15 Essential Furniture & Décor Hacks for Small Apartments

by Furnishly | Dec 9, 2025 | Design Inspiration, Furniture

Stumped about where to begin decorating your small apartment? Having a cozy space doesn’t mean there isn’t room for big ideas. Try our 15 essential hacks to transform your apartment. 

15 decorating tips for small apartments 

1. Swap out your large dining table 

A large table can act as a statement piece for a dining area. However, unless you plan on hosting guests regularly, it can also occupy a significant amount of space. Instead, choose a smaller table with the same aesthetic impact. 

Round tables are the best option for smaller spaces. Lacking sharp edges, these tables are easy to navigate and add a more open feel to the space. 

If you’re really keen on saving space, you can also swap a static table for a foldable alternative. Some folding tables can be molded into various shapes and sizes – perfect for all occasions. 

2. Choose multifunctional furniture 

Some say that having a smaller space means choosing fewer forms of furniture. With some clever design choices, though, this doesn’t need to be the case. Multifunctional furniture can help you optimize your space while offering the flexibility you need.

For example, instead of a standard coffee table, choose an option with a lift top. As well as a resting place for your drinks and knick-knacks, this offers valuable storage space to keep your space clutter-free. 

Some forms of multifunctional furniture even go a step further, offering smart features such as built-in charging ports. Consider your space and the functions most important to you, then see which furniture will be best-suited for you. 

3. Declutter your kitchen 

Kitchens are often home to large, bulky items. While essential, these items can make small spaces feel cramped. Luckily, a simple declutter can give your kitchen a new sense of spaciousness. 

Better still, there are plenty of space-saving furniture hacks to get you started. Try the following tips. 

• Add over-the-door storage – Hang racks on your doors to store tins, spices, and other kitchen essentials. 
• Manage chords – Cable organizers can keep chords out of the way. 
• Add floating shelves to vacant walls – These offer a less bulky form of storage, helping you move clutter away from counters. 

4. Rethink your windows 

Windows don’t only provide natural light. Think a little outside the box, and they can become the focal point of a room. 

For example, with some DIY, you can install a window seat. Add some paint and trim to blend with the aesthetic of a room, and some plump cushions for extra coziness. Lastly, install some low-profile bookshelves above for added character.  

You now have the perfect reading nook! 

5. Make use of empty spaces 

Does your apartment contain unused blank spaces? These areas are prime real estate for some customization!  Get creative with empty spaces by adding some of the following ideas 

• A gallery wall – Gallery walls are perfect for those who love to collect artwork. Here, you’ll display all your favourite pieces together, adding a vibrant, eye-catching touch to your space. 
• House plants – House plants are ideal for adding a natural touch. As well as introducing some vibrant colors, house plants are proven to positively impact mental health. 
• A bookshelf – If you love reading, an empty space can be a great place to store a bookshelf. Add an armchair and a small table for a snug reading nook. 

6. Brighten up your apartment 

Light is an essential factor for creating a pleasant living environment. Not only can a poorly lit space have you bumping into things, but it can also negatively impact your mood. 

Begin by considering how can create maximum natural light. Are chairs or tables blocking windows? If so, rearrange them. Equally, give the panes a clean to prevent dirt from obscuring the sun. Introduce mirrors to darker spaces to reflect light and brighten the area. 

Lastly, consider how lamps and overhead lighting can be used to create a sense of mood. Using dimmer switches or different shades of color can enforce your desired vibe. 

7. Rent instead of buying furniture 

The biggest downside to renovation is cost. When a good coffee table alone can set you back $300, it’s not hard to see how budgets can quickly disappear. That’s why many people opt to rent rather than buy their furniture.  

When renting, you avoid the upfront cost and instead pay in installments over a pre-defined period. Best of all, rental furniture can usually be returned at any time and swapped for a separate item.  

For those worried about maintenance, some rental providers even offer rent to own furniture. Under this form of plan, you own your furniture when payments are complete.

