10 Low-Cost Ways to Make a Small Apartment Feel Bigger Without Renovating
A guide from Quartz presents ten methods to enhance the sense of space in small apartments, catering to both renters and homeowners. Notable strategies include using the same light color for walls and ceilings, positioning a large mirror across from a window, and installing curtain rods close to the ceiling. Additionally, selecting furniture with exposed legs, utilizing a single large area rug, adding floating shelves, swapping out swinging doors for sliding ones, choosing sheer curtains, incorporating furniture with multiple functions, and minimizing decor to larger, fewer items are recommended. These affordable and reversible changes can be completed over a weekend. The article highlights that factors like color, light, furniture size, and floor visibility affect perceived space, relevant to any design style.
Key facts
- The article lists 10 ways to make a small apartment feel bigger without renovating.
- Techniques include painting walls, trim, and ceiling the same light color (color drenching).
- Hanging a large mirror across from a window can double the apparent light source.
- Mounting curtain rods near the ceiling and extending them beyond the window frame makes ceilings look taller.
- Furniture with visible legs exposes floor area, making a room feel more spacious.
- A single large area rug unifies a room, while multiple small rugs break it up.
- Floating shelves keep floors clear and preserve sightlines.
- Swapping swinging doors for sliding or pocket doors reclaims floor space.
- Sheer curtains allow daylight to pass through, brightening the room.
- Multi-functional furniture like Murphy beds and storage ottomans maximize utility.
- Reducing decor to fewer, larger pieces reduces visual stops and makes a room feel calmer.
- The article is from Quartz and was published on qz.com.
Entities
Institutions
- Quartz
Locations
- San Francisco
- Tokyo
- New York
Sources
- Quartz —