Decorating Small Spaces: 15 Small Apartment Ideas to Maximize Decor and Storage

Making the most of a small space can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to decorating and storing your belongings. Small apartments often have unique layouts and tight corners that require clever planning. However, with the right decorating hacks and tricks, you can create a beautiful and functional space that feels larger than it actually is.

Small Apartment Ideas for Every Room

From the entryway to the kitchen and bedroom, there are many ways to decorate and store your belongings in a small apartment. Here are 15 small apartment ideas to get you started:

01. Feature an Entryway Bench

Small apartments often have awkward entryway areas or none at all. Adding a narrow bench provides a spot to slip on shoes and can be a great place to store footwear and accessories. Hang hooks above the bench for jackets and other items, and add a few baskets underneath for extra storage. Don’t forget to add some plants and fresh flowers to create a welcoming atmosphere.

02. Use Removable Wallpaper

If you’re renting your apartment, you might be unable to paint your walls. Removable wallpaper is a great solution that allows you to personalize your space without damaging the walls. There are many fun patterns and prints to choose from, and you can add wallpaper to an accent wall or cover all the walls for maximum impact.

03. Loft Your Bed

Capitalizing on space in a small apartment is crucial, and lofting your bed is a great way to free up floor space. Add a ladder and place a desk or small dining table underneath to create a workspace or lounge area for guests. This is especially helpful for studio living, where it’s necessary to carve out separate zones in a single room.

04. Use Temporary Decals

If temporary wallpaper seems like too big of a job, consider using removable decals instead. These can be used to add a personal touch to your bedroom or living room, and can be easily removed when you’re ready to switch up your decor.

05. Incorporate Poufs

Poufs are a great small apartment decor idea that can be used as an extra seat or footrest. Find one that matches your aesthetic and use it in your living room or bedroom. Poufs with removable covers are also a great option, making it easy to clean and switch up your design.

06. Display Art Damage-Free

Want to add artwork to your apartment but don’t want to damage the walls? Instead of hanging each piece, install floating shelves and set the art on top. This way, you can layer different pieces and prints while reducing the number of holes in your wall.

07. Use a Dresser as a Nightstand

Small apartment bedrooms are often cramped, and adding more furniture than you have room for can impede traffic flow. Repurpose a dresser as a nightstand for a clever small apartment idea that adds storage and design. Designate the drawer closest to your bed for nighttime essentials, and use the rest of the dresser as you typically would.

08. Employ Storage Containers

Storing ingredients on your kitchen counter can be inevitable, especially if your apartment is tight on built-ins. Small storage containers, baskets, and bins can help keep your counters orderly. Shop for containers at thrift stores for a cost-effective option and personalized kitchen.

09. Arrange Storage in Plain Sight

Clever decor that includes storage is a must in small apartments. Incorporate shelving that works for displaying decorative items and stowing items until needed. Use bins and baskets to corral like items and store them on shelves until you’re ready to pull them out.

10. Hang Shelves in Kitchen

Counter space can be limited in small apartments, and keeping as much of the area functional as possible is important. Hang shelves in your kitchen to keep items off your counter and store cookbooks, dishware, spices, and more.

11. Incorporate an Eat-In Kitchen

Many small apartments lack a dining room, but a compact bistro set can transform your kitchen. Just two chairs and a table are often all you need for a quick meal, and if you have a built-in storage bench, add a cushion for even more seating.

12. Add a Gallery Wall

If you have wall space, gallery walls are an easy small apartment idea that doesn’t take up too much space. Pick a color palette that matches the rest of your room and find artwork in varying prints and patterns. Use frames and mats with similar widths to give a gallery wall a clean, cohesive look.

13. Let the Light In

When deciding on your apartment decor, allow for as much natural light as possible to make your small space seem bigger and brighter. Open existing blinds or curtains during the day to let in sunlight and visually expand your space.

14. Hang Statement Art

Sometimes, creating a gallery wall isn’t an option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate art into your small apartment ideas for decor and interest. Statement art pieces are a simple way to decorate your space by filling up a wall and drawing your eye up to help your small area look larger.

15. Utilize Empty Corners

Awkward spaces and empty corners can be hard to figure out in a small apartment. Utilize these corners with a bistro dining set or small bench to avoid dead space. Adding a small dresser with some plants and artwork is another simple small apartment idea to utilize a corner and increase storage.

Conclusion

Decorating a small apartment can be a challenge, but with the right ideas and decorating hacks, you can create a beautiful and functional space that feels larger than it actually is. From using removable wallpaper and temporary decals to incorporating poufs and statement art, there are many ways to decorate and store your belongings in a small apartment. Remember to let the light in, utilize empty corners, and make the most of your space to create a small apartment that feels like home.What are some ideas for decorating a small apartment entryway?
Feature an Entryway Bench

Can I personalize my walls without damaging them in a rented apartment?
Use Removable Wallpaper or Temporary Decals

How can I maximize floor space in a small bedroom?
Loft Your Bed and Use a Drawer as a Nightstand

What’s a good, low-commitment way to add art to small rooms?
Display Art on Floating Shelves

Which items can I use as multifunctional furniture in a small apartment?
Poufs and Convertible Furniture

How can I manage small kitchen storage limitations?
Employ Storage Containers, Hang Shelves, and Utilize Space Under Counters

What’s an efficient dining idea for small apartments?
Incorporate an Eat-In Kitchen with a Bistro Set

How can I create a gallery-like appearance without multiple pieces?
Hang Statement Art on a Single Wall

Why is natural light important in small apartments?
Let the Light In to Make the Space Feel Brighter and Larger

What’s a good way to utilize awkward corners in small spaces?
Add a Bistro Dining Set or a Small Bench with a Drawer and Decorative Elements