8. Put up glass shelves 

Traditional shelves aren’t always friendly on the eye. Big, bulky units can take up space while detracting from your desired aesthetic. 

Glass shelves are a more visually appealing alternative. They’re transparency also creates the illusion of extra space, and adds more natural light to brighten a room. 

Even better, glass shelves work as the perfect display piece. They’re perfect for showing off bottles, cocktail glasses, and trophies. 

9. Stick with appropriately sized furniture 

Bigger doesn’t always mean better. While a large couch might seem good in theory, in practice, it may not be the best fit. It’s always better to choose items that work well within your space, and don’t leave an area feeling restricted or cluttered.  

Pick furniture that helps make a room feel bigger. For example, slimline furniture reveals more of the floor, giving a sense of space.  

Before choosing furniture, always measure your space carefully. This way, you’ll have a better sense of the optimal dimensions for each item. 

10. Rearrange your furniture 

Sometimes, the answer isn’t introducing new furniture, it’s making the most of the items you already have. A simple rearrangement of furniture can completely transform a space. 

Need convincing? Try some of the tricks below. 

• Divide rooms – Use bookshelves or cabinets to give a sense of separate spaces between rooms.   
• Consider the flow – It should be easy for people to move from one end of the room to another. Create a clear path around furniture so people can pass through easily. 
• Arrange around a focal point – This could be a television, fireplace, or window. 

11. Repurpose your guest room 

Who says rooms should be designed around a single purpose? When you’re working with a smaller space, there’s no point in a room that goes unused most of the time. Luckily, with multipurpose furniture and the right layout, guest rooms can be transformed from one purpose to another in minutes. 

For example, why not swap out standard beds and install a Murphy bed? Throw in a desk and chair, and suddenly, you have an office. It’s the perfect solution for those who work from home or like a separate space to follow their creative muse. 

12. Disguise your utilities 

Every apartment needs a heating system. But radiators, pipes, and air con units aren’t usually pleasing on the eye. When you’re trying to cultivate a certain look, it’s often better to disguise your utilities. 

Radiator covers, for example, can be purchased for a low cost and fitted easily. These covers come in a variety of designs and can suit most aesthetics.  

Of course, if you’d rather not see your utilities at all, you can simply hide them from view. Opt for some low-hanging curtains or reposition to a table to conceal unwanted objects.

13. Use more mirrors 

Wish your apartment felt bigger? The good news is that there’s an age-old trick that can help you: install more mirrors. Not only do mirrors reflect more light, but they also make spaces feel larger and more open. 

For the best impact, try to position your mirrors near a light source. This adds a sense of atmosphere and enforces the illusion of scale. 

If you have a hallway, another option is to place mirrors at the far ends of the hall. This creates a ‘tunnel effect,’ so your hallway feels like it stretches on into the distance.   

14. Plan for the future  

When decorating, think about what your future needs might be. If you’re expecting roommates, children, or pets in your apartment, it’s better to future-proof. Opt for an adaptable space that can be transformed easily when needed. 

We’ve talked about the advantages of renting vs buying furniture. If you need to easily adjust your space in the future, renting may be a solid option. You can swap items whenever you need to fit with your changing needs. 

It’s worth choosing furniture that is easy to move and transport. An ottoman on wheels, for example, could be moved from the living room to a bedroom if you need extra storage (eg, for a kid’s room). 

15. Choose large-scale art 

The right artwork and frame can make your home look and feel more luxurious. Choose wisely, though, and it can also create the illusion of size. If you’ve got tall ceilings, for example, choose large-scale art that influences people to look up. 

If you don’t have a tall ceiling, try to choose artwork that invokes a sense of scale. For example, a painting that displays a vast landscape or a tall building. 

Re-imagine your apartment

Rather than a challange, think of decorating your small apartment as an opportunity. As we’ve explored here, there are plenty of ways you can reimagine your apartment. So, go through our list and see which examples apply to you. Then, get started! 

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