15 apartment decorating ideas that majorly deliver on style (2024)

15 apartment decor ideas to zhuzh up your tiny space

1. Choose a lightweight table

With the exception of a ground-floor apartment, moving into a condo (especially if it doesn't have an elevator) can be a real challenge. So when shopping for furniture, you may wanna factor the weight and shape of your decor into your purchase decision. A modern and lightweight coffee table will ensure that you're not re-enacting 'that' infamous scene from Friends involving Chandler and Ross negotiating a heavy couch up several flights of stairs. Pivot — pivot!

2. Use storage trolleys

Trust me, storage trolleys are legit life savers when living in a small space. They're so easy to wheel between different rooms and are seriously versatile too. I have a storage trolley in my kitchen that's packed with fruit and veg, but they can also be used for drinks, books, and even as a nightstand. Basically, you might just need one for every area in the apartment.

3. Opt for smaller side tables

When you live in a small space, you just don't have room for big ol' tables that take up too much space. Instead, look for tables with multiple shelving units, as well as slimline console tables. These will fit so much better, while still providing enough space for important household pieces. BTW, be sure to go for lightweight options, so you can move them single-handedly without straining your back.

4. Find tables and chairs that slot together

There are things that are just better together. I'm talking PB and J, mac and cheese... and tables and chairs. If you don't have the dollar for a matching set, measure up your existing table or chairs, and find a complementary item. By being able to slot your chairs directly under your tables, rather than having them sticking out, you'll save so much space in your apartment. That square footage is seriously precious, you guys.

5. Zone a studio apartment with DIY divider design

If your studio apartment feels like the kitchen, living room, and bedroom ideas have all melted into one big room, a divider is the answer to all your problems. And the good news is that you'll only need a clothes rail, some plants, fishing wire, and scissors to make it. Put the clothes rail up, hang up hangers, and then wrap the trailing plants around them. Boom, instant wall. Oh, and the great thing about this is that you can easily take them down when you want to open up the space again.

6. Choose a runner rug to make an entrance

Dressing a small space is all about being smart with what you choose — it's not what you've got, it's how you decorate it. One easy way to elongate the space is by using a runner rug. This draws the eye across the stretch of the room, moving the focus away from the actual size of it. Genius, right? I love @houseofedencourt's natural but colorful rug, which adds a touch of texture and texture to her space beautifully.

7. Renting or serial decorator? Opt for sticky solutions

@baker.blooms♬ original sound - Baker.Blooms

Unfortunately, a lot of new-build apartment floors are often clad with uninspiring ideas that need a li'l love. So if you want to create the illusion of intricately tiled flooring, you've gotta think outside that damn box. Stick-on tiles are a great way to get 'round this and can be used both on walls and floors. They work really well in both the kitchen and bathroom, adding style to rooms that can be slightly sterile.

8. Revamp your bedroom with a statement headboard

If you've not got all that much room for decor in your bedroom, you can instead make a big impact with a headboard that makes a statement or complements your existing decor. I'm obsessed with how @raveinteriordesign has matched her headboard (and bed TBH) with her carpet, tying the whole look together gorgeously. Want to really make the most out of yours? Opt for a headboard that doubles as storage space.

9. Add low-key fun to a bathroom with a bathmat

Just because it's an essential, doesn't mean it has to be boring. Liven up those white tiles by adding a colorful bathmat, just like @overatno18. I like looking through UO and Anthropologie for these, as they always have super cute options. You could also add vibrancy to your bathroom with a printed shower curtain, bright towels, or even a boujee bathroom dressing gown (y'know, just go full hotel style).

10. Search up high for shelving

One of my fave storage solutions for small rooms is using vertical space. If you're renting and have a landlord that's totally chill with changes, wall shelving is a fab option for storing items and displaying decor. You can create an interior scheme around your shelfie, and even add a luxury touch with brass brackets, glass panes, modular boxes, and more. So gorgeous.

11. Get creative with your clothes storage

@byjessfair♬ Until I Found You (Sped Up) - Heaven When I Held You Again How Could We Ever Just Be Friends - Hiko

If you're a homeowner or put down a deposit on an apartment that is not furnished, you'll need to sort out your own bedroom storage ideas. Before you fork out on a wardrobe, why not have a think about different ways to store your clothing? Clothes racks are useful for organizing your outfits for the week, as well as for moving bulkier items out of your wardrobe, such as coats and jackets. I mean, I know you didn't splash out on that coat for it to be hidden away.

12. Upgrade your lighting

Is it just a given that most rented apartments come with awful lighting? Swapping out all those builder-grade light fixtures for some funky shades is quick and easy to add a big impact. If you don’t have the option to replace the light fixtures, just invest in plenty of floor lamps, string up fairy lights, and avoid using those ugly overhead lights.

13. Make a blank wall better with your own gallery

Got a blank space, baby? Gallery walls are the perfect way to add a ton of interest to a space, especially if you are decorating a living room on a budget. They're an amazing way to make a room feel more lived in — and hanging a gallery wall yourself is probably much more straightforward than you think. If you are renting (and want to leave with your deposit), use hanging strips like these Command ones, which are Amazon best sellers.

14. Don’t be afraid of paint (even if your landlord is)

Trying to add color to an apartment that is painted in various hues of greige can be tricky, but fear not — you have options. If renting, don't be afraid to ask your landlord about painting the walls (if you don't ask, you don't get is my motto). Def can’t paint the walls? Use our guide to how to paint furniture to tackle your chairs, headboards, wardrobes, and more. So long as they are yours to paint, anything goes.

15. If in doubt... add house plants

Greenery and apartment gardening make even the smallest of spaces feel fresher and more interesting. Once they're big enough, I def recommend putting them into decorative plant pots, to accentuate your style and their textures. Don’t have space to spare for house plants on the floor or tables? Try hanging them up instead.

FAQs

Up next: How to organize a small apartment, according to the experts