Did you know that 80% of renters live in apartments under 500 sq ft? However, that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style or comfort (Learn how to balance style and comfort here). So, in this post, I’m sharing 20 of my best apartment furniture ideas and small apartment decorating ideas to help you create a stylish and functional space – and the best part is, you can do it on a budget!
You can always turn your small apartment into a cozy, functional and luxurious space – with a little bit of creativity and some smart decorating strategies. Whether you lean towards mid-century modern interiors or a more eclectic style, there are ways to make even the smallest spaces feel expansive.
No matter if you’re a renter, a city dweller or just someone who works in a very small office, these apartment decor ideas will help you maximize your space and express your personal style. So, let’s dive in and discover 20 small apartment decorating ideas on a budget.
Want to learn how to maximize luxury in a tiny home? Read this post.
Small Apartment Trends for 2025: What’s In?
Before we dive into these 20 amazing small apartment decorating ideas, I want to let you know the current exciting trends of 2025 for small apartment living. These trends really are the best of both worlds since they focus on maximizing functionality wihtout compromising style. So, here’s what to watch for:
1. Multifunctional Furniture for Small Apartments
This trend focuses on furniture with multiple purposes – a trend that’s been around before but now expect elevated designs. This means velvet ottomans with hidden storage or modular sofas in bold colors, such as mustard yellow.
It actually reminds me a little bit of mid century modern decor. A style that’s really been trending latetly, so it’s not a surprise that it’s been finding it’s way to small apartment living.
You can find inspiration for a mid century modern bedroom in this post.
2. Smart Space Dividers for Compact Living
We’ve been really loving the open-concept living and it’s still not going anywhere. However, people are now finding smarter ways to create distinct areas without permanent walls – something you could really benefit from in a small apartment.
This could be sliding glass panels, fabric room dividers or ecven stylish shelving units. All of these options are perfect for creating separate spaces while still maintaining an airy feel.
What’s your favorite option? Mine is definitely a fabric divider such as a curtain in the roof, since you easily can open and close it depending on the situation. Let me know your favorite in the comments!
3. Bold Color Accents in Small Apartments
So, neutral tones have dominated small apartment decor for years and years, but now in 2025, we are embracing bold color accents. This could be for instance deep emerald greens, burnt oranges and cobalt blues. These are esoecally beautiful on statement furniture pieces or accents walls.
4. Biophilic Design for Urban Living
Bringing in more plants into your small apartment living is a trend that’s gaining more and more traction. Either you just add more plants to your home – or you can add a vertical garden. However, biophilic design isn’t just about plants, but also natural materials such as wooden elements.
This design brings a beautiful and stylish warmth to your space, making it one of the best small apartment decorating ideas.
5. Tech-Savvy Solutions for Small Spaces
Okay, tech solutions for small apartment living is something I think we all can expect will become a bigger and bigger trend. It could be everything from app-controlled lighting (such as Philips Hue) to space-saving smart kitchen gadget. So, integrating technology into small apartments is a must.
Smart mirrors with LED lighting, voice-activated blinds and under-cabinet lighting with motion sensors are just a few other tech upgrades really trending right now.
Do you have any tech-integrations in your small apartment right now? We of course have Philips Hue!
6. Vintage and Mid Century Modern Comebacks
Okay, here we are, I mentioned it a little bit before, but the charm of mid century modern interiors are truly making a strong comeback in small apartment decor. Its clean lines, tapered legs and mix of organic shapes give the spaces a timeless and contemporary feel.
If you want to learn how to create a beautiful mid century modern living room, check out this post.
7. Personalized Spaces for Maximum Comfort
Small apartments are becoming a great place for expressing your personality through gallery walls, unique art pieces and DIY projects. These are great small apartment decorating ideas that will truly show your personality.
1. How to Create a Design Plan: Small Apartment Decorating Ideas on a Budget
Before we start decorating, it’s always great to have a plan – especially if you’re doing this on a budget. So, take a moment to assess your space. I know how much of a difference it does – and how much cheaper it gets if you just have a plan!
