Styling small apartments can be challenging, but with a few clever tricks, you can create a functional, spacious, and beautiful home. Here are our top tips for maximising small spaces while maintaining style and comfort.

1. Create Functionality with Multi-Use Spaces

When space is limited, every area must serve a purpose. In this apartment, we transformed a built-in nook into a desk space. Similarly, an enclosed balcony was converted into an indoor/outdoor dining area or home office — making the most out of every square metre.

2. Divide Spaces with Rugs

Open-plan apartments can feel cramped when areas aren’t clearly defined. Use rugs to separate spaces visually and create a sense of flow. For example, in this apartment, we used a large grey rug to distinguish the living room from the dining area.

3. Decorate Vertically

Draw the eye upward to make small spaces feel larger. We used a tall portrait to create the illusion of higher ceilings. If you’re renting and can’t drill into walls, try using 3M hooks — just measure, stick, wait an hour, and hang!

4. Choose Lighter Furniture Over Dark

Lighter furniture makes rooms feel more open and airy, while darker furniture tends to absorb light and make spaces appear smaller. In this bedroom, we paired white bedside tables and a white bed with soft yellow lamps and colourful artwork for a fresh, vibrant look.

5. Use Mirrors to Open Up Spaces

Mirrors are one of the easiest and most effective tools for making small spaces feel larger. They bounce light around the room and add depth, regardless of size or shape.

6. Choose the Right Dining Table

For small apartments, we recommend a smaller dining table that suits the scale of the room. Glass-top, circular tables are especially versatile, and their transparency enhances the illusion of space and openness.

By using these smart styling tips, you can transform a compact apartment into a beautifully functional and stylish home.