15 Small Apartment Ideas to Maximize Decor and Storage

living room with gallery shelves and l shaped couch — Photo: Dylan Chandler

Small apartment ideas that make the most of storage and add style can be especially tricky, thanks to unique layouts and tight corners that require clever planning. Finding room for furniture, clothing, storage, and more can be overwhelming. Luckily, these suggestions make it easier, thanks to these renter-friendly decorating hacks and simple tricks for getting organized that make the most of your space.

01 of 15

Feature an Entryway Bench

hallway with patterned rug and wooden bench — Annie Schlechter

Small apartments are notorious for having awkward entryway areas or none at all. Adding a narrow bench provides a spot to slip on shoes. Place a few baskets underneath for storing footwear or accessories, and hang hooks above for jackets. Add nature to your small apartment idea by including plants and fresh flowers in the decor. Lay down a rug or runner for a welcoming, cozy environment.

02 of 15

Use Removable Wallpaper

bedroom with antique chest table and tropical decor — Hector Sanchez

If you're renting your apartment, you might be unable to paint your walls. Removable wallpaper is a small apartment idea that adds personalization without damaging the walls. There are so many fun patterns and prints to choose from when it comes to temporary wallpaper. Try a bold print with a graphic design, or opt for a minimalist pattern, like delicate florals, for a subtle update. Add wallpaper to an accent wall, or cover all the walls for maximum impact. Hop on the trend of wallpapering the ceiling for a small apartment idea that makes a decorating statement.

03 of 15

Loft Your Bed

kohlhepp house bedroom white loft — Erin Kunkel

Capitalize on space in a small apartment by lofting your bed. This frees up a ton of floor space for storage. Add a ladder and place a desk or small dining table underneath to create a workspace or lounge area for guests. This small apartment idea is especially helpful for studio living, where it's necessary to carve out separate zones in a single room. Creating a lofted sleeping space allows it to remain a private spot used only for rest and as a retreat at the end of the workday.

04 of 15

Use Temporary Decals

bedroom with graphic wall and striped bedding — Edmund Barr

If temporary wallpaper seems like a bigger job than you're ready to take on, opt for removable decals. Transform your apartment decor by adding vinyl decals that put the finishing touch on your bedroom or living room. Try cutting the vinyl into different shapes for a unique design, or add a piece of art with your decals for a renter-friendly finish.

05 of 15

Incorporate Poufs

small sitting room with cozy couches and colorful decor — John Bessler

A pouf is a great small apartment decor idea that can be used as an extra seat. Find one that matches your aesthetic and use it as a coffee table or footrest in your living room. Next time you host a gathering, plenty of seating will be available, and you won't have to store anything. Choose poufs with removable covers for easy cleaning or to change up the design when you want something new.

06 of 15

Display Art Damage-Free

Want to add artwork as an apartment decor idea but avoid adding too many holes to your walls? Instead of hanging each piece, install floating shelves and set the art on top. This way, you can layer different pieces and prints while reducing the number of holes in your wall. You can also look for adhesive strips as a renter-friendly solution for hanging art. If you have oversized artwork, lean it on the floor against the wall for instant style, and include mirrors in your selection to create the illusion of space and bounce light around the room.

07 of 15

Use a Dresser as a Nightstand

black and white bedroom with vintage accents — Brie Williams

Small apartment bedrooms are often cramped, and adding more furniture than you have room for impedes traffic flow. Repurpose a dresser as a nightstand as an end table for a clever small apartment idea that adds storage and design. Designate the drawer closest to your bed for nighttime essentials, and use the rest of the dresser as you typically would. Add a lamp, some artwork, and plants for a finished look.

08 of 15

Employ Storage Containers

small black and white kitchen with open shelves — Brie Williams

Sometimes, storing ingredients on your kitchen counter is inevitable, especially if your apartment is tight on (or absent of) built-ins. Small storage containers, baskets, and bins can help keep your counters orderly. Shop for containers at thrift stores for a cost-effective option and personalized kitchen. If you have open shelves, use them for additional storage that's easy to reach and looks pretty.

09 of 15

Arrange Storage in Plain Sight

striking living room with black gallery wall and white couch — Brie Williams

When it comes to small apartment ideas, clever decor that includes storage is a must. Try incorporating shelving that works for displaying decorative items and stowing items until needed. For a tidy look, use bins and baskets to corral like items and store them on shelves until you're ready to pull them out. Display special items along with your practical storage bins and boxes to make your place feel homey.

10 of 15

Hang Shelves in Kitchen

kitchen blue cabinets and white subway tile — Stacy Goldberg

Counter space can be limited in small apartments. If your kitchen has a small surface area, keeping as much of the area functional as possible is important. Hang shelves in your kitchen to keep items off your counter and store cookbooks, dishware, spices, and more.

11 of 15

Incoporate an Eat-In Kitchen

small modern kitchen with light wood and white cabinets — Lincoln Barbour

Many small apartments lack a dining room, but a compact bistro set can transform your kitchen. Just two chairs and a table are often all you need for a quick meal, and if you have a built-in storage bench, add a cushion for even more seating. The best part about eat-in kitchens is that your dining table is never too far from your cooking space, making cleanup a breeze. This table can double as a workspace if needed.

12 of 15

Add a Gallery Wall

sitting room with leather chair and gallery wall — Edmund Barr

If you have wall space, gallery walls are an easy, small apartment idea that doesn't take up too much space. Pick a color palette that matches the rest of your room and find artwork in varying prints and patterns. Use frames and mats with similar widths to give a gallery wall a clean, cohesive look.

13 of 15

Let the Light In

apartment white couch and leather chair sitting room — Emily Minton-Redfield

When deciding on your apartment decor, allow for as much natural light as possible to make your small space seem bigger and brighter. Natural sunlight can transform a small apartment and requires no extra cost. Open existing blinds or curtains during the day to let in sunlight and visually expand your space.

14 of 15

Hang Statement Art

bright colorful sitting room with decorative pillows — Annie Schlechter

Sometimes, creating a gallery wall isn't an option, but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate art into your small apartment ideas for decor and interest. Statement art pieces are a simple way to decorate your space by filling up a wall. Plus, they draw your eye up to help your small area to look larger. Look for artwork at secondhand stores and flea markets for inexpensive options, or make art yourself if you're feeling creative.

15 of 15

Utilize Empty Corners

breakfast nook with wood table and framed artwork — David A. Land

Awkward spaces and empty corners can be hard to figure out in a small apartment. Utilize these corners with a bistro dining set or small bench to avoid dead space. Adding a small dresser with some plants and artwork is another simple small apartment idea to utilize a corner and increase storage.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!