steel appliances, a window view, and potted plants on the sill — Source: @metodinstall via Instagram

A kitchen with wood cabinets, white appliances, and a bar stool, featuring items on the counter like plants and cooking utensils — Source: @rae.lambert via Instagram

Kitchen with dark cabinets, a red patterned rug, open shelves with dishes, and a wine fridge — Source: @theknotted_fox via Instagram

Small kitchen with light gray cabinets, stainless steel fridge, turquoise pot on stove, small white table with chairs, and wooden floor — Source: @themademaven via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white countertop, plants, artwork, cutting boards, and shelves holding glasses and jars by the window — Source: @victorianterrace120 via Instagram

Free up more wall space by replacing a full-size refrigerator with a small, under-the-counter model. Replace a dining table and chairs with a built-in banquette, if possible. Not only can you fit more people on bench seating, it can be built with hidden storage under each bench. If a banquette isn’t feasible, a bistro table with two chairs is a great alternative to a larger dining room table.

5. Living Room

Furniture with hidden storage room is a must in a tiny apartment. Bench seating, storage footrests, tables with drawers, and other furniture pieces with secret storage do double duty in your small space. If you have a living room closet, consider turning it into a home office. A comfortable leather office chair becomes extra living room seating when your closet office isn’t being used.

Cozy living room with a gray sectional sofa, floral and abstract wall art, a patterned rug, and a white coffee table with decor — Source: @_ourhopyardhome via Instagram

Beige sofa with assorted cushions, round coffee table with decor, patterned rug, and side table with plants in a cozy living room — Source: @casamiasage via Instagram

Cozy living room with a beige sofa, patterned pillows, a round coffee table with books, flowers, and a layered, textured rug — Source: @housemadelovely via Instagram

Living room with a beige sofa, patterned cushions, wooden coffee table, and wall art; black and white rug and potted plant add decor — Source: @inside_110_timney via Instagram

A modern living room with a light gray sectional sofa, patterned and white pillows, a tufted ottoman, and framed photos on the wall — Source: @insideourwhitehome via Instagram

Fluffy cat sleeping on a gray sectional sofa with pillows in a modern living room; wall art and plants decorate the space — Source: @justlivingathome via Instagram

Bright living room with a bed, plants, a woven rug, and a TV. French doors open to a small balcony with green plants outside — Source: @mademoiselle_nobs via Instagram

Modern gray living room with a plush sofa, patterned cushions, glass coffee table, and large window with white shutters — Source: @meandmrhughes via Instagram

A cozy living room with a beige sectional sofa, mint cushions, and plants. Shelves hold family photos and decor on a light gray wall — Source: @our_little_sussex_home via Instagram

Modern living room with a black sofa, beige pillows, a leather armchair, wooden coffee table, and plants; minimalist decor on wall shelf — Source: @vandaalenliving via Instagram

If you live in a studio apartment, your living room probably doubles as your bedroom. If so, a Murphy bed or sleeper sofa is a great alternative to squeezing in a standard size bed. Murphy beds fold up against the wall during the day, freeing up all available floor space. Sofa beds have greatly improved through the years, and it’s possible to get one that is just as comfortable as a regular bed.

6. Luxury

Elegant finishes that enhance a small apartment include mirrors, marble, and fine fabrics. Large print designer wallpaper can help expand a small living room or bedroom. When confined to an accent wall, a dramatic wallpaper can turn a small apartment living area into a designer space.

Modern bedroom with a neatly made bed, wooden accent wall, large window, and a wardrobe with illuminated shelves on the side — Source: @adriawanrp via Instagram

Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, black countertops, a central island with a jar, and a red mixer under bright lighting — Source: @artistic_tile via Instagram

Cozy living room with a large TV, beige sectional sofa, round coffee table, brick accent wall, and a potted plant by the window — Source: @carosskogsrud via Instagram

Modern living room with gray couches, decorative pillows, and nested coffee tables; stone-textured accent wall with mirror accents — Source: @designandstylestudio via Instagram

Modern kitchen and living area with wooden cabinets, gray sofa, and reflective glass elements. Minimalist design with sleek lighting — Source: @ka_homedesign via Instagram

Cozy living room with vaulted wooden ceiling, brick fireplace, chandelier, and modern furniture featuring warm lighting and plush seating — Source: @luxrealestateservices via Instagram

Modern open-plan living room and kitchen with sleek furniture, black and white decor, a brown couch, and large windows — Source: @mathangi.manikandan via Instagram

Modern bedroom with double bed, two armchairs, wall-mounted TV, and patterned blinds; neutral tones and cozy lighting create a calm ambiance — Source: @muse.interio via Instagram

Modern living room with blue accent wall, cozy sofa, armchair, and a small dining area by large windows overlooking a cityscape — Source: @stage2sell.toronto via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a large bed, cushioned headboard, stylish ceiling fan, air conditioner, abstract wall art, and cozy seating — Source: @thestoreytellersindia via Instagram

Add luxurious details such as a designer floor lamp, silken sheer curtains, and a small-scale crystal chandelier. Piles of throw pillows add a plush touch to a sofa bed and larger ones can double as floor cushions when you have guests. Even though you should usually go with light colors in a small room, darker hues can make a stronger luxurious statement. Don’t be afraid to buy furniture with dark finishes, such as an ebony coffee table.

7. Minimalist

Decluttering each surface, drawer, and closet is the first step toward living a minimalist lifestyle. Only keep the things you truly need and enjoy. Stash as many of your possessions as possible inside cabinets and behind closet doors to maintain your minimalist energy.

