20 of the Smallest/Coolest Decorating Ideas That Make a Big Difference
Don’t be shy about adding some pep to your small space. We’ve rounded up our fave products, DIYs, and decor solutions that will add an oh-so-cool touch to any home without breaking the bank. Whether that means shopping for basic accent pieces that are a bit eclectic or determining how to best make your space do double duty, you’ll thank yourself when your apartment truly reflects your personality and needs. Seriously, what’s better than that?!
1. Brighten up
Small bathroom? Don’t fret. Give a petite space major life by covering the walls in a bold hue like Instagrammer Jessie Ruane did in her Brooklyn loft apartment. We love how the color pops against the original white tile border.
2. Shape your space
Construct your own bookshelf by grouping together small honeycomb-shaped wall shelves for a storage solution that’s both eye-catching and practical. Painting — individual hexagons as seen in this Omaha home — is an extra way to introduce color to your space. Don’t be shy — this can be done in any room of the house. Hang one on the bathroom wall to hold perfumes, one in the kitchen to stash spices… you name it.
3. Get snappy
Why shell out hundreds of dollars for fancy artwork when you have tons of frame-worthy images stored on your phone’s camera roll? This printer makes it easy to finally get your favorite snaps out of the cloud and onto your walls.
Buy: Fujifilm Mini Link Smartphone Printer, $99 from Urban Outfitters.
4. Stick it
In a small space, every surface is valuable — so by all means, consider the back of your apartment door a valuable blank canvas. New York renter Hattie Kolp gave her door a mini makeover by covering it in a bold wallpaper that makes her entryway sing.
5. Rethink your furniture scheme
With a chic black and white hue and a minimal footprint, what’s not to love about this sleek side table? Place it next to the sofa as you start your days with a podcast and cup of coffee, then bring it into the bathroom in the evenings to hold a glass of wine as you soak in the tub. It would make an adorable plant stand, too.
Buy: Mae Inlay End Table, $148 from Anthropologie.
6. Make walls count
When it comes to gallery wall placement, think outside the box. Why stick to the standard setup when you can draw attention to a beautiful archway by framing it with a display of photos? A New York studio dweller’s apartment proves that every inch of wall space is extremely valuable — and usable.
7. Bloom, baby
There’s no need to purchase fresh flowers once a week when dried blooms look just as lovely. Buy a few bunches, then group them together in your bedroom for a sweet, boho-like display, as Instagrammer Lowe Saddler did in her space.
8. Just climb
If this 187-square-foot school bus turned home can also fit a mini rock climbing wall, you’re not allowed to complain about the limitations of your petite living space ever again. A traveling family of four got ultra creative and incorporated this pop of fun without sacrificing the essentials.
9. Go higher
Why not expand your gallery wall up to the ceiling? Blogger and author Chelsey Brown did just that in her apartment and the look is very museum-esque. She also chose to slightly layer frames on top of each other to create an extra artful display.
10. Get plant happy
Create an urban jungle in your living room by weaving vines through a trellis like you’d ordinarily do on the back patio. This Toronto condo features large living room windows ripe for greenery, but if you’re worried your space doesn’t get enough light, you can always replicate the look with faux plants.
11. Dream big
No room for a large bed? You can still make a statement in your sleep space with a stylish headboard, as Instagrammer Lidia Salazar did. We recommend going with something textured, as seen here, or tufted, for maximum oomph.
12. Pull it together
Transform so-so furniture pieces in a snap with these drawer pulls. Terrazzo is a major yes for 2021, and the design is subtle enough to blend with your existing decor scheme. Plus, they’re extremely budget-friendly.
Buy: White And Black Terrazzo Knobs Set Of 2, $7.98 from World Market.
13. Get crafty
A San Diego apartment dweller made this designer-worthy artwork herself simply by splattering black paint on two blank canvases. Modern art doesn’t need to be expensive when you can go the DIY route — and burn off a little steam in the process.
14. Shine on
Upgrade a lamp that’s seen better days with a fun tufted option that makes a stylish statement. This Anthro piece is available in three different hues and is a splurge-worthy find that will shine for years to come.
Buy: Juneau Velvet Table Lamp, $268 from Anthropologie.
15. Make function fun
Who says your home can’t reflect your passions? In this Los Angeles abode, skateboard-shaped mirrors, vibrant hues, and a palm tree-shaped lamp add peppy doses of life to every corner. When shopping for essential pieces of decor, there’s no reason the selections you choose can’t be a bit off the beaten path.
16. Think multipurpose
C-tables are excellent for those who like to WFS (work from the sofa, that is!). After all, the coffee table is too low to place a laptop, but you need a trusty, solid surface. This one fits the bill for just $60 and comes equipped with a charging port featuring two outlets.
Buy: Norwich Marble Top C Table With Power, $59.99 from TJ Maxx.
17. Get scalloped
Liven up a door frame by adding a fun pattern to the surrounding area. Instagrammer Aileen Grodzinsky used Valspar Dust Bunny to paint a scallop trim. “I used a cereal bowl to make the circles, mapped out the circles with a pencil, and just went for it with some leftover trim paint I had,” she explains.
18. Stash it
Whether you hang this wooden plaque above your workspace to hold pens and pencils, in the bathroom to stash makeup brushes, or follow the more popular route of using it to hold faux flowers, you can’t go wrong. It’s an excellent way to add a subtle rustic touch to your space without going overboard, and for $20, you can’t beat the price, either.
Buy: 15″ x 10″ Medium Warm Wooden Plaque with Metal Mason Jars Brown – Threshold™, $20 from Target.
19. Go vintage
A petite floor lamp will take your living room from good to great in an instant, and a classic library style is always a winner. The good news? You can score a vintage-looking piece at an extremely reasonable price, thanks to this Amazon find. No one has to know it didn’t formerly sit in your grandfather’s study.
Buy: O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp, $69.99 from Amazon.
20. Go vertical
It’s a bookshelf, a desk, and a nightstand — thanks to the extra height, this leaning piece truly does it all in a small Boston apartment. Don’t be afraid to veer from the norm when it comes to furniture selections—unconventional choices can still look stylish, and most importantly, will ensure that your space meets your day-to-day needs.