- What are its strengths and limitations?
- What do you need the most?
- How do you want it to feel? – Cozy, spacious, multifunctional?
By asking yourself these questions, it’s much easier to create a plan for your decorating journey. And by creating a plan and sticking to a budget, it’s much easier to avoid unnecessary purchases – but also ensure that every item in your home serves a purpose.
2. How to Maximize Natural Light in a Small Apartment
As always – lighting – it’s soo important to make a space feel larger and more inviting. This might also be the reason your home feels as small as it does. This is probably one of the most important small apartment decorating ideas.
When it comes to curtains, there are one main important thing you should think about and that is the color. If you choose light, airy curtains instead of heavy drapes it can make the biggest difference. You can also try sheer fabrics that will allow for natural light to filter through. Small apartment deocrating ideas like these can make a huge difference in creating a bright and open space.
However, if your natural light is limited, you should consider getting a mirror to reflect the light and create an illusion of more space. I promise you – you will see a difference immediately! You can find a perfect mirror choice under $20 here.
If you want to learn more about lighting, more specifil warm vs cool lighting and the difference it makes – then check out this post.
3. Best Multi-Functional Furniture for Small Spaces
Another key factor in maximizing space in a small apartment starts with choosing multi-functional furniture. This is pieces that serve more than one purpose without taking up extra room. Also, it’s especially important if you want more storage space and can make your home feel more open, organized and practical. Pretty good, right?
The first thing that comes to mind is a sofa bed. It’s the most perfect piece since it will be a comfortable sofa during the day and at night it will transform into a cozy bed. It’s a perfect choice for studio apartments or when hosting guests. If you want to dive deeper into how to optimize furniture placement in small bedrooms, check out my post on how to arrange a small bedroom.
Another great piece is a storage ottoman. While providing an extra seating it will also serve as a hidden storage solution where you can put blankets, books or everyday clutter. However, if you work a lot from home, you might need a wall-mounted desk with shelves. This will function both as a workplace and a storage solution. Perfect combination!
Pro Tip: Choose furniture with built-in storage to keep your space clutter-free. Pieces like platform beds with drawers or coffee tables with lift tops help maximize every inch of your apartment.
Small Apartment Decorating Ideas: Best Multi-Functional Furniture
- Murphy beds – Fold away during the day to create more living space.
- Sofa beds – A stylish seating option that doubles as a bed.
- Storage coffee tables – Keep clutter out of sight while acting as a centerpiece.
- Nesting tables – Stackable and space-saving for flexible use.
- Wall-mounted desks – A compact workstation that doesn’t take up floor space.
- Extendable dining tables – Expand when needed and fold away when not in use.
- Storage ottomans – Perfect for extra seating and hidden storage.
- Folding chairs and tables – Easily stored away when not in use.
How to Arrange Multi-Functional Furniture for Maximum Space
- Use vertical space: Opt for wall-mounted shelves and foldable desks.
- Create zones: Define living, sleeping, and working areas using rugs or furniture placement.
- Opt for lightweight pieces: Choose furniture that’s easy to move and reconfigure based on your needs.
By including multi-functional furniture smartly, you can maximize space, maintain a clean aesthetic and enhance everyday functionality – all while making your apartment feel bigger and more inviting. This really is the best choice for a small apartment right?
However, I want to know your best multi-funtional furniture finds. Let me know in the comments!
4. Small Apartment Decorating Ideas: Creative Storage Solutions
Okay – storage, something most small apartments lack. That’s why you need to get a little creative here, you need to think outside the box. For instance:
- Use vertical space: Install shelves high up on walls to store books, plants or decorative objects.
- Opt for under-bed storage: Store seasonal clothes, shoes or extra bedding in bins under your bed.
- Hang hooks and racks: Wall-mounted racks in the kitchen can hold utensils, while over-the-door hooks can store bags and coats.
- Use baskets and bins: Stylish baskets can be placed on shelves or under furniture to keep clutter at bay.
You can find my top 16 home organization essentials here.
