When it comes to looking for small-space decor ideas, we've all been there. If you live in a small apartment and need decor ideas for your small bedroom, living room, or that blank wall space you can't seem to master, we've got you covered. Keep reading for our easy-to-hack tips for decorating a small room.

Pro Tip:

Before beginning, it might help to do a little decluttering. Don't know where to start? Say no more. Check out our guide How to Declutter: Easy Step-by-Step Tips.

1. Storage Is Your BFF

Multipurpose pieces that look great and give you extra storage will instantly upgrade any small bedroom or living room.

Storage Ottomans

For small living rooms, consider a storage ottoman. You can hide extra chargers, throw blankets, and your to-be-read books in one place, giving you more surface area to use for lighting and decor.

Storage Benches

In a small bedroom, place a storage bench at the foot of your bed. You can store spare bedding and towels inside, creating more space in your linen closet for skincare and makeup products. Your freed-up bathroom counters will simplify your AM routine.

Nightstands

You can also maximize storage space in a small bedroom by going with a nightstand that has built-in storage cabinets. This allows you to minimize clutter and tuck away loose odds and ends.

Credenzas

In a small, open-concept living room/dining room combo, consider placing a credenza between the two areas to visually define the spaces. A credenza is just the thing for storing special-occasion serveware and extra pantry essentials – especially if your pantry is nonexistent.

2. Create Depth

One of the hardest parts of decorating a small room is that tiny spaces can really lack depth. Check out these ways to create depth in your small bedroom or small living room.

Wall Hangings

Layering pieces gives the eye more to look at and creates visual depth. One of our favorite ways to do this is with a wall hanging – it gives off an artsy vibe, adds texture, and doesn't take up any floor space. Place wall-hangings above your headboard in your small bedroom or add depth to the bare wall space above your living room sofa.

Cozy Throws

Chunky throw blankets and a couple of pillows can add coziness and extra texture. Look for throw pillows with geometric patterns and woven detailing to add depth to a solid color sofa, and choose throw blankets with different textures like chenille, cotton, or wool.

Eye-Catching Decor

Bold decor in mixed materials can help add depth. Use both ceramic and glass vases in the same vignette to create a layered look.

Natural Light

Keep windows free of window treatments to let in all of that good natural light. Go with sheer white curtains to allow maximum light into a small room.

3. Take Advantage of the Walls

The key to decorating a small space is being able to work with what you've got. Keep floor space open and use walls to your advantage – this is especially great if you live in a lofted apartment with high ceilings.

Small Bedrooms

Free up surfaces in your small bedroom by putting up wall sconces instead of using lamps to reduce clutter on your nightstand. Make the most of wall space above your headboard by adding floating shelves for even more storage space and a place to show off decorative items.

Small Living Rooms

Hang a floating shelf to show off your plants and books or to prop up your art in your living room to create a colorful accent wall. If you have a long dresser or credenza up against the wall, layer two mirrors on top of it for extra depth and added brightness.

Create floor-to-ceiling storage with a bookcase that has built-in cabinets or drawers. Place your favorite books, houseplants, and decor on the shelves and use the built-in storage to hideaway miscellaneous items.

Another small living room idea, consider pulling living room furniture away from the wall and making it float in the middle of the room. More walking space, a room that feels better, and the ideal cozy vibe for a wine night with friends? Sign us up.

Pro Tip:

Is your living room too small to pull off the floating sofa aesthetic? Keep your sofa against the wall and add a wall-mounted mirror above it. This creates the illusion of more space and can also help reflect natural light in a small room.

4. Play With Colors + Patterns

Show your small space some love by playing with colors and patterns. By varying the patterns in your space, you give the eye a lot to look at. Ground the room by sticking to three patterns or colors; less than that and it feels boring, more than that and it becomes chaotic.

You can experiment with different decorative objects. We're obsessed with these wood candlesticks and how they pop against the glass coffee table. (The glass coffee table also makes the space feel bigger BTW.) Alternatively, you can pair a brass lamp with woven coasters. Or try throwing a chunky chenille blanket on a leather sofa.

A bold rug is another way to make the room look deeper and larger. While you might instinctually gravitate toward a small rug, it can actually make the room feel smaller. Don't hesitate to go big.

Pro Tip:

Looking for an even deeper dive into small-space decor ideas? We've got a couple of other guides you might like: Our Top 10 Small Living Room Ideas, 9 Streamlined Small Entryway Ideas, and 8 Small Dining Room Ideas.

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