There are seemingly endless ways to arrange your apartment, but having an arsenal of good ideas can cut through the clutter. Did you just move out of an apartment? Ready to start with a fresh design for your new one? From figuring out the best way to decorate your kitchen to knowing what plants can survive in a tiny apartment, we have the apartment furniture and decorating ideas for you.
1. Themed lighting fixtures
Lighting is important in creating your space. For the maximum effect, your lighting should be similar in style and theme to create a sense of flow and cohesion in your space. Here are some considerations to light up your apartment:
- A bold ceiling fixture is eye-catching and directs attention upward.
- Torchiere floor lamps are ideal for apartments lacking in area because they provide plenty of light without taking up much needed floor or tabletop space.
- Using dimmers can also instantly change the mood of a room by regulating light intensity for a more intimate ambience.
- Layered lighting keeps light at multiple levels (via floor lamps, chandeliers and task lights) creating a moody yet well-lit room.
- Hanging or wall-mounted lighting saves floor space and provides overall better lighting for the entire space.
2. Functioning entryway
Your entryway or hallway is the first thing your guests see when entering your home. Here are some ideas to keep your entryway from looking bland, while being functional and tidy:
- Wall hooks not only keep items such as clothes, bags and accessories off the floor, but you can place the hooks at varied heights so children can reach them.
- A narrow table or console can spruce up the space and allow you to place aesthetically pleasing items such as plants, candles, small sculptures or vases on it. Make sure frequently-needed items like keys, your wallet, and charging devices can be easily accessed.
- Clever storage baskets or bins can be tucked away nearby to serve as a catch-all for odds and ends.
- A weather-resistant rug or mat can add cheer to any space, and it’s practical for wiping feet and collecting dirt.
- An accent mirror makes it easy to see if you’re missing anything as you head out the door, and it can act as an eye-catching focal point for a small entryway. Look for a mirror with a bold frame and hang it above a storage console for an instant entryway upgrade.
3. Living room furniture
Unless you’re trying to make a statement with a dramatic overstuffed couch, a smaller space will look larger with moderately sized or slightly smaller furniture pieces. It’s all about scale!
Here are some common living room pieces you’ll need to furnish your living room:
- A sofa is usually the largest piece of furniture in the room and is paramount to setting the right tone of your space.
- A coffee table will hold your coffee in the morning, your food in the afternoon and your personal items throughout the day.
- A media stand will hold your TV. Make sure the style you choose fits in with the rest of the room. (Another space-saver is to mount your TV on the wall.)
- Side tables are great for placing table lamps, remotes or even small decorative objects on them.
- Accent chairs help create a cozy corner for chatting with guests.
- An area rug not only looks great and defines a space, it feels great under your feet when placed over uncarpeted floors.
4. Kitchen furniture
Open-floor kitchens are meant to accommodate and entertain guests. Furnish yours in an interesting and entertaining way. There are no universal rules on what is functional in a kitchen, but here are a few that should be considered:
- Seating can be enhanced by a couple of well-chosen stools can seat your guests and give you break from cooking.
- Storage is a number one priority and can be provided by an island that offers built-in storage, large cabinets or drawers. If you don’t have an island, you can buy a mobile kitchen cart, island or utility table to give you some flexibility and surface area. In fact, there’s a wide range of compact wheeled storage containers ideal for corralling collections of items in one place. Carts are easy to move, so they can be rolled out for use or tucked away as needed.
- The right table Depending on the space you have available, you can think of interesting solutions whether it’s a small breakfast table or creating a separate dining spot.
- Accessorize once you have the right furniture in place. A few well-chosen and attractive accessories can prevent the kitchen from becoming bland and lonely. For example, match copper pots and block knife holders with stainless carts or add wooden touches to a rustic kitchen.
5. Bedroom furniture
A bedroom can be a calming sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Here are some things you’ll need to make the most of this space, and to get a good night’s sleep:
- Choosing a mattress There is no universal “best” mattress, as everyone’s sleep experience is unique. The best bet is to try out a mattress in person to see how it feels. Many stores, even online, have trial period and reasonable return policies.
- Bed frame If you already have a mattress you love, choosing a new bed frame becomes a bit easier. Make sure you get the correct frame for your mattress size (queen size for queen size, etc.). Make sure you know whether your king-size mattress is a California king or an eastern king, as they’re slightly different; a bed frame that fits one may not fit the other.
