10 Tips for Making Your Apartment Feel Bigger

You can still live large in a small apartment! Learn how to make your apartment look and feel bigger with these tips below.

Less is More

Embrace the minimalist mantra “less is more” to make your apartment feel bigger. Spend some time dejunking to get rid of anything you rarely ever use or look at. Only keep items that you use regularly – and that includes furniture. It’s important to be thoughtful and strategic with furniture so you only keep what is needed and used. The same applies to knick-knacks. Limit one item or two for every surface to avoid clutter.

Use Glass Tabletops

Whether it’s the kitchen table or coffee table, glass is a great material to use in smaller spaces. Unlike wood or other solid materials, glass offers the perfect transparent surface that reflects light. This means it won’t appear bulky or consume your living room. Plus, it’s so versatile, it can go with just about any style or theme you prefer, whether it’s modern, rustic, or vintage.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors are a common décor feature used to brighten and expand interiors. Instead of frames or artwork, consider using mirrors to disperse natural light and create the perception of more space. Place them across from windows or to reflect other features within your apartment. You could also opt for an oversized mirror and lean it against a wall to really maximize that sense of openness.

Choose Furniture with Legs

Sometimes, it’s the minor details that can make all the difference. If you’re on the hunt for new furniture, look for pieces that are perched up on legs. Whether it’s a couch or a lounge chair for the living room, having them, elevated adds a sense of airiness, openness and lightness to the entire space.

Avoid Using Drapes

Drapes can dress up the windows, but they can also detract from the view and reduce the light filtering inside. They can also make your place feel crowded in an already tiny room. Stick with blinds, light sheers or pulldown cloth blinds instead.

Emphasize Height

Use features to draw the eye upwards to emphasize the height and vertical space you have. A statement light, hanging plants, or even a tall shelving unit can achieve this. 

Multipurpose furniture

Multipurpose furniture can be really handy when you’re tight on square footage. Consider coffee tables that can double up as extra seating or tables that can be used as a home office too.

Group Furniture on One Side

If your place feels a bit claustrophobic, try placing furniture to one side to make it easier to walk through. 

Use light Fabrics and Colours

Darker, heavy materials and colours absorb light which is why they should be avoided for small interiors. Stick with light and neutral hues for your apartment, as well as lighter fabrics such as linen or cotton. Neutral walls and furniture also make it easier to add in splashes of colour through accent features that won’t take up much room and can be easily changed without much effort.

Keep it Tidy

It doesn’t matter how well-curated your furniture and décor are, if your place is messy, it will make your apartment look and feel much smaller. By minimizing all of the excess clutter, it’ll be much easier to keep things organized and tidy which will make your place feel more spacious.

Searching for the perfect apartment that suits your needs and budget in Ottawa? Check out our available listings at Rent in Ottawa. We have hundreds of spacious, comfortable and affordable places to discover throughout the city.