When your living space is limited, either in square footage or by landlord restrictions, it can be difficult to decorate and bring personal style into your home. While you may not be able paint walls or alter fixtures, there is still plenty you can do to make use of your space and make your rental feel more like home. Visit DC Apartment Reviews for leads on some great available spaces.
Work your furniture:
When furnishing your apartment, select pieces that work for you. While aesthetics are important, make sure everything in your home has a place and purpose. Determine what you need, and what you have room for. Depending on your lifestyle, a desk or workspace may take priority over a dining area, so consider what is most valuable to you. Practicality is important when decorating a small apartment. Make your furniture multitask for you. If you lack a guest room, decorate a day bed with large pillows and cushions to create a chic looking couch that transforms into a cozy option for guests. Find a hallway table with a leaf or collapsible panels so that you are able to entertain, but are not burdened by a large dining room table. Try a large upholstered ottoman for a coffee table. Find one with storage space for linens or DVDs and top it with a serving tray to provide a stable surface for accessories.
Explore interesting shapes:
Maintain clean lines and vary organic and geometric designs. Rounded furniture, rugs, and mirrors keep your studio from feeling like a shoebox. Furniture that stands on feet rather than directly on the floor allows the room to breathe. Try to achieve a variety of height in each room. Tall, narrow pieces like shelving, end tables, or barstools draw the eye up and make the ceilings feel taller. If you do have room for a small dining area, consider a glass top table (or a completely acrylic table). They are less cumbersome to the eye and can be a unique and stylish centerpiece that doesn’t weigh the room down.
Dress up your walls:
Simplify your décor with statement pieces. Several small frames and accessories can look cluttered and disorganized. Opt for one large piece of artwork and a few simple, well placed accessories for a clean and thoughtful look. Large paintings can be expensive, and heavy frames can damage walls, so consider framing classic posters or getting creative at the thrift store. Well-placed mirrors can do wonders for making a small room feel larger. Keep items off the floor and tables with floating shelves that provide useful storage with a sleek look.
Make art of your textiles:
Renting in DC is unique and can come with great décor advantages (like exposed brick!). Keep in mind that the use of textiles can add drama and personality to even the smallest spaces. When hanging curtains, think of framing the windows rather than covering them up. Hang curtains from floor to ceiling so that windows look larger and still allow for natural light. Keep major colors light and isolate color schemes in small rooms. Add contrast and personality into any room with custom upholstery or accent pillows. Layering clean textures and patterns in your living room or with your bed linens brings luxury into a small space.
Shop smart:
When furnishing and decorating a small apartment, think “quality over quantity.” Each piece should provide both aesthetics and utility. Do your best to be organized and achieve smart storage. Keep things off the floor and avoid clutter as best you can. Learn the Home Goods return policy and utilize it! Not sure which lampshade will provide the best light in your living room? Bring them both home and find out! You’ll be more confident with your final decision, and the reject can easily be returned to find its own happy home.
I want to thank my friends at DC Apartment Reviews for putting these great tips! They are another good resource for apartment searching.
