Creative Ways to De-Clutter and Decorate Your Apartment

Decluttering and designing your home can be a tricky balance. You want to create a functional, beautiful space that reflects your personal style, but you might not have a lot of money or square footage to work with. If you live in an apartment, the challenge is even greater. However, there are plenty of small tricks that will make a big difference when it comes to making your small apartment feel like home. With the right mix of lighting, furniture, accents, and storage solutions, any space can appear much larger and more beautiful than it really is. These tips will help you declutter and design your home – no matter how small the space may be.

Organize Before You Decorate

Before you begin shopping for furniture and accessories, you’ll want to get your home in tip-top organizing condition. Especially when it comes to apartments, it is important to make the most of your small space. There are a few key areas you’ll want to focus on first. If you have clothes and shoes taking up all the space in your closet, you’ll have more trouble fitting all your belongings into a smaller space. Tackle your closet by removing everything and sorting items into piles based on the following criteria: keep, donate, sell, and repair. Throw out anything that is too worn, broken, or doesn’t fit. 

You’ll also want to look inside your cabinets and tackle items that are taking up too much space. You can do this by sorting items into categories, such as food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. You can also utilize baskets and storage containers to keep certain things together. Lastly, don’t forget to clean out the drawers in your kitchen and vanity. Make sure to sort items into the same categories mentioned above.

Utilize Mirrors To Create The Illusion of Space

Mirrors are one of the best ways to instantly make your home look larger, brighter, and more open – especially when placed on the wall behind your couch or bed. If you have a small living room, place a mirror against the wall behind your couch to reflect the other side of the room. If you have a small bedroom, place a mirror against the wall behind your bed to reflect the adjacent wall. Alternatively, if your space is too small for a full-length mirror, you can place a mirror on top of your TV stand, vanity or bookcase. You can even hang a small mirror from the wall to create the illusion of more space.

Add Natural Light and Brighten Up The Room

Natural light is a must-have in any small space, as it will help brighten the room, increase energy, and make the space appear larger. If you have a window or a skylight in your apartment, ensure it is put to good use. If you can, purchase blackout curtains to control how much light enters your space at different times of the day. You may also want to consider installing a light fixture above your window to direct light into the room. Or, if you have a skylight, you may want to purchase a light shade (also known as a light shield/filter) to block out excess light while still allowing light to shine through.

Hang Objects From The Ceiling

Another great way to add decor to your room without taking up much space is to hang objects from the ceiling. Ceiling fixtures are a great way to add light to a room and add a decorative element. If you don’t want to go that route, try hanging swings or chandeliers from the ceiling. Alternatively, you can hang a hammock from the ceiling to create a tropical vibe. You can also use ceiling hooks to hang plants or potted plants from the ceiling to give the room a natural and relaxing vibe.

Choose Furniture That Fits Your Space

When purchasing furniture for a small apartment, you’ll want to choose pieces that are small in scale but big in style. Stay away from overstuffed couches and large coffee tables, as they will take up a lot of space. Instead, you may want to opt for armchairs over couches, ottomans over coffee tables, and smaller side tables. When choosing a TV stand, you can either go with a small stand or mount the TV to the wall to save room. It can also help to pick up a few accent pieces that you can use to break up the space and add some visual interest.

Add Color and Texture with Paint

Painting is a quick and easy way to transform your apartment and add color and texture. Remember to pick a paint color that will go with most of your furniture and accessories. You can also use wall decals or paint brush strokes to add a bit of character. If your walls are a bit drab, you can use this opportunity to repaint them in a fun, unique way. Try adding a splash of color or pattern to your walls with an accent wall. This is a fun way to spice up a room while staying within a smaller budget.

Utilize Storage Options That Add Functionality

When it comes to storage, there are plenty of stylish and functional options out there. You can choose to add more storage to your apartment by installing bookshelves, adding more shelves to your wall, or purchasing stylish containers to store your TV remotes and other small items. You can also try using the space under your bed for additional storage. If you have a small apartment, you can maximize the amount of storage you have by thinking creatively. For example, you can use your kitchen to store items that would otherwise go in a living room or entryway. You can also use your bathroom as an additional storage area.

Showcase Art and Your Favorite Things

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on artwork to make your apartment look beautiful. You can use what you already have, such as photos, paintings, posters, and other items that hold sentimental value. Alternatively, you can try making your own artwork with things that you have around the house, such as fabric, old books, or other household items. You can also use plants as decorative pieces in your home, as they add color and character to any space. You can also try showcasing your favorite things by creating a mantle or a small bookshelf near your front door. Simply collect your favorite items, such as souvenirs, trinkets, and books, and display them proudly.

Conclusion

There are so many creative ways to declutter and design your home – no matter how small the space may be. Before you begin shopping for furniture and accessories, you’ll want to get your home in tip-top organizing condition. The first step is eliminating clutter, especially in your closet, cabinets, and drawers. Then, add natural light and brightness to the room. Finally, use your creativity to showcase your style and personality through unique and stylish ways.