• Ideas by Room
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living Rooms
    • Dining Rooms
  • Décor Ideas
    • Design Inspiration
    • Fireplace
    • Wall Décor
  • Storage Ideas
  • Outdoor Space
    • Patio, Porches and Decks
    • Backyards
    • Swimming Pool
    • Landscaping and Garden
    • Fences
    • House Exterior
  • Other Spaces
    • Attic & Basement
    • Garage
    • Apartment
    • Home Office
    • Themed Rooms
  • Shopping
Upload
The Top 89 Small Apartment Ideas

The Top 89 Small Apartment Ideas

  • Trendey / Apartment
  • by — Kari Apted

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.

Contents

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.

Source: @amy.cathleen via Instagram
Source: @c.l.home via Instagram
Source: @camelle_veloso_design via Instagram
Source: @dbtile via Instagram
Source: @heatherbarta via Instagram
Source: @herecomethemillers_ via Instagram
Source: @kvyainc via Instagram
Source: @thatdiyhome via Instagram
Source: @thelittlegreyhouse_ via Instagram
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.

Source: @atthelisles via Instagram
Source: @dennisbrackeendesigngroup via Instagram
Source: @ernut_oen via Instagram
Source: @ilstaging via Instagram
Source: @kunis_lovely_vintage_home via Instagram
Source: @nics_abode via Instagram
Source: @nn_arquitetos via Instagram
Source: @ourstrataoporto77 via Instagram
Source: @rooms_by_randi via Instagram
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.

Source: @annelouisefisher via Instagram
Source: @everything.related.to.home via Instagram
Source: @hangthemoondesigns via Instagram
Source: @kaedyp via Instagram
Source: @lacasitahappy via Instagram
Source: @lindsaymcw via Instagram
Source: @littleflatat34 via Instagram
Source: @rakkauvella via Instagram
Source: @spicycandydc via Instagram
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.

Source: @ahomefitforkings via Instagram
Source: @amandaelainedesign via Instagram
Source: @chemical_babe via Instagram
Source: @cozyliltownhouse via Instagram
Source: @displayinglife via Instagram
Source: @metodinstall via Instagram
Source: @rae.lambert via Instagram
Source: @theknotted_fox via Instagram
Source: @themademaven via Instagram
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.

Source: @_ourhopyardhome via Instagram
Source: @casamiasage via Instagram
Source: @housemadelovely via Instagram
Source: @inside_110_timney via Instagram
Source: @insideourwhitehome via Instagram
Source: @justlivingathome via Instagram
Source: @mademoiselle_nobs via Instagram
Source: @meandmrhughes via Instagram
Source: @our_little_sussex_home via Instagram
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.

Source: @adriawanrp via Instagram
Source: @artistic_tile via Instagram
Source: @carosskogsrud via Instagram
Source: @designandstylestudio via Instagram
Source: @ka_homedesign via Instagram
Source: @luxrealestateservices via Instagram
Source: @mathangi.manikandan via Instagram
Source: @muse.interio via Instagram
Source: @stage2sell.toronto via Instagram
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.

Source: @design_at_166 via Instagram
Source: @domacihome via Instagram
Source: @homeinteriors_tp via Instagram
Source: @k__band via Instagram
Source: @movainteriors via Instagram
Source: @my.dear.home via Instagram
Source: @ourchaletbungalow via Instagram
Source: @sarchetrit via Instagram
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.

Source: @3dvisualartof via Instagram
Source: @kaylasimonehome via Instagram
Source: @klemstua via Instagram
Source: @krudesign_projektywnetrz via Instagram
Source: @mathiasberglundda via Instagram
Source: @matt_finish_design via Instagram
Source: @mintstaging via Instagram
Source: @mycityapartment via Instagram
Source: @sammypattersonathome via Instagram
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.

Source: @cletile and concept_renovations via Instagram
Source: @dorabeehome via Instagram
Source: @concept_renovations via Instagram
Source: @hartshouse28 via Instagram
Source: @mva_design via Instagram
Source: @myinteriorescape via Instagram
Source: @ourhomeinspain via Instagram
Source: @skovbon via Instagram
Source: @small.flat.ideas via Instagram
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.

Browse by Topics:

Ceiling Ideas Closet Ideas Design Styles Flooring Ideas Lighting Ideas

More Must-Read Articles

  • Best Storage Containers for Clothes
    /Shopping
    Best Storage Containers for Clothes September 6, 2022
  • Best Slipcovered Sofas
    /Shopping
    Best Slipcovered Sofas September 6, 2022
  • Best Storage Beds
    /Shopping
    Best Storage Beds September 6, 2022
  • Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets
    /Kitchens
    Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets September 5, 2022

Popular Articles

  • The Top 48 Wood Stove Hearth Ideas
  • 64 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Yard
  • 60 Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Bathroom
  • 68 Stock Tank Pool Ideas
  • 76 Amazing DIY Indoor Herb Garden Ideas
  • 50 Inspiring Kids' Room Decor Ideas
  • 67 Pool House Design Ideas

Small Apartment FAQs

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.

Kari Apted

Writer

Kari Apted is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has been educating and entertaining readers for over 15 years.

Kari Apted is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has been educating and entertaining readers for over 15 years.

More Must-Read Articles

  • Best Storage Containers for Clothes
    Best Storage Containers for Clothes September 6, 2022
  • Best Slipcovered Sofas
    Best Slipcovered Sofas September 6, 2022
  • Best Storage Beds
    Best Storage Beds September 6, 2022
  • Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets
    Best Backsplash Color for Honey Oak Cabinets September 5, 2022
  • Upload Your Image
  • FTC Disclosure
  • Our Authors
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© COPYRIGHT 2023 Trendey ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

TRENDEY LLC IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. SOME LINKS MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS. WE MAY GET PAID IF YOU BUY SOMETHING OR TAKE AN ACTION AFTER CLICKING ONE OF THESE