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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.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!

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.”

KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images

William Abranowicz

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

RUNSTUDIO/Getty Images

Jonny Valiant

Evergreen Chandelier.Curious Details

Tessa Neustadt

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

Sarah Maingot

Photo by Nick Glimenakis for TALD designerKate Spiro

Jessica Morris, White Picket Farmhouse

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

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Photography by Jaka Vinšek / Styling by Liz Chancey

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

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

Helpful tips for appealing to newlywed buyers.Getty Images

Vtwonen

William Waldron

Justin Salem Meyer

Photography by Vivian Johnson for Shira Gill

Photo by Public 311 Design.

Photo byEmily Hart PhotoforKelsey Leigh Design Co.

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

Photo by Kaila Edwards.

Photo by Katie Charlotte Lybrand for TALD DesignerSpruce Interior