Small apartment design - how to achieve maximum with minimum?

Publication date:  |  Update date: 04-03-2024  | Author: Mateusz Ciećwierz

When designing a small apartment, use optical tricks to visually expand the space. Opt for light colors and mirrors. Also, ensure clever storage spaces: drawers under the bed, corner wardrobes, and tall shelves.

Designing a small apartment is a challenge. When preparing such an arrangement, you need to take into account functionality, limited space, aesthetics, and the owners' taste. In this article, you will learn what to pay special attention to when arranging a small apartment in a block. We will advise you on colors that work well and those to avoid. We will also share practical storage tips and show a few tricks to make the apartment look more spacious. Our proposed solutions will help you arrange a small apartment to make the most of the available space.

Opt for Minimalism When Arranging a Small Apartment

When arranging a small apartment, opt for minimalism. This way, you will maximize the available space and avoid chaos. Shabby chic style with various accessories and interesting combinations of textures and shapes is unlikely to work well in a small area. Instead, choose a modern, minimalist style.

Minimalism in interior design includes:

• Simple color palette without an abundance of patterns
• Clean lines and geometric shapes
• Limited amount of decorations
• Functional furniture
• Bright surfaces
• Natural materials
• Small number of items
• Order and organization

In a minimalist interior, it is easier to maintain order, which is particularly important in small apartments. Functional furniture and a small number of decorations create an impression of order and harmony.

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How to Paint Walls in a Small Apartment?

Generally, light colors are chosen for interior design in small block apartments. This makes the interiors appear larger and more spacious. Of course, the design of an apartment in a block must consider the owners' taste and lifestyle. Therefore, check which colors, besides light ones, work well in the design of a small apartment.

Opt for Light Colors in a Small Apartment

Light colors optically enlarge the space. Therefore, opt for white and its shades in a small apartment. You can also choose light blue, gray, or beige. Dark colors on both walls and floors can be too overwhelming and create a claustrophobic effect.

A Darker Detail? Of Course!

The color palette in a small apartment does not have to be limited to pastel hues. I admit, it's a safer choice. But if you want to be bold, paint one wall in the living room with a dark, saturated color. A single dark detail will not dominate the entire room but will be an intriguing addition.

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Take Care of Lighting in the Design of a Small Apartment

Bright lighting makes the interior appear more spacious. Choose lamps with light shades and place them strategically to evenly illuminate the entire room. In the living room, do not limit yourself to single-point lighting. Instead, opt for multiple light sources placed in various locations in the room. The interior appears more spacious when well-lit.

Use Mirrors - Optically Expand the Space

Another way to optically enlarge the space is by using mirrors. They are an excellent tool for creating the illusion of a larger area. Place them opposite windows or in locations where they will reflect light and create the illusion of a larger interior.

Where to Place Mirrors in a Small Apartment?

Consider placing a mirror opposite a window. Sunlight reflected in the mirror will brighten the living room. Pay attention to choosing a frame and shape that align with the rest of the furnishings. In a minimalist interior, simple or oval mirrors in a light frame will work well. If you like, mirrors can be part of a larger composition with paintings or posters.

Thoughtful Furniture

In a small block apartment, choose multifunctional furniture, which serves more than one function. Beds with storage drawers, tables with extra drawers, or stools with storage space work well. To make the most of the available space, consider ordering custom-made furniture. Instead of a large table, you can choose a smaller one that can be extended with an additional top. When choosing furniture, remember about ergonomics to ensure a comfortable apartment. Learn more about functional arrangements in our "Ergonomics in Interior Design" course.

Vertical Spaces - Ideas for Storage

A common problem in small apartments is the lack of sufficient storage space. This is particularly challenging because just leaving a kitchen appliance or a pile of books on the desk after a day of studying can make the space feel cluttered. Therefore, pay attention to planning good storage spaces in a small apartment.

The limited floor space means that low dressers are not practical. Instead, consider tall shelves and wardrobes. Also, consider installing a hall stand. This type of cabinet, previously criticized as a relic from a past era, is regaining popularity. Interesting places for storing books can include spaces under windowsills.

Examples of storage spaces to consider in the design of a small apartment:

• Bed or sofa with storage
• Tall shelf
• Built-in wardrobe
• Wall-mounted cabinet or hall stand
• Corner cabinet

How to Arrange a Small Bathroom?

Similar to the living room, opt for light colors and light-reflective surfaces in a small bathroom. A large mirror will also make the room appear larger. In a small bathroom, every square centimeter of the floor is valuable. Therefore, remember to include a cabinet under the sink to store household chemicals. Also, consider installing a tall custom-made closed rack. It will accommodate all the cosmetics, laundry basket, and towels. Organize a place for every item in the design stage to avoid leaving things on the surface after use. This will help you keep the clutter in check.

Design of a Small Apartment - Summary

Now you know how to arrange a small apartment. Designing an apartment, especially a small one, can be a real challenge, but our tips will make it easier for you. When preparing the arrangement, remember to use light colors and tricks to visually enlarge the space. Choose functional furniture and ensure sufficient storage space. Apply these principles also to the design of the bathroom and other rooms.