Cozy living room with a gray sectional sofa, decorative pillows, wall shelves with decor, and a ceiling light fixture — Source: @design_at_166 via Instagram

Modern bedroom with gray bed, cushioned headboard, cozy chair, and nightstand; abstract art and plants add a stylish touch — Source: @domacihome via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a dark bedframe, white bedding, and an orange throw; two artworks on the wall, and decor on a side table — Source: @homeinteriors_tp via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a padded headboard, black pendant light, gray bedding, and curtains featuring a minimalist nightstand with books — Source: @k__band via Instagram

Minimalist bedroom with a bed on a marble platform, large window, pendant light, and wall art, and a plant on the floor — Source: @movainteriors via Instagram

Cozy living room with a gray sofa, yellow and patterned cushions, dining table, plants, wall decor, and a floor lamp — Source: @my.dear.home via Instagram

Bright attic bedroom with a white bedspread, bench, floral decor, and skylight windows, featuring creamy walls and a chandelier to enhance elegance — Source: @ourchaletbungalow via Instagram

Cozy living room with a pink sofa, pink hydrangeas on a round table, abstract art on the wall, and a palm plant by the window — Source: @sarchetrit via Instagram

Bedroom with a white bed, green accent wall, macramé art, bedside tables with lamps, and a woven rug on wooden floor — Source: @thebeginnerhomie via Instagram

Streamlined finishes—such as pairing stainless steel cabinet doors with stainless steel appliances—help a small space feel more open. Radiator covers have the same effect, especially when painted the same color as the walls. Paint built-in cabinets and bookshelves a neutral warm grey to help them recede into the background.

8. Modern

Modern furniture is ideal in a micro apartment. Not only does its clean lines and simplicity keep the space from looking cluttered, you can buy pieces made of clear acrylic or glass. Being able to see through your furniture helps the entire room look more spacious, and many of these furniture options carry a strong midcentury vibe.

Modern bedroom with a gray bed, blue pillows, and lit open closet; glass doors showcase tree reflections and a green plant in view — Source: @3dvisualartof via Instagram

Modern bedroom with geometric accent wall, cozy bed with pillows, warm lighting, and a decorative round mirror above a cabinet — Source: @kaylasimonehome via Instagram

Modern living room with a gray sectional sofa, black nesting tables, green plant, and nature-themed wall art on dark walls — Source: @klemstua via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a black and red color scheme, featuring a bed, red chair, desk, shelves with books, and model cars — Source: @krudesign_projektywnetrz via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with green walls, white bedding, a black and white artwork, shelves with decor, and a mug on the bed — Source: @mathiasberglundda via Instagram

Modern living room with a beige sectional sofa, wooden wall, artwork, plants, round coffee table, and pendant light. Bright and airy — Source: @matt_finish_design via Instagram

Modern living room with a green sofa, abstract art, round dining table, and decorative plants; hardwood floors and neutral walls — Source: @mintstaging via Instagram

A cozy living room with a white sofa, throw pillows, a round mirror, plants, and shelves; warm, minimalist decor with a modern touch — Source: @mycityapartment via Instagram

Modern living room with a tufted gray sofa, round wall mirror, small ottoman, decorative pillows, lamp, and a side table with plants — Source: @sammypattersonathome via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a large bed, light gray walls, sheer curtains, and a window view of buildings; warm lighting and hardwood floor — Source: @shellamuchtar via Instagram

Hang an oversized round mirror over the sofa for a simple modern accent that will also visually expand the room. A modern geometric printed wallpaper makes a great accent wall behind a bed or couch. Install under-shelf lighting in each room to add a welcoming glow at night.

9. White

White is the classic color to use when you need to make a small room look bigger. Whether you prefer a farmhouse-style of white or a more modern take on the all-white room, you can’t find a better color for a small room. White is also a good choice for furniture, although you may prefer darker upholstered pieces if you have pets or small children.

Compact kitchen with green tiled wall, white cabinets, vintage fridge, shelves with bottles, and a microwave on the counter — Source: @cletile and concept_renovations via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, wood countertops, hanging plants, a red rug, and a round white table with fruit; vintage decor accents — Source: @dorabeehome via Instagram

Modern living room with a cozy fireplace, abstract art, plants, and layered shelves featuring plush seating with a fur throw and tray — Source: @concept_renovations via Instagram

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, plants on the windowsill, and wooden flooring, featuring a kettle and cutting boards on the counter — Source: @hartshouse28 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, wood flooring, and large window with a view of trees and buildings — Source: @mva_design via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wooden island, white cabinets, pendant lights, and a window featuring decor that includes plants and vases for a cozy feel — Source: @myinteriorescape via Instagram

Bright, modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble floor, pink accents, large window, and colorful art on the wall — Source: @ourhomeinspain via Instagram

Bright bedroom with a bed covered in blue and white linens, wicker decor, wall art, and a window in a bohemian and cozy style — Source: @skovbon via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a small dining table with flowers, and a stainless steel fridge, bright window view outside — Source: @small.flat.ideas via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black upper cupboards, marble backsplash, oven, and wooden decor on counter; light wood floor — Source: @theporcelainfactory via Instagram

White cabinets, countertops, and walls visually expand your small kitchen and look great paired with stainless steel appliances. Make use of unused space in a kitchen, bathroom, or office by hanging white pegboards. There are dozens of pegboard hooks, baskets, and bins available now, allowing you to showcase attractive items while hiding the mundane.

Small Apartment Ideas for Different Rooms