Spoiler: Metallics have a way of brightening tiny living spaces.

But you don’t need to sacrifice good design when things are extra tight.

Peruse these clever small apartmentdecorating ideasthat make small rooms seem more spacious.

small-apartment-ideas-GettyImages-1251694497

Photo:Follow The Flow/Getty Images

You may just find what it’s crucial that you transform your home from cramped to comfy.

“Neutrals allow visual breathing room, making every corner feel inviting and expansive.”

“Bed lighting can also be on the wall to free up the top of the nightstand.”

neutral art white walls living room

Photo Courtesy ofCasa de Suna

The reflective nature oflight colorsgives space an open, airy feel and maximizes the effect of natural light.

Conversely, dark colors absorb light, making a room look smaller.

The bigger the mirror, the better.

custom headboard paper lantern lighting in bedroom

Photo by Sandra Geroux for TALD designer Tami Wassong

They also keep the floor clear of obstacles, making the room seem less cluttered.

Use this trick for lighting, too.

Instead of floor lamps, opt for wall-mounted and hanging lights.

Living Room Decorating Ideas, Architecture, neutral room with ceiling medallion

saysAlexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew.

“Built-in elements can maximize usable space and make a world of difference.

Think Vertically

If your room is too small, just look up.

Round black-rimmed mirror above black cabinet and houseplants in living room

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Chances are you’re underutilizing the upper half of your room.

To make this trick work best, choose curtains that are about twice the width of the windows.

Go Big With a Chandelier

Dont be afraid to go big with your small room lighting choice.

Reid Rolls

Photo by Reid Rolls.

A chandelier or oversized pendant lighting is a surprising option for small spaces.

Proper scale and walk spaces can easily make a space feel larger than it is!”

“A space that lacks depth feels smaller and more confined.

Living Room

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

Look for afolding desk, table and chairs, or room-dividing screens.

“Additionally, choosing minimal decor can help prevent visual clutter.

A minimalistic approach to decor makes a small room seem bigger, lighter, and airier.

A kitchen with color-coordinated hardware: brass drawer pulls, brass doorknobs, brass light fixtures, and a brass faucet

Jessica Nelson Design

Easier said than done?

Yes, sostart small, one corner at a time.

This tactic avoids leaving a weird, wasted space in the middle of a room.

mirrors on cabinet green white kitchen

Image by Margaret Rajic Photography, Photo Stylist: Brandi Devers.

Go Bigger!

“When you’re working with a small space, think BIG!”

But just the opposite is true.

Farmhouse with Open Shelves 158311524

Farmhouse with Open Shelves.Getty / Mint Images Helen Norman

Larger furniture in a small room makes the room feel larger.”

“We love using wallpaper for small spaces, as it creates dimension without taking up square footage.

Wallpaper all four walls or even the ceiling!

A large living room with white built-in bookshelves.

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

I promise you, your space will come to life.”

“Select a linen, cotton blend fabric in a light color to achieve this look.”

Decorative Ladder Ideas Blanket Ladder Living Room

KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images

Make Use of Corners

William Abranowicz

Neutral window treatments

Neutral window treatments help to open up smaller rooms.Getty Images

Curtains and Window Treatments Guide - curtain with tie-backs

RUNSTUDIO/Getty Images

Neon decorated kitchen

Jonny Valiant

Evergreen Chandelier

Evergreen Chandelier.Curious Details

Emily Henderson Living Room Chairs

Tessa Neustadt

Photo of the 2016 Dream Home’s Living Room

The Spacious Living Room of the 2016 Dream Home.Image (c) 2016 Scripps Networks, LLC, Used with Permission

Decorate With Double-Duty Finds

Sarah Maingot

living room sofa textured chairs

Photo by Nick Glimenakis for TALD designerKate Spiro

Entryway Table Decor Ideas, Rustic Entryway with wooden console

Jessica Morris, White Picket Farmhouse

real-simple-home-2022-florida-Living-Room-143

real-simple-home-2022-florida-Living-Room-143.Christopher Testani

Cory White Folding Desk

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Living Room with light gray couch, 2 white chairs and white coffee table, corner green plant, and sheer white curtains

Photography by Jaka Vinšek / Styling by Liz Chancey

minimal bedroom with nightstand and bed and drapes

Photo by Cate Black for TALD designer Audrey Scheck, of Audrey Scheck Design

Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight, Snake Plant

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

Modern white living room

Helpful tips for appealing to newlywed buyers.Getty Images

Wood pegboard for kitchen storage

Vtwonen

Pull Furniture Away From the Walls

William Waldron

gothic dining room with gold and animal print

Justin Salem Meyer

calm living room with wooden coffee table and chair: Shira Gill

Photography by Vivian Johnson for Shira Gill

Public 311 Design

Photo by Public 311 Design.

dining room with mirrored wall

Photo byEmily Hart PhotoforKelsey Leigh Design Co.

roman shade in kitchen sage green cabinets sunny

Image by Margaret Rajic Photography, Photo Stylist: Brandi Devers.

Kaila Edwards

Photo by Kaila Edwards.

white dining space with pendant and art and table and chairs

Photo by Katie Charlotte Lybrand for TALD DesignerSpruce Interior