- Platform vs. box spring? With many platform beds, you need only a mattress and no box spring; this makes platform beds easier on the budget. Some platform beds can also accommodate a box spring if you like your bed a little higher off the ground.
- A roomy bedside table with drawers or doors allows you to hide items such as books, lotion and reading glasses. For more storage, choose a skirted table or a small dresser with drawers.
- A trunk or a storage bench at the foot of the bed can be used to store extra sheets, blankets and pillows.
6. Closet organization
The smaller the closet, the more difficult it is to stay organized. But there are lots of organizational tools and styling tricks that can help.
- Add storage under clothes if you’re cramped on space. Place a small dresser and shoe rack beneath your hanging clothes. The top of the dresser can hold accessories, like hats or jewelry.
- Shelf dividers can be used to keep baskets of sweaters or stacks of shoes intact. The sides let you stack piles higher without fear of your sweaters toppling over and ending up on the ground.
- Shoe organizers are handy for your sneakers, and they can also be used for bulky items such as sweaters that you don’t want to accidentally stretch out on a hanger. Rolling them up into baskets is a great solution.
- Hang your accessories by using hooks (even shower hooks work) for hanging purses in your closet on the hanger rod.
7. Bathroom furniture
A bathroom is usually a smaller space, so how you furnish it can make a big impact. Try these tips to get the most out of your bathroom:
- Maximize storage and declutter by adding pull-out drawers that sort items easily into a cabinet—an easy weekend upgrade. Floating wall shelving, wall-mounted baskets and a small storage cabinet can also help.
- Your shower curtain and rod can express your style and bring the room together. Don’t be afraid to make a splash. Choose a design that appeals to your personal style and builds a cohesive aesthetic in the bathroom. An eye-catching shower rod and rings can also make a statement.
- Pull the room together with coordinating bath rugs/mats and towels, and a unique or contemporary laundry basket or hamper.
- Accessorize! Don’t forget the smaller items that everyone can see: Items such as a bathroom set for holding toothbrushes and soap, and a trash can, can be coordinated and give an interesting aesthetic.
Additional decorating tips
- Purchase multifunctional furniture: For example, versatile pieces that can double as storage, such as a hollow ottoman or a bed with drawers underneath.
- Use unused space to your advantage: Think about unused corners and blank walls. If you have some windows in your tiny living room, use windowsills to hold books, plants and other decorative objects.
- Store vertically: Utilize vertical areas to get items off the floor and create space. Floor-to-ceiling shelving gets items off the floor and creates a spaciousness without increasing the floor square footage. Stacking containers and pantry bins also are ways to accomplish this.
- Reflect on mirrors: When used as wall décor, mirrors can amplify light and create the illusion that a room is larger than it is. Try making a statement with decorative frames or even making a gallery wall.
- Put out plants: Whether they’re the hanging variety or in cute pots on your windowsill, plants really bring life into your rental home.
- Draperies that dazzle: Draperies are the quickest way to add instant height to any space. The trick is to hang them from where your wall meets your ceiling and let them slightly pool on the ground.
- Hang statement art: A large-scale piece can add a focal point to the design scheme and is another way to showcase your aesthetic.
- Layer to add depth: Create depth through layering, such as covering your bedding with multiple blankets and throw pillows. Remember that layering is not just about piling one design element on top of another; it’s also about creating contrast. Go for pieces that have varying materials, textures and patterns.
- Give white walls splashes of bold color: Where large expanses of bright or dark colors tend to overwhelm a small space, pops of bold, vivacious color throughout an otherwise white or neutral space add style and personality.
- Use room dividers: Curtains, sliding doors, or even taller furniture set on casters keep a small space flexible. When you want things to feel more open, you can remove them. But if you need a minute of privacy, close them up.
Where to buy furniture online
Shopping for furniture online is not only a breeze, but it can be fun. With a quick Google search, you can find plenty of options for browsing furniture online, reading consumer reviews, digging into specifications, and comparing prices. Many retailers offer discounted or free shipping on online orders. Do your homework before buying to make sure you find the best furniture option for your space and your budget.
Now that you have some decorating tips, don’t forget to protect all your belongings. Renters insurance covers the associated costs if you experience a covered loss. The amount covered will depend on the type of loss that occurred and the amount of coverage you have. Make sure your home sweet home is covered!