5. The Best Color Schemes for Small Apartments
This is so much more important that some people think. You might want to get darker colors in order to make it cozy – and that works of course. However, if you want your space to look bigger, it’s very important to choose lighter colors.
Want to know more about the psychology behind colors? Check out this post.
So, choose neutral colors such as white, beige or pastels. All of these colors will create an open and airy feel to your space, which is key when it comes to small apartment decorating ideas. But if you are someone that loves bold colors, such as orange and yellow, you can use them as accents.
For instance, you can get a yellow pillow, artwork or even rugs. However, I would recommend getting a light rug, but with touches of your bold favorite color. This will add personality to the space without overwhelming it.
6. Small Apartment Decorating Ideas: How to Use Mirrors for a Bigger Look
Mirrors are not just good for reflecting the light and staring at yourself in – it’s also a decorator’s secret weapon for small spaces. Placing a large mirror opposite to a window can reflect light and make a room feel bigger – as we discussed before.
However, you should also consider what kind of mirrors you are placing. You could of course get a plain full body mirror if that’s what you want. But, you could also consider mirrored furniture or gallery-style mirror walls to enhance the sense of space. It’s a beautiful and different way to add depth and interest to your space. Small apartment decorating ideas like these can make your home feel much larger and more open.
7. Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Small Apartments
Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite small apartment decorating ideas to make a space feel alive – plants!
So, bringing in greenery to your home will add a sense of freshness and of course a natural element. Even if you consider yourself being bad at taking care of plants – there are several low-maintenance plants that will thrive in small spaces.
It could be something like a snake plant, pothos and succulents. All of these plants love to be in small spaces and are very easy to take care of. At least consider getting a real plant!
8. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper for Small Apartment Decorating Ideas
Renters, rejoice! I think we’ve all moved into an apartment and hated the way the tiles look and the way the walls look. Also, we don’t always have the option to really do any renovations to the space – and it’s expensive! That is where peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in handy.
This is an easy and affordable way to add personality to your space without causing any damage. When exploring small apartment decorating ideas, you could easily choose bold geometric patterns, but also subtle texture. However, remember what I said about colors and small spaces.
I think this is such a smart thing and it can really transform your walls, furniture or even a kitchen backsplash.
9. Smart Space-Saving Furniture Ideas
When choosing furnitures – choose smart! You might not have thought about this before, but furnitures with exposed legs or acrylic furniture actually creates an illusion of an open space. That’s why you should consider adding a floating desk, wall-mounted nightstands or maybe even a clear acrylic coffee table.
All of these options will create a visually light and uncluttered space – the most perfect example of small apartment decorating ideas.
10. Decluttering Tips for a Tidy Small Apartment
There is literally nothing that could make a small apartment feel more cramped faster than clutter. When thinking about small apartment decorating ideas, keeping your space organized is key. This is something that should always be an ongoing process in your home. You should keep only what you truly love and need.
If you don’t know where to start when decluttering your home, check out this post of 10 decluttering strategies. Also, if you want even more help getting started and actually getting through your whole home – I have made this 5 week decluttering challenge that you can find here.
Okay, so how do you maintain it you may ask. Well, it’s actually kind of simple – use the one-in, one-out rule. This is one of the best small apartment decorating ideas to keep your space organized. As soon as you bring something new in, remove something else to maintain a balance. The things you get rid of, you can also sell. This way you will also get a little money in, which is great if you’re on a budget.
11. DIY Small Apartment Decorating Ideas on a Budget
One thing I love is a little DIY project. For instance, if you found a designer coffee table that you LOVE, but it is very expensive. Ask yourself it there is a way you can make it yourself? I did it and so can you!
This is also a great way to personalize your space, here are a few examples:
- Frame your own artwork or photographs.
- Create a gallery wall with thrifted frames.
- Repurpose old furniture with a fresh coat of paint.
- Sew your own cushion covers to refresh a sofa or bed.
12. How to Create Separate Zones – Small Apartment Decorating Ideas
So, even in a studio apartment, you can create the feeling of separate rooms by just defining different areas, for instance:
- Use a bookshelf as a divider to separate your sleeping and living spaces.
