These are the 10 ways to make your small apartment look more expensive
I’ve tried it all when it comes to making my home feel more high-end. From layering lighting to adopting a less-is-more mindset, I stand by these fail-safe methods when it comes to introducing a sense of accomplishment into my space.
But, after recently moving into a new (and somewhat humble) abode, I’m on a mission to lengthen my list of golden rules, so I asked interior designers for their advice on making a confined space feel curated, considered, and chic. There’s no one right way to decorate a small apartment; however, if you’re looking to elevate your space and create a sense of timeless luxury, these ten interior designer-approved tips will help guide your design.
This designer advice proves that no matter how small your space is, anything is possible with a keen eye and clever design choices.
1. Be clever with furniture choices
(Image credit: Future)
There are many small apartment design rules, but one of the most crucial is the selection of furniture. In small spaces, it’s all about opting for high-quality, competent pieces; there’s no room (literally) for wishy-washy, non-descript pieces that add little value to the space.
Interior designer Dominique Bonet, Lead Designer at LD&D, explains, ‘Emphasize quality over quantity. In smaller spaces, every item is magnified. Prioritize a handful of high-quality pieces with strong craftsmanship and materials rather than overfilling the apartment with mass-produced furniture. This restraint instantly makes a space feel more luxurious and intentional.’
Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein emphasizes scale, particularly when embracing furniture trends. ‘Furniture selection is key. Large, heavy pieces can overwhelm a smaller room, while slimmer silhouettes give it breathing space. A velvet accent chair, a marble side table, or a slender console with hidden storage adds an instant sense of quality without requiring much square footage.’
2. Go big with window treatments
(Image credit: Future)
You might be tempted to tone down the window treatment ideas in a small apartment, but it’s worth knowing that going big with drapes, blinds, or shutters can actually make your space feel more accomplished and impactful.
Cathryn Erickson of Cathryn Lindsey Design explains the power of scale when incorporating window treatment trends in your space. ‘In a small apartment, every piece has to pull its weight, so don’t be afraid to go a little extra luxe with each choice. Floor-to-ceiling drapes are a must, especially in a rich color, texture, or pattern, to be sure they make a statement. Plus, carrying your window treatments to the ceiling makes the entire space feel larger. In a small apartment, there’s no room for filler, so choose every piece with intention and impact.’
Longer drapes or curtains create the illusion of taller ceilings and grander architecture, giving your small apartment an instant more expensive feel. Something like Anthropologie’s Harlowe Curtains, tried and tested by our own Style Editor, have a lovely weight and the embroidery adds just the right amount of interest.
3. Decorate with mirrors
(Image credit: Trove by Studio Duggan)
Whether you’re working with a studio apartment or a larger loft space, nothing beats the impact that mirrors bring. They instantly open up a confined space and create the illusion of more room, giving a small apartment a more luxurious, brighter, and grander feel.
Interior designer Nick Poe, Founder of Studio 31 Arch, explains that mirrors make a room look bigger, ‘For small apartments, light mirrors and light colors help expand the light and make the space feel bigger.’ He adds, ‘Mirrors will help a lot, and they can go on doors, cabinets, and walls. Prioritize mirror locations to reflect windows.’
If your small apartment feels a little dark and confined, adding a large-scale mirror to a living room wall or above a console in an entryway can make all the difference. Nina adds, ‘Mirrors and reflective surfaces can work wonders, pulling light through the room and helping it feel brighter and more expansive.’
Burlwood Oval Wall Mirror
For an organic touch, add this burlwood mirror above a mantel or on an empty wall. Although simple, it’ll lift the space and create the illusion of more room.
Whether hung in an entryway or bathroom, this bobbin mirror will give your small apartment personality and provide an unexpected dose of color and texture.
Reminiscent of Art Deco designs, the Avery mirror is an ultra-chic choice that will give your apartment an instantly elegant feel, no matter where it’s placed.
4. Invest in artwork
(Image credit: Future)
Not only is decorating with art a mood-boosting small space idea, it gives an apartment an instant sense of character and curation, qualities that all high-end apartments exude.
