This post may contain affiliate links. Mommies with Cents receives free products for review purposes and may sometimes be compensated for posts but all opinions expressed are 100% my own. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.
For now, you’re cramped inside a tiny apartment because you just can’t afford anything bigger. Just because the space is small, however, doesn’t mean it needs to feel like a prison. Open up your living space by making a few subtle changes—it doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few quick, fixes, you can transform that box of an apartment into a space that seems downright palatial.
1. Clear the Clutter
Photo by nkeppol via Flickr
No one expects your apartment to look like the inside of a Martha Stewart magazine, but clearing a bit of clutter is an easy (and free!) way to open your space. Rather than leaving magazines strewn across your coffee table, gather them into a single area. Country Living recommends finding a seldom-used bowl or attractive tray to organize a cluttered space. Simply divesting yourself of clutter will make your living room instantly look larger.
2. Reconsider Your Window Coverings
Photo by Sarah Ross photography via Flickr
Those Venetian blinds may have come standard with your home, but they’re not doing your living area any favors. Begin by opening your blinds wide to let in natural light, which will make your space look warmer and more inviting. Then, invest in some inexpensive drapes. Long, solid-colored drapes hung from a curtain rod mounted 6 inches above window frames (or 4 inches if you have ceiling moldings) make a room look bigger, according to SF Gate. For an even more dramatic effect, match the new curtains to the room color to create a larger, uninterrupted space.
3. Invest in Mirrors
Photo by frenchfinds.co.uk via Flickr
Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and open up a space, but nobody wants wall-to-wall mirrors in a living area. To complement your overall design aesthetic, scour thrift sales and discount stores for inexpensive vintage mirrors. Don’t be put off by chipping paint or ugly colors. As long as the mirror itself is intact, it’s easy to refurbish with a new color for very little money. Simply use paint stripper to remove peeling paint before applying a new coat. Light colors such as robin’s egg blue or sea foam green make a great color palette for enhancing the appearance of spaciousness.
4. Rearrange the Furniture
Photo by urbanapts via Flickr
It’s tempting to shove all of the furniture against the walls to leave the most free space possible. However, this can actually make a space seem smaller than it really is. Get creative with your seating arrangement. To create a more open space, consider pulling a small couch or several chairs toward the center of the room. This creates a natural seating area that feels comfortable for guests. If you’re committed to the way your living room looks now, even pull furniture four to five inches away from the walls to make a space look larger.
5. Go Light
Photo by urbanapts via Flickr
Many small spaces have limited natural lighting. To get an idea of ways to make your lighting situation work, scope out similar apartments on www.ForRent.com to get some new ideas. If you think you can work with the light you have, be strategic about alternative lighting options. Look for unique floor or table lamps at thrift sales. Then, place them throughout the room to cast a steady, balanced glow in your space. Using light bulbs with a yellowish tint, rather than the blue cast of many fluorescent or LED lights, will make your home seem warmer and more open.