- Add a rug to define a seating area.
- Use curtains or a folding screen to add privacy.
13. Budget-Friendly Lighting Ideas for Small Spaces
Another very important thing to consider when thinking about small apartment decorating ideas is lighting. I’m not a fan of overhead lighting – it often feels too harsh, no matter the room. Instead, consider using layered lighting. Here are a few things to keep in mind for when you choose your lights. What kind of feeling do you want to achieve?
- Table lamps and floor lamps create warmth.
- String lights add coziness.
- LED strip lights under shelves or cabinets add depth.
14. Floating & Foldable Desks for Small Home Offices
If you live in a small apartment and you also work from home, it could be hard to find a great spot for your work. You can of course use the dining table, however it might be small and a place you want to separate from work which is totally understandable.
There are of course other options, for instance a foldable or wall-mounted desk is an amazing space-saving solution. You can then pair it with a comfortable but compact chair to maintain functionality without taking up too much space.
15. Genius Small Apartment Decorating Ideas to Use Every Nook & Cranny
I think we can all agree that almost every single one of us have at least one unused corner or an awkward space that can actually be turned into functional areas.
This could be a great spot for example a small corner desk, a reading nook with a cozy chair or even a floating shelf for some extra storage. This way you maximize ever single inch of your apartment.
16. Adding Personality to Small Spaces with Textiles
If you want to add even more personality to your space, you can easily do that with textiles. By layering different textiles, you will add both warmth and character to your space – especially when considering small apartment decorating ideas. I actually love this trick and am always playing around with different textiles to make the most of my space. If you’re looking for small apartment decorating ideas, this is a great way to add personality! For instance, you could:
- Mix and match throw pillows.
- Use a textured rug for added comfort.
- Drape a cozy blanket over a sofa or bed.
17. Thrift Store & Secondhand Decor Finds for Small Apartments
One thing that I have fallen in love with the last couple of years are actually secondhand and thrift stores. You can find soo many things here and unique things!
I also love a little DIY project so I guess these to go hand in hand. I get something where I can see a potential, in either a thrift store or on secondhand. Then I bring it home and give it new life by either changing the fabric or repainting it.
You can also check out flea markets or online marketplaces for unique and affordable decor finds.
18. Flexible Furniture Ideas for Small Spaces
If you are like me – I get bored easily and want a change – then you might want to choose furniture that can adapt. With that I mean stackable stools, nesting tables and rolling carts. All of these picks offer flexibility and can be moved easily, meaning that you can rearrange your furniture easily.
19. Small Entryway Ideas for a More Functional Apartment
One great tip is to actually create a small entryway. Often, when you get a smaller apartment you might not have an entryway, you might just step into the kitchen directly. However, it will make a huge difference by just adding a small little entryway. If you’re looking for small apartment decorating ideas, this is a simple yet effective way to make your space fel more structured. You can easily do it by just a few simple touches:
- Add a small bench or stool for putting on shoes.
- Use a wall-mounted hook rack for coats and bags.
- Place a decorative tray to hold keys and essentials.
20. How to Make Your Bed the Focal Point in a Small Bedroom
Now for the bedroom – here it’s important to keep the bed the focal point. This will make the bed look bigger compared to if you choose to put your bed against the wall. If you put the bed in the middle of the room, then you may also fit two small bedside table on each side.
However, when placing it in the middle of the room it is also important to make it look intentional. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
- Use a stylish headboard (or DIY one).
- Layer bedding with cozy textures.
- Add wall art above the bed to complete the look.
Final Thoughts
Okay, so I hope you are now feeling that it is actually possible to make your small apartment look and feel a little bit bigger. Decorating a small apartment on a budget is all abuot maximizing space, choosing versatile furniture and also adding personal touches that will make your home feel like you.
So, with a little creativity and smart choices, you can easily transform your small space into a stylish and functional home.
Do you have any small-space decorating tips that worked for you? Share them in the comments below! This way we can learn from each other.
Also, don’t forget to share your favorite pictures on Pinterest!