Brittney Luedecke, founder of Signature Styles by Brit says, ‘Invest in artwork first because it gives personality and that high-end feel right away whether it’s from a local artist you admire or even a handmade piece you happen to find at a place like HomeSense, the point is to choose something that speaks to you and then slowly trade out those temporary filler pieces for things that actually have presence.’
Andrea Sinkin says that art is a cheap thing to thrift that will make your home look more expensive. ‘To make a small space, whether it be an apartment or a home, or a condo, feel more expensive, go wild with art. Hang art everywhere. It will feel collected and interesting. You want large oversized pieces. Small pieces. Galleries. If you have an open wall, get one massive piece. That instantly elevates a home interior and gives you a very curated look.’
Cathryn agrees that you should aim to create a statement with your artwork. ‘Get rid of the scattered small frames picked up here and there, and go bold with one oversized piece or a full gallery wall to give the space that curated, high-end studio energy.’
Intaglio on blue grasscloth
Inspired by vintage styles, this grasscloth picture frame will elevate your gallery wall in an instant. Fill it with a mini print or keepsake for a charming display.
The Beacon Wall Art 18″ x 24″
Bold and striking artwork is the key to a high-end-looking space. This one-of-a-kind painting will give your living room a sense of curation and accomplishment.
America First Winner America Cup Framed Oil Painting Print on Canvas in Antiqued Gold Frame
Vintage paintings will give a newer apartment that all-important sense of heritage. This seascape picture is the perfect accessory for a space that needs some character.
5. Bring the outside in
(Image credit: Future)
A fail-safe way of making the confines of a small space feel non-existent is by welcoming nature in. Adding organic textures and touches of greenery gives a smaller apartment a sense of not only tranquility but also elegance, automatically elevating the space.
Biophilic design will make your small apartment feel far more established and luxurious. Nina says, ‘Beyond aesthetics, a small apartment can feel luxurious when it supports wellbeing. Adding natural textures such as wood, plants, or woven fibers introduces biophilic cues that our brains are hardwired to respond to. Neuroaesthetic research shows that natural irregularity, whether in a live-edge tabletop or a handmade rug, calms the nervous system and enhances mood.
Introducing natural materials is something Dominique encourages, too. ‘Wood, stone, and other organic finishes instantly create a sense of timeless luxury. Even a small detail, like a stone tray, marble accent, or textured wood surface, can elevate the overall aesthetic and add depth.’
6. Decorate with light colors
(Image credit: Future)
Choosing a color scheme for your small apartment can be tricky. However, if you’re looking to create an expensive-looking home, lighter colors are your best bet. Pale shades will open up a small space and serve as the perfect backdrop for more interesting decor.
I’m not saying you can’t decorate with a moody color palette; in fact, rich, jewel-toned furniture and decor will make your apartment feel high-end and luxurious. However, when it comes to selecting a wall color, it might be best to avoid shades that stray into the overly deep. Nick says, ‘Avoid dark colors, especially dark paint colors for walls or ceilings, as the darker colors come forward, which will make the space feel smaller. Think of layering objects in foreground, mid, and background to accentuate depth.’
Take inspiration from more neutral paint trends, and introduce bolder color through accent pieces. Mugdha Deshmukh, founder of MGU Design, explains, ‘I would encourage keeping the color palette neutral and adding only a few accent pieces. For example, an ivory sofa paired with wooden chairs, and then have the rug in an accent color, or the same combination and switch the rug color for accent chairs.’
7. Always add a rug
(Image credit: Studio Duggan)
Not only does a rug ground a living room, it creates an instant sense of warmth and coziness that makes all the difference in any small apartment. It’s also an easy tactic to give your home a more luxurious feel. A rug enriches a room, covering it in a plush pile that automatically creates a sense of ambience and grandeur.
Rug trends are your best friend when designing your small apartment. They’ll quietly sing against your furniture and connect your pieces together. Britney explains, ‘I always remind people not to skip a rug because even in a small apartment, it’s what grounds the whole space