17 Small Apartment Decorating Ideas to Inspire Your Space

We all love a beautifully styled table—but what happens when you’re lounging or entertaining and you need more surface space now? Instead of rearranging in real time, try a nesting table set. Typically designed with two to four tables that stack neatly under one another when not in use, these clever pieces are just as compact as they are convenient. So, whether you choose a nesting end table or a coffee table like the one pictured here, you get one small footprint with endless possibilities.

Think you have no room for guests? Think again. It only takes one simple piece to effortlessly transform your living room into a cozy spot for overnight visitors. Yes, we’re talking about sleeper chairs! These convertible pieces may look like your standard armchair at first glance, but don’t let their compact footprint fool you. With a few simple moves, they fold out into a comfortable sleeping space for guests to stretch out on—this one even extends larger than a twin mattress.

Traditional wallpaper likely won’t get the okay from your landlord. But peel and stick wallpaper is here to rescue you! It’s incredibly easy to install and there are so many gorgeous options out there to choose from. Use it to create an accent wall in a bedroom, define a breakfast nook, or brighten up a small entryway with color and pattern. Best of all, it won’t leave damage behind when you’re ready for a change—or when it’s time to move.

If you live in a snug apartment or studio, it can be awkward to have guests lingering around your bed any time they come over. Instead of keeping your sleep space out in the open, consider investing in a Murphy bed setup that stays disguised as decorative furniture (even bonus storage!) when not in use.

The entryway of your home is a prime spot for chaos. Whether you’re rushing out the door to work or dropping bags on the ground after a long day, it can quickly collect the markers of everyday life and erupt into a mountain of shoes, bags, and junk mail. To keep it looking tidy, shop for a roomy bench with hidden storage, like a hinge top that disguises an empty cavity where you can stash shoes, cold-weather gear, and even your rackets for Wednesday night pickleball.

Living in a small apartment means you can’t always make the changes that you want to your space, especially when it comes to larger renovations like adding a wall. If you’re looking to delineate a space—and add storage—look to a room divider. The right style will have enough room to house plenty of your books and accessories while also creating a dense “wall” that mimics the look of the real deal and lends privacy and purpose to various parts of your home.

Ever sit down on your couch with a long-awaited bag of takeout, only to ceremoniously dump your dim sum right onto your lap (or your furniture)? We’ve all been there. Instead of giving up your favorite weeknight treat, shop for a storage ottoman that cleverly hides a stable surface within its interior. Not only will it give your living room some stability and allow it to double as a dining space (if you can’t fit a “real” dining room in your home), but you can even use the extra space to stash your tech gear, like television remotes, computer chargers, and more.

No room for a nightstand? No problem! There are plenty of clever pieces on the market designed to latch onto your bed to mimic the function of a proper storage piece. Look for a design that hooks onto your bedframe and boasts enough room for the essentials, like your glasses, journal, a book, and phone. Bonus points if it has a shelf for water or a built-in charging station like this one.

When every square inch counts, something as small as furniture legs can mean the difference between a room that’s functional and one that’s not. If your entryway is especially tight, opt for a “floating” console table that attaches directly to the wall. Not only will you make navigating the space easier, but you’ll open up valuable floor space for storage or other important extras, like pet food bowls.

If you live in a small apartment and haven’t thought of all the ways you can make your radiator double as storage, you’re doing life wrong. Those pesky (and necessary) surfaces can instantly transform into a stylish display zone with the right radiator cover. Look for a design that offers venting in the front and sides, and a style that has a wider “shelf” on top, so you have plenty of real estate for showing off your favorite trinkets and treasures.

Clutter is a real issue, especially if your living room or bedroom is particularly tight. Sometimes you need an additional piece of furniture, but the room can’t carry the “weight” of another wood or metal piece. Enter: acrylic. Designed to appear clear and modern, these pieces bring a hefty dose of function without any of the visual clutter. Try shopping for the material on an everyday piece, like a side table, coffee table, or desk.

Kitchens are one of the hardest rooms to design and organize, no matter how large your home is. Small apartment dwellers will be particularly challenged by a lack of cabinet space or too-small cabinets that can’t fit their prized Le Creuset. Instead of tossing your cookware into a donation pile, invest in a rolling utility cart, which can hold its own as a mobile pantry, corral your cookbooks, or even flex between your kitchen and dining space as a means of serving guests.

Sometimes, finding a practical piece for small-space living is as simple as finding a smart design that puzzles together when not in use. For pieces with multiple parts, like a desk or vanity, that means a chair that nestles into the main portion of the design, effectively minimizing the footprint and disguising a boatload of function.

If you live in a small space, even the most mundane moments are an opportunity for smart and clever design decisions. If your book pile is looking a little towering but you don’t want to set aside space for a library-style shelf, shop for a smart solution that allows your books to “float.” Not only will your favorite reads be super accessible, but they’ll double as decorative art.

When all of life happens in close proximity, spending time in your apartment can start to feel a bit claustrophobic. If you don’t love the idea of staring at your WFH desk all weekend when you’re supposed to be enjoying your time off, invest in a decorative screen to keep the Sunday scaries away. They’re great for hiding whatever you want out of sight and out of mind, whether that’s your pet’s bed, your workout gear, or your dirty laundry pile.

Let’s be honest, bathrooms aren’t exactly a spot most of us look forward to designing, but that’s all the more reason why they deserve a little TLC. To maximize the room you do have in a small bathroom, shop for an over-the-toilet shelving unit that will serve as a spot to stash extra toilet paper, towels, skincare products, and more. It adds storage without taking up floor space and helps reduce clutter on the counters and under the sink.