7 Rules to Break When Decorating a Small Apartment

By Brittany Loeffler on October 31, 2018

This article is brought to you by CORT Furniture Rental. We take the hassle out of furnishing your new place so you can do more important things like read this article. Learn more about why furniture rental is the best way to get a great looking apartment.

When it comes to decorating a small apartment, you may be faced with some difficult challenges due to space. There are some general decorating rules out there that most people follow. However, if you are decorating a small apartment, there are some rules that just don’t apply. So, to make the best out of living in a small apartment, here are some decorating rules that you must break in order to live in a comfortable, yet stylish, apartment.

decorating a small apartment

via Pixabay

Rule to Break: Stay Away from Patterns

Patterns can be difficult to decorate with, even in a large space. That is why so many people shy away from them. However, when decorating a small apartment, patterns can be a lifesaver! When you add patterns to your space, it will distract people from the size of the apartment and may even make it feel bigger.

Next time you’re looking at wallpaper, try something with a busy, two-tone pattern or vertical stripes. Apply it to one wall in a room to make give it some more dimension. You can also add patterns with furniture, like a couch.

Rule to Break: Minimalism is Everything

As consumers, we tend to fill up our homes with a lot of unnecessary items. So, there is a movement trending called minimalism, where you only own what you use and need. While some people may think this is best when it comes to decorating a small apartment, they aren’t totally correct. When there are more items such as knick-knacks, pictures, and books in a small room, it can make it feel bigger than it actually is.

Some people have a hard time getting rid of their things, and that’s totally okay. Use those sentimental items and knick-knacks while decorating a small apartment and show them off to your guests.

Rule to Break: Sofas Belong in the Living Room

Most times you will see a sofa sitting in the living room a home. However, when it comes to decorating a small apartment you may have to forego a sofa entirely. Your apartment may be too small to fit a sofa through the door, much less in your living area. When you can’t have a sofa, it’s time to get creative with comfortable seating. One alternative to a sofa is a large beanbag chair. They don’t take up too much space and can easily be moved to different locations.

Rule to Break: Paint the Walls White

Some people are under the impression that white walls will make a small apartment feel bigger. While light colors like white do brighten up a room, it doesn’t necessarily make it feel bigger. In fact, it makes it feel less personal and a little uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to paint the walls a darker color. You can leave the trim around the door and the baseboards white to give the room some extra dimension.

decorating a small apartment

via Pixabay

Rule to Break: Small Furniture Belongs in Small Rooms

You may be instantly inclined to buy small furniture when you are decorating a small apartment. Just because your space is small, doesn’t mean you have to have small furniture in it. If you find a large piece of furniture that you like and it fits, then get it! A large piece of furniture in a small space can actually make it feel less cramped than if you put multiple small pieces of furniture in there. There is no sense in being uncomfortable on a tiny piece of furniture when you can have a big plush couch to lounge on.

Rule to Break: All Furniture Must Match

This isn’t your mother’s house. Your furniture doesn’t have to match, especially when you are young and decorating a small apartment. If you see a piece of furniture you love while out at a flea market or antique shopping, then buy it! There is no reason all of your furniture should match because the rules of decorating say so. When your furniture is a mix of things, it makes your space more unique and interesting, which draws away from its small size.

Rule to Break: Overhead Lighting is a Must

Use lamps to your advantage when it comes to decorating a small apartment. There are so many unique and fun lamps out there, it would be a shame not to use them! Lighting can greatly affect the mood of a room, so use different shades and light bulbs to create the atmosphere you desire.

Break All the Rules

Rules are meant to be broken, especially when it comes to decorating a small apartment. The more rules you break, the better your small apartment will look. Don’t be afraid to use patterns and bold colors and keep your knick-knacks lying around. Mismatch your furniture and use cool lamps to create a unique style throughout your apartment. Make it yours and you’ll love it forever.

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