Living in a studio apartment oftentimes means living without much space, but with a little creativity, you can make the most out of your small space. By following the simple steps below, you too can live large in a small apartment:
1. Keep the Color Scheme Simple
Layering different colors and patterns can make a room appear cluttered. Keep your color scheme simple, with one main neutral color to help keep the look from feeling crowded. For example, if you are using a brown couch, be sure to use black or white accessories as opposed to reds and oranges.
2. Use Blinds Instead of Curtains
Blinds are usually spaced much closer together than traditional drapes. This allows light into your apartment that makes it feel larger and brighter. Curtains should only be used as a last resort because they take up so much space on a window and darken a room by blocking sunlight.
3. Maximize Every Corner of the Room
If you have room, use every corner of your apartment. That means using every inch of the walls! Instead of decorating with one tall piece in the center, try adding different sizes and levels to each wall. Use tall pieces on one side of a room while placing smaller ones on the other so that both corners are used evenly.
4. Keep Furniture Slim & Sleek
Furniture with thin or sleek lines will help an apartment feel less cluttered. The thicker the legs on furniture, the more space it usually takes up, making small apartments seem even smaller than they actually are. As well as looking nice, furniture that isn’t bulky is also easier to clean around and easier to move when necessary.
5. Get the Right Storage
A closet system is a great way to store all the essentials in one place. It makes it easier for you to stay organized and cluttered, which will help your apartment feel much more spacious than if everything was kept out in the open. If this isn’t an option, go through your closet and remove anything that’s too big to fit in there. Extra blankets, pillows, and throws can be stored in a closet and then brought out when needed.
6. Add Mirrors to Complete the Illusion
Mirrors are great for any room because they reflect light, making them seem brighter and bigger than they actually are. They’re especially effective when placed opposite windows; however, make sure not to add too many, or else your apartment will look too cluttered.
7. Repaint & Re-wallpaper When Necessary
Living in an apartment can take its toll on paint and wallpaper, which is why it should be completely redone every few years. When you’re ready to repaint or re-paper, go for a bright white color rather than neutral tones. The lighter that enters your apartment, the bigger it will feel!
8. Add Light to Dark Spaces
Avoid furnishing or decorating a dark corner of your room. Use lamps and light fixtures in darker areas of the apartment to add more light and make it feel brighter. If there is no natural lighting in an area, make sure you bring in some from another part of the house by opening blinds on windows that face each other.
9. Choose Furniture Carefully
Furniture with a light finish or upholstery will help a room appear larger. More specifically, look for pieces that have slender legs and arms as opposed to bulky ones. The more space between furniture, the better!
10. Add Plants
Plant pots and flowers add a touch of color and life to any room, which helps it feel bigger. Even better is to find plants that don’t take up much space, such as succulents or cacti. If you decide to add floor plants, make sure they’re in corners where there’s room for them to spread out.
11. Make the Most of Any Wall Space
Don’t let blank spaces go to waste! Whiteboards can be used for anything from daily reminders to entertaining doodles, while cork boards come in handy for posting photos and notes. Every little helps when it comes to making a small apartment seem more spacious!
12. Downsize
If you have too much stuff, it will only make your apartment feel smaller. Instead of piling up all the things you don’t have room for, sell or give away anything that’s taking up space. Not only will this mean more floor space for activities, but also less clutter to clean around!
Maximizing the space in your studio apartment can be a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of every nook and cranny. From using mirrors to adding plants, there are plenty of ways to create the illusion of more space. With a little creativity and some organizational skills, you’ll be able to transform your small apartment into a comfortable home.
