How to Make Your Apartment Look Bigger

Sometimes living in an apartment can feel kind of cramped, but it doesn’t always have to. Are you wondering how to make your apartment look bigger? There are actually plenty of things you can do to make it look and feel like you have more space. Additionally, there might be things you’re doing to make it appear and feel smaller and more cramped.

The use of color and light, the arrangement of your furniture, how much “stuff” you have in a room, and more can drastically affect how big your apartment looks and feels.

Try out some of the things on the following list, and watch as your apartment seems to magically have more space! These apartment tips can help you adjust to a smaller living space without sacrificing functionality and design. Keep reading for our advice on how to make your apartment look bigger.

These tips and tricks for making your apartment look and feel bigger will work like magic. You’ll instantly have the feel of more space and more room to breathe.

Choose Colors Carefully

Dark colors can make your rooms feel smaller than they are, but light colors make space seem larger. Try to stick to pale colors for the walls, such as white, cream, pale blues, and light grays. You can use a different color for the rugs to add some nice contrast. Plants are a wonderful way to give your space a pop of color and they provide a more tranquil and natural feel for your overall decor. Further, plants carry the bonus of purifying your air. Check out more apartment plant tips here.

If you want to add some color to a room using your furniture, try adding an accent piece, like a brightly colored chair. This can add an element of fun and intrigue without overwhelming the rest of the room.

Everything is a Storage Container

If a room is empty and clean-looking, it naturally feels bigger. Make sure to fill your apartment with storage spaces, and they can be hidden or visible. Stock up on storage containers from the store, but also get creative with what you already have. For example, a coffee table doubles as a storage spot. If items can be hidden inside or underneath it, you’ve just saved space.

It can also be fun to use things like decorative baskets to organize your room. Blanket baskets come in all different types of materials, shapes, and sizes, and they can add a decorate, comfy element to your living room.

Just Say “No” to Clutter

It can be tempting to decorate your apartment with lots of cute little pieces of décor, but you’re not doing yourself any favors. If your apartment is crowded with “stuff,” it will feel smaller than it actually is. Keep as many areas free of clutter as you can, and try to go minimalist with your decorating. If you insist on having a bunch of small trinkets, put them in one specific area, such as sitting next to each other on a certain shelf.

You can also make your room feel less cluttered by disguising electrical cords, as well as utilizing floating shelves, bookshelves, and nightstands.

Use the Right Light

If your space is brighter, it will also feel bigger. You can’t usually add new windows, but try to keep them open so the light flows in. Also, put plenty of lamps around. They give off much better color than overhead lights do, and they help you control shadows that shrink spaces.

Keep the Windows Clear

Design magazines and store displays want you to believe that you should have amazing curtains and other window treatments to make your home look more beautiful. Again, that sometimes works in large houses, but the opposite is true for smaller apartments. Keep the windows clear, and your space will feel bigger. Also, make sure you regularly clean the glass because that will also add the feeling of size.

Highlight Areas with Rugs

If you place different color rugs in your various rooms and corners, you’ll subconsciously think about them as different places. This will turn into you thinking you have a lot of different areas in your apartment, and it will feel bigger.

Mirrors are Magical

A classic technique to make space feel bigger is by using a mirror. Just think of how many hotels and restaurants take advantage of this. You don’t have to cover a whole wall with a mirror, but spreading a few around in strategic places will give you the illusion of more space. Additionally, placing a mirror directly across from a window will give the illusion of another window. Not only does this make it look like you have more space, but it can increase the amount of light in the room.

You can also pick up a windowpane mirror — a mirror that looks like a window — or even DIY your own! Windowpane mirrors add a fun pop of light and dimension.

Find Customized Furniture

In the world of cramming furniture into your apartment, one size does not fit all. Major retail chains design items that can be sold to people living in everything from giant houses to small apartments, but that’s not always a good idea. Just think about a plush sofa with thick armrests and a tall back. That would look great when trying to fill up the living room of a massive house, but a far skinnier version would do better in your smaller apartment.

Folding Chairs Are Your Friend

Have you ever invited friends over and not had enough room for everyone to sit? That’s frustrating for everyone involved. But, before you go out and buy some more sofas and armchairs, think about how much space that will take up. Instead, invest in some folding chairs. Just make sure you find one of your creative storage places to keep them when they’re not in use.

Hang Instead of Stacking

Framing photos of your great memories is a great way to make your apartment feel more like home but think twice before stacking them on shelves. That adds to the clutter, but hanging them on the wall can free up more space.

However, it’s important not to overcrowd your walls, also. If you have photos and frames covering every free inch of your wall space, it might make your room feel more cramped. Prioritize the photos and art pieces that you want up on your walls, and put the rest in storage. You can even switch them around as you please when you want to refresh the space!

Open Door Policy

Doors can be useful if you have a lot of roommates or really love your privacy, but they really can shrink down space. Remove all the doors between the various rooms, and you won’t have closed spaces or awkward shapes sticking off of the wall. However, keep the doors in the bathroom or you may soon find yourself with fewer friends.

Your Apartment Isn’t Small

In the end, you have to remember that an apartment is smaller than a mansion, but that doesn’t make it small. The mindset you have about your living space is just as important as the way it actually looks. If you don’t feel at home in your space, find ways to make it feel like home! Plus, if you’re feeling cramped inside, try out these tips. They’ll definitely make your apartment feel bigger.

Urban Phenix

Do you live in Denver and are thinking of moving? Or are you new to the city and looking for a comfortable-yet-affordable place to live? Look no further than Urban Phenix! With a choice of different properties in Denver, you’re sure to find something that fits your living needs, as well as your budget.

Urban Phenix is proud to offer residences at 4 Mile and Infinity Park. These properties are complete with incredible amenities like pools, outdoor courtyards and dining areas, brand new appliances, and so much more, all within walking distance of great shopping and dining options. The leasing professionals at Urban Phenix are excited to show you around your new home and are there to answer any questions you may have. Contact Urban Phenix today!