If you’ve stayed at a boutique hotel recently, have you noticed that the rooms are smaller, yet somehow still feel fairly roomy?
That’s because designers have learned how to optimize every square inch of the hotel room by eliminating services that aren’t entirely necessary, such as the mini bar and ironing board.
If you’re living in a small apartment, you’re probably experiencing a similar dilemma.
Luckily, there are some inexpensive ways to make your apartment feel larger than it is, which don’t involve throwing away everything you own.
1. Invest in Modular or Light Sofas That Can Be Moved Around Easily
Instead of heavy pieces that are difficult to move, opt for furniture that can be easily rearranged and moved around according to your needs.
A modular sofa, for example, comes apart into separate chairs or can collapse into a bed if you’re hosting guests. It can also be rearranged for movie nights or moved out of the way during a home workout.
If modular isn’t your thing, here are some smaller sofas that can easily be moved from one wall to the other:
- The Andes sofa from West Elm
- The Ginger Grey sofa from Living Spaces
- The Denver sofa from Anthropologie
2. Move as Many Items As Possible Into the Closet with These Organizers
The key to making your apartment feel spacious is to show as much of the floorspace as possible. But we know that keeping items out of sight and tucked away in the closet can be difficult when space is limited.
These closet organizers are a must for smaller closets, helping you fit as much as possible into a smaller space.
These stackable drawer and closet organizers will also help free up space in your pantry, bathroom closet, drawers, kids’ room, and other areas where items might be crammed.
3. Expandable Kitchen Tables
Tables take up a lot of space and might only be used when hosting. If having a table that seats 6-8 people isn’t needed most of the time, the tables below are great options. They collapse to seat 2-4 people, but can expand when needed:
- Drop leaf table from Ashley Furniture
- Round oak table from Article
- Walnut extendable table from Burrow
- Solid wood table from Wayfair
- Mid-century modern round dining table from Target
- Butterfly leaf dining table from Wayfair
4. Benches and Ottomans Over Chairs
Opt for benches instead of chairs. Benches can be tucked under tables and against walls out of sight, making them ‘disappear,’ whereas chairs are a bit harder to move around and tuck under pieces.
Benches are also easier when hosting guests. You can squeeze extra friends onto a bench versus a standard chair. If a coffee table is a must, definitely invest in one, but if you don’t find it to be a necessity, consider an ottoman instead.
A large ottoman can be used as a coffee table if you put a tray on top of it, and can also serve as additional seating when guests visit.
5. Expandable Coffee Tables That Double as Work Stations
A coffee table doesn’t just have to be decorative; it can serve multiple functions. If you work from home and enjoy working from the couch or eating while you watch TV.
Consider these extendable coffee tables that expand out:
- Extendable coffee table with storage and charging station from Walmart
- Fluted lift-top coffee table from Wayfair
- Walnut extendable coffee table from Home Depot
- Convertible red oak coffee table from Walmart
- Lift-top table from Wayfair with hidden storage
6. Incorporate Mirrors
Mirrors are the oldest trick in the book for a reason: they work. To maximize their effect, try these two specific placements:
- Opposite a Window: Hanging or leaning a large mirror directly across from a window reflects the outdoor view and doubles the amount of natural light in the room.
- Facing Mirrors: Placing mirrors on opposite walls creates an “infinite depth effect” that can make a narrow hallway or room feel much larger.
7. Draw the Eye Up
Spaciousness isn’t just about square footage; it’s about volume. If you can’t expand outward, expand upward.
Rudy Saunders’s 375-square-foot New York City studio uses a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall to draw the eye toward the ceiling. By placing art higher than eye level, he forces the brain to register the full height of the room.
For rental apartments, utilize Command strips so that you don’t risk damaging the walls. (They’re much easier than a hammer and nail anyway!)
8. Fill Your Walls Versus Your Floors
The more floor you can see, the larger the room feels. To help save as much floor space as possible, we recommend cantilevered wall sconces that can be attached with Command strips or a wall-safe adhesive instead of lamps.
Mounting lighting directly to the wall with Command strips or a wall-safe adhesive eliminates the need for standing lamps or tables to hold lighting that takes up more of your floor space.
9. Transparent Furniture
If you don’t want your furniture to take up too much visual weight, opt for transparent furniture (chairs, coffee tables, etc.) made out of clear acrylic or glass. Translucent furniture doesn’t block the floor, making the room feel open and airy.
10. Show Off Furniture Legs
Although there is always the temptation to fit as many items as possible under couches, beds, tables, and in spare corners, try to show off the legs of your furniture as much as possible.
Pieces that are low to the ground, have heavy skirts, or are bottom-heavy can make a room feel cramped. Mid-century modern furniture is ideal for smaller spaces since the style exposes furniture’s tapered, elevated legs.
Pieces that sit low to the ground and have “skirts” or solid bases feel heavy and “bottom-heavy,” which can make a room feel cramped. Seeing space under furniture creates an “airy” feel, allowing light to circulate around the piece and preventing the “cluttered” look of heavy, block furniture.
Final Thoughts
Draper and Kramer offers a wide range of spacious apartments with coveted amenities and private balconies and patios. If you’re preparing to move and would like to schedule a tour, contact us today or explore our luxurious properties on our website.
