7 Small Space Hacks to Make your Apartment Look and Feel Bigger

Feeling like your apartment walls are playing a game of close quarters with your furniture? 

Tiny apartments can be tough on your sense of space and serenity. Good thing is, there’s no need to worry. There are clever tips that you can use to create a sense of size. 

This blog is packed with hacks that will transform your shoebox-sized sanctuary into a stylish and functional home. 

Let’s talk about how you can use these simple tricks to make your apartment look and feel more spacious, all while maximizing your square footage.

Hack #1 – let light in

Natural light is your secret weapon in a small space. It's like a built-in optical illusion, making your cozy nook feel instantly more spacious and airy.

First things first, take down the heavy drapes. Swap them for something sheer and light-filtering to let the sunshine flow in.

Want to double down on the brightness? Strategically placed mirrors will do wonders for your space. All you need are a few minutes to hang one opposite a window to bounce that natural light around the room. 

Natural light can't be there all the time, but that's where smart artificial lighting comes in. 

Think multiple sources: floor lamps in corners, sconces on the wall, and task lighting for focused areas. This layered approach creates a more open feel. Warm white bulbs are also a good choice because they add coziness without sacrificing brightness.

Hack #2 – paint your way to a roomy space

Don't underestimate the transformative power of color in a compact space. 

Dark and moody tones, while undeniably chic, tend to visually shrink a room. Lighter palettes, like crisp whites, airy grays, calming beiges, or soft pastels, act like light reflectors, creating a sense of openness and airiness.

For an added touch of personality, consider adding a painted accent in the area. An accent wall in a bolder shade will add depth and visual intrigue. Just remember, one statement wall is enough to avoid overwhelming the space.

Finally, the paint finish itself plays a significant role. Choose a high-gloss sheen — its light-reflective properties will enhance the illusion of space and make your room feel bigger.

Hack #3 – divide and conquer

Living in a small space doesn't mean living in one big room. You can use space dividers to carve out designated areas without compromising your square footage. Think of them as elegant partitions, allowing you to define zones while maintaining an airy and open feel.

Open shelving can be a fantastic space divider. You can use one to seamlessly separate your living area from the dining nook without creating a complete barrier.  

For an even more open and airy ambience, consider using room dividers with a light and breezy aesthetic. Wood slat dividers, for example, add a touch of modern elegance while allowing natural light to flow freely

By maintaining this sense of openness, you'll address the feeling of being cramped that often comes with smaller spaces.

Hack #4 – maximize storage

In a small space, clutter is your number one enemy. Every stray item visually shrinks the room and makes it feel cramped and overwhelming.  

The first step to solve this problem? Ruthless decluttering. Do you really need that juicer you used once five years ago? If not, donate, sell, recycle – do whatever you need to do to minimize clutter.

Next, maximize the space you have. Think of your apartment like a puzzle, and your furniture and storage solutions like the pieces. Figure out how you can fit everything perfectly without wasting real estate.

For example, you can use multi-function furniture that will help you save space. Think ottomans with hidden compartments and beds with built-in drawers. This kind of storage solution will keep everything neatly tucked away without being too bulky. 

Don't forget to use the vertical dimension. Install wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and hanging organizers to keep things off the floor and maintain a sense of openness.

Hack #5 – bring nature indoors

Living in a small apartment doesn't mean sacrificing warmth or style. Here's where the magic of wood comes in. 

Wood tones bring a natural element indoors, creating a sense of connection to the outdoors. This can make a small space feel less like a box and more like an extension of your surroundings.

Light-colored wood tones reflect light and add a sense of airiness. By incorporating these hues with a few well-chosen accents, you can visually expand the space and keep it from feeling cramped.

Wood wall panels, for example, add a touch of luxury and visual interest to your walls and draw the eyes upwards. This helps create the illusion of higher ceilings, adding a surprising sense of spaciousness.

They also introduce a welcome touch of texture to any room. When placed strategically, they work wonders for breaking up the monotony of flat surfaces and adding visual intrigue.

Hack #6 – create visual interest

When it comes to adding life to your apartment, the right accents and accessories play a big role. Just remember that a little goes a long way. You definitely don’t want to go overboard.

Don't shy away from a bold piece of artwork or eye-catching wall decor. A statement piece acts as a focal point and can help create the illusion of taller walls. 

Throw pillows and smaller artworks can also add pops of color to your sitting area. A bright accent piece can add energy to your space without overwhelming it.

Plants are also a fantastic way to add life to your small space. Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit, even in a tiny apartment. 

Hack #7 – keep it sleek and simple

Small apartment living demands a strategic approach to furniture selection.  Your best allies? Pieces with clean lines and a streamlined silhouette.

Curvy furniture, while undeniably beautiful, carries a significant visual weight.  Those alluring curves and flourishes can create a sense of visual busyness. On the other hand, streamlined furniture has a simpler, cleaner design that reduces visual clutter.

Streamlined silhouettes introduce a sense of order, which is important in a space with limited square footage. They help visually organize the room and keep it from feeling chaotic and overwhelming.

Big impact for small spaces 

Cramped quarters don't have to mean settling for a cramped lifestyle. With a sprinkle of design magic and a few clever tweaks, your cozy apartment can transform into a haven of both style and functionality. 

The key is maximizing the space that you have. Let in lots of natural light, use the right colors on your walls, and even add mirrors to create the illusion of space. Every inch counts, so get rid of unused clutter and find smart storage solutions to keep things organized.  

By following these tips and embracing the power of smart design, you can unlock the hidden potential of your small apartment. It may not be a sprawling mansion, but you can definitely create a space that feels just as stylish, inviting, and surprisingly spacious.