23 Small Apartment Design Ideas
So, you’ve got a small apartment and you’re wondering how to make it feel like something straight out of Pinterest instead of a cramped shoebox? Trust me—I’ve been there.
But here’s the good news: small doesn’t mean boring. With the right tricks, you can make your little apartment feel like a million bucks (without actually needing a million bucks).
Ready? Let’s talk about 23 small apartment design ideas that’ll turn your place from “meh” to “wow.”
1. Use Mirrors Like Magic
Ever wondered why restaurants hang huge mirrors? It’s not because they’re obsessed with watching people eat spaghetti—it’s because mirrors make spaces feel bigger.
- Place a large mirror across from a window to bounce natural light.
- Try a gallery wall of smaller mirrors for a chic effect.
- Or, go bold with a floor-length mirror to open up the room.
Pro tip: Leaning a mirror casually against the wall instantly makes you look artsy.
2. Go Vertical With Storage
Small apartments = limited floor space. So, what’s left? The walls.
- Install floating shelves for books, plants, or cute décor.
- Use tall shelving units that go almost to the ceiling.
- Add hooks for coats, bags, or even mugs.
It’s like giving your walls a job instead of letting them just sit there.
3. Multipurpose Furniture FTW
Why settle for one job when your furniture can do two?
- A bed with drawers underneath = storage gold.
- A coffee table that lifts into a desk = genius.
- A sleeper sofa = extra guest space.
IMO, multipurpose furniture is basically the superhero of small spaces.
4. Light, Neutral Colors Are Your Best Friend
Dark walls can feel cozy in mansions. In small apartments? They can feel like a cave.
Stick with light, neutral colors like whites, soft grays, or beiges. They reflect light and make your place feel more open. Add pops of color through art, pillows, or rugs so it doesn’t feel like a hospital waiting room.
5. Add Plants for Fresh Vibes
I don’t care if your apartment is the size of a shoebox—there’s always room for a plant. Plants add life and depth.
- Go for a tall fiddle-leaf fig if you want drama.
- Use hanging plants to save space.
- A little succulent on your windowsill? Adorable.
And FYI: fake plants work too (no judgment—I’ve got a couple 😉).
6. Rugs to Define Spaces
In a small apartment, you often have one room doing double or triple duty. Use rugs to separate areas.
- Rug under the bed = “bedroom.”
- Rug under the couch = “living room.”
- Rug by the table = “dining area.”
Boom. Three rooms in one.
7. Clear Furniture Wins Every Time
Want your space to feel bigger? See-through furniture like acrylic chairs or glass coffee tables practically disappear into the room.
They’re modern, chic, and give the illusion of more space. Plus, they don’t clash with your décor.
8. Floating Desks for Tiny Offices
No space for a full office? Same. Solution: floating desks that fold up against the wall.
Add a cute chair, and you’ve got yourself a mini office that doesn’t eat into your living space.
9. Wall-Mounted Lighting
Floor lamps take up space. Table lamps need tables. Solution? Wall-mounted sconces or lights.
They free up precious surface space and make your place look high-end. Win-win.
10. Big Art, Not Small Clutter
People think small apartments need small décor. Nope. One big piece of art can make a huge impact without overwhelming the space.
Tiny knick-knacks everywhere just look messy. Go bold instead.
11. Slide in Some Sliding Doors
Traditional doors swing open and eat space. Sliding doors (or pocket doors) save you those extra square feet. Plus, they look stylish and modern.
12. Hidden Storage Everywhere
I once stored sweaters in my oven when I lived in a studio (don’t ask). But you don’t have to go that far.
- Storage ottomans hide blankets.
- Benches with storage are perfect for entryways.
- Beds with drawers = lifesavers.
If it can open, make sure it stores something.
13. Vertical Stripes Work Like Magic
Fashion tip: stripes make you look taller. Apartment tip: vertical stripes make ceilings look higher.
A striped rug, wallpaper, or even curtains can trick the eye into seeing more height.
14. Foldable Dining Tables
Don’t have room for a full dining table? No problem.
- Get a wall-mounted fold-down table.
- Use nesting tables that tuck away when not in use.
- Or grab a small bistro set for two.
You’ll still have a place to eat (or let’s be honest—pile laundry).
15. Light It Up With Layers
Lighting is EVERYTHING in small apartments.
- Overhead light = basics.
- Floor lamp = cozy corner.
- String lights = instant mood.
Mix them for a space that feels warm, not cramped.
16. Minimalist Mindset
Ever notice how clutter makes a room feel smaller? Yeah. Less is more.
Keep only what you love or use daily. If your counter is full of random kitchen gadgets you never touch (I see you, dusty waffle maker), it’s time to declutter.
17. Use Curtains Wisely
Hang curtains higher and wider than your actual window. It makes the ceiling look taller and the window look bigger.
It’s basically Photoshop for your apartment.
18. Statement Lighting Fixtures
Who says small spaces can’t be dramatic? Swap that boring overhead bulb for a statement chandelier or pendant light.
It instantly elevates your space and gives personality.
19. Built-In Shelving
If you can swing it, built-ins maximize storage and look sleek. Books, baskets, and plants all look chic when styled properly.
And no, built-ins don’t have to be custom (IKEA hacks exist, my friend).
20. Go Minimal With the Bed Frame
A bulky bed frame eats space. Instead, go for a platform bed, daybed, or one with thin legs. It keeps things airy and open.
Bonus: you can slide storage bins underneath.
21. Play With Reflective Surfaces
Glossy finishes, metallic décor, and glass accents all bounce light around the room.
Basically, they work like mirrors but sneakier.
22. Add Personality With Textures
If you’re keeping things minimal, don’t let your space feel flat. Add texture through throws, pillows, or rugs.
It’s cozy, stylish, and stops your apartment from looking like a furniture showroom.
23. Keep It Flexible
Small spaces work best when they’re flexible. Move furniture around, use folding chairs, or get a rolling cart that can be a bar, a kitchen helper, or even a nightstand.
Trust me—flexibility = sanity in a small apartment.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, designing a small apartment is about creativity, not square footage. You don’t need endless space—you just need smart tricks that make the most of what you’ve got.
Remember: mirrors are magic, storage is everywhere if you look hard enough, and less clutter = more freedom.
