Small Space Hacks: 12 Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Bigger

Co-authored by Katherine Tlapa and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: February 19, 2022 References

If you've just moved to the big city or you're enjoying your first solo apartment, you might be feeling a bit cramped in a smaller space than you're used to. In this article, we'll be sharing tons of effective tips and tricks for making your apartment feel open, cozy, and spacious. For all of the best tips on how to make your apartment feel larger, read on!

1

Incorporate mirrors.

Mirrors reflect natural light and create an illusion of extra space. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to immediately create a more spacious feel in your apartment. Hang a big mirror over your desk, prop one up over your dresser, or install a body-length mirror on a free wall.^{[1]
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2

Use partitions.

Folding screens, partitions, and room dividers make rooms feel larger. Partitions can also act as a statement piece to liven up any room; try hanging art, creating a dressing space, using it to make your room’s corners look less awkward, or hanging plants on it.^{[2]
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3

Emphasize your wall space.

By drawing eyes upward with wall decor, your room will appear taller. There are tons of ways to achieve this, and the result will be a more spacious, aerial atmosphere:^{[3]
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- Create a gallery wall
- Throw in a dash of color (like a bright painting) high up on your walls
- Install a statement light fixture overhead (ask your landlord first)

4

Hang large pieces of art.

Centering a big piece on a small wall makes a room feel spacious. The benefit here is twofold; not only do you make the room feel bigger by drawing the eye upwards, but you also get to decorate without taking up precious floor space.^{[4]
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5

Opt for wall shelves over bookcases.

Shelving takes up less space than a clunky bookcase. To show off any home decor (or actual books!) try installing some floating shelves. While stout bookcases make rooms appear cramped, shelving draws the eyes upward, giving the illusion of extra space.^{[5]
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6

Decorate with light, muted colors.

Neutrals like gray, cream, and white can open up a room. In fact, keeping all of a room’s decor in the same neutral tones can create a soft, airy look, which makes a room feel more spacious.^{[6]
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Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Expert Interview. 22 May 2019.} When in doubt, go for all white.^{[7]
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7

Keep your bedding simple.

Your bed will take up a lot of space as is, so keep it as simple. Toss out the overwhelming, decorative pillows. Swap your puffy duvets for clean lines and light fabrics, like linen. To get the same warmth without sacrificing space, try a wool or camp blanket.^{[8]
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8

Position furniture off of the wall.

Pushing furniture against the wall will make spaces feel smaller. Instead, when you place furniture around your room, choose smaller pieces that can fit around the smaller perimeter you’re now using.^{[9]
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- Space out your furniture (definitely try to avoid having pieces touch each other) for the best results.

9

Select multi-use furniture.

Choosing single pieces that serve more than one function saves space. There are tons of ingenious options out there for you to choose from. For instance, if you don’t have space for a dining room, choose a coffee table that unfolds into a dining table and store a few foldable chairs as well. You can also try:^{[10]
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- A coffee table that pulls out into a desk
- A sofa that pulls out into a bed
- Ottomans that double as secret storage

10

Pick furniture with legs.

Thin, sleek furniture saves space in small apartment. This means that legless furniture, like bulky dressers, sofas, and coffee tables, should be avoided. Instead, select slim, metal stools, thin tables, and delicate end tables.^{[11]
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11

Try glass furniture.

Glass furniture can open up small spaces and create an elegant flow. Glass coffee tables, end tables, and dining tables can add function without sacrificing a great deal of space. Pro tip: keep your glass clean for best results.^{[12]
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12

Declutter your apartment.

Too many knick knacks and messy areas create a cramped vibe. Let your countertops breathe and avoid using every surface as a platform for decorations and disorganization. By keeping everything, floors, desks, and coffee tables, clean and relatively clear, you’ll have an apartment that appears larger.^{[13]
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