Unsure on how to maximize the space in your tiny apartment? Trust me, I’ve been there and I know how frustrating it is. When you’re out of small Apartment ideas, not knowing what to do can be a bit overwhelming.

I’ve lived in a small apartment since I first moved out of my parent’s house when I was 18. Although my current apartment (a gorgeous 1050 square foot loft in downtown Atlanta) doesn’t feel small to me, many would say that it’s small in comparison to other lofts.

Either way, I know a thing or two about living in a tight space and desperately needing to come up with small Apartment Ideas and tricks to maximize on space. After a ton of trial and error, I’ve got small apartment living down to a science and I want to pass on the helpful tips I’ve learned along the way.

Most of these tips are simple and incredibly easy to put into use. They also don’t cost a ton to implement- honestly, what good are small apartment ideas if they don’t work for every budget?

1. Ditch the sectional and grab a smaller couch.

A small apartment is no place for a sectional! As nice as it is to be able to lay out, sectionals and large couches take up entirely too much space in small apartments.

When your couch is too big for your living room space, it becomes the awkward focal point of the room instead of being an accent to compliment the room in its entirety.

Instead opt for a smaller couch. Add throw pillows and blankets to make it extra cozy!

Here are my top picks for smaller sofas:

2. Or Forgo A Couch All Together.

Sometimes even a small couch is too much for tiny apartments. Chairs are the definition of small apartment decor. Instead look for cute, comfortable chairs to maximize the space in your living room. If your live in a studio and need your bed to double as your couch, definitely look at getting a futon.

3. Make the most of your wall space.

The walls in most apartments are often under-utlized. Use that empty space to your advantage, by hanging floating shelves throughout your place. No under the cabinet storage in your bathroom? Hang a small shelf on the opposing wall.

In need of a place to put your books? Hang a floating shelf in your living room. Short on cabinet space in the kitchen? Hang a shelf to store your spices and unused kitchen items.

4. Choose chairs that are multi-functional.

80% of the chairs that you have in your place should serve more than one purpose. Get an accent chair for your living room, that also looks good at your desk or small dining room table.

Having chairs that are interchangeable will save you space and money.

5. Use unexpected places for storage.

It’s important to get creative when it comes to storage in your home. Pack your sheets and blankets in bins under your bed or buy a coffee table that has space to put your books and remotes underneath it.

When you’re on the hunt for an ottoman, be sure to get one that opens- in it you can place all types of things. When searching specifically for small apartment decor, check places like TJ Maxx and the Container Store.

6. Use mirrors to make your place look larger using sunlight.

Natural light always makes a space appear larger and roomier. Let in as much sunlight as possible. If you don’t have a lot of windows in your space, no worries! A few well placed mirrors in your apartment will make all of the difference.

Place mirrors in a 45 degree angle towards the window- doing so will allow the light to bounce of your mirror and further into your apartment.

While mirrors can get expensive, one of my favorite smart apartment ideas is hunting through thrift stores to find second hand pieces at a discounted rate.

It’ll keep you from having to pay full price and you’ll be amazed at the rare, beautiful pieces you’ll find.

7. Declutter like Marie Kondo.

It doesn’t matter how big or how small your apartment is, if you’ve clutter everywhere, it will ALWAYS feel stuffy, claustrophobic and small. Downsize the amount of things you have.

If they’re in great condition, consider selling them on Facebook Marketplace or having a yard sale. You could also donate your items to places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

Either way it’s time to throw out things that you rarely use or items that don’t leave you with feelings of joy.

8. Paint the walls the right color.

Light colors always make a room bigger. Ask your landlord if you can paint your walls an off-white as opposed to that industrial taupe that so many apartment walls are painted.

When you paint the molding an even brighter color, it makes the room look large, airy and open.

9. Use dividers.

A few of these small apartment ideas work for any home and this is one of them. Dividers are perfect for studio living. They set clear defining lines in an open space floor plan.

Consider using a console table behind the couch to separate the kitchen from the living room or use a bookshelf to separate the bedroom from the other parts of the apartment.

Rugs in various parts of the room also help create a sense of boundaries and division in your small space.

10. Embrace your small apartment by making it cozy as hell.

Honestly, size isn’t everything. Own your small apartment by making it as cozy as possible. Fill it with aromatic candles or essential oils. Hunt endlessly for cute finds under small apartment decor when searching on Pinterest- think plush rugs and soft blankets.

Fill your space with plants to give a bit of life to your room. Drape throws over chairs. Make it your own den of happiness!

I hope you find these small apartment ideas helpful! Are there any ideas or tips I’m forgetting? Be sure to leave them in the comments below.