10 Small Apartment Decorating Ideas That Look Expensive
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. With the right touches, even a tiny apartment can look like a page from a luxury design magazine — and on a budget! Whether you're renting your first studio or downsizing intentionally, these 10 small apartment decorating ideas will help you create a space that feels high-end, without draining your wallet.
1. Layered Lighting Like a Designer
Interior designers swear by layered lighting — and it makes a huge difference in small spaces. Combine overhead lights, table lamps, and wall sconces to create depth and mood. Try selecting appropriate fixtures with features to control their intensity. Start with establishing a comfortable level of brightness that serves as a canvas for the other layers.
Natural lighting; very fundamental in buildings and should be used to create a dynamic atmosphere when combined with the artificial lighting system. In rare cases where you don’t have this, work with a strategic controlled lighting system that allows for a more efficient lighting.
Base layer lighting know as the ambient lighting: This layer is the foundation that provides overall illumination and sets the tone for the space. Common ambient lighting sources include overhead fixtures, wall brackets light, chandeliers, or indoor recessed lighting.
For focused brilliance go for task lighting; they are used specifically for productivity, by providing focused illumination for specific activities. They are mostly used for reading, sewing, cooking, or working at a desk, task lighting ensures optimal visibility and minimizes eye strain.
Adding a pop by incorporating accent lights; they add depth, drama, and visual interest to a space by highlighting architectural elements, artwork, media or decor. It draws attention to a specific detail or collection.
Regulate the intensity by using dimmers; just as an instrumentalist controls the pitch of the song, you too can control your lighting system with proper planning and execution. Also lighting scene is another preprogrammed way of having the right setting of lighting by a press of a button or switch.
Planning, balancing and harmony is key to tying the space and the light features together; To achieve this goal the size and purpose of the space, activities that will take place, and the architectural features should be considered.
💡 Pro Tip: Use warm-toned bulbs and add a dimmer switch to set the ambiance.
2. Use Mirrors to Double Your Visual Space
Mirrors reflect both light and space, making your apartment feel twice as large. Position a large mirror across from a window or in your entryway.
Mirrors are very versatile and never go out of fashion. These days
mirrors are incorporating into furniture pieces, allowing function to merge with style. They are also used as an accent walls and hidden doorway or passage for ages. Apart from admiring your reflection, it reflects back your beauty space making it seem more bigger. Mirrors are also flexible in they sense they can be cut into smaller pieces to fit in desired area but avoid too much of it.
🪞 Try This: An oversized vintage-style mirror leaned against a wall adds both height and elegance.
If your small home has a picturesque view of the scenery or lush greenery, position mirrors to reflect that serene view and create an illusion of a second window.
3. Stick to a Neutral Color Palette
A cohesive, neutral palette feels calming and refined. Think whites, soft greys, taupe, beige, or muted pastels.
Sometimes embracing a darker tone can give your small space with limited amount of lights, great depth and cozy feel. A small home office is a fabulous place to experiment with darker tones that stimulate focus. Deep greys and earthy shades of brown will work well here.
🎨 Bonus: Add texture and colour through rugs, pillows, and throws to avoid looking flat.
4. Upgrade Hardware & Fixtures
Small changes like switching out cabinet handles, light switch plates, or bathroom faucets can make a big impact — even in a rental. Getting efficient and glamorous accessories draws in attention from the entire house to those eye catching add-ons. You need to be intentional and precise with this to avoid tackiness.
🛠 Look For: Matte black or brushed brass hardware for a luxe touch.
5. Use Curtains from Floor to Ceiling
Hanging curtains close to the ceiling (not just the window) draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of height.
🪟 Pro Tip: Choose light, flowing fabrics like linen or sheer cotton to keep things airy.
6. Create Vignettes with Decorative Trays
A well-styled tray on a coffee table or dresser instantly adds polish. Include candles, books, or small plants for that curated look.
🌿 Tip: Stick to odd numbers (groups of 3 or 5) for visual balance and place luxury items if possible.
7. Invest in a Statement Piece
Even if everything else is budget-friendly, one dramatic piece — like an oversized art print or sculptural chair — can elevate the entire space.
🖼 DIY Option: Frame a bold wallpaper sample or fabric swatch for instant art.
8. Hide Clutter with Smart Storage
Too much visible clutter makes even luxury furniture look messy. Use decorative baskets, storage ottomans, and floating shelves to keep things clean.
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| See more floating shelves here |
🧺 Tip: Choose closed storage in sleek finishes to keep things cohesive.
9. Decorate with Books & Greenery
Designers often style with coffee table books, plants, and minimal accessories. These items make a space feel lived-in, not cluttered.
📚 Must-Have: Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies thrive indoors and look expensive!
10. Use Rugs to Define Zones
In open-plan apartments, area rugs help define your living, dining, and sleeping areas — and make everything look intentional.
🛋 Pro Tip: Choose a rug large enough that all your furniture sits at least partially on it.
Final Thoughts
With a few smart updates and styling tricks, your small apartment can look like it belongs in a design magazine. Whether you start with a mirror or switch out your lighting, focus on quality over quantity and make every element count.
📌 Save This Post for Later: A printable checklist and Pinterest graphic are coming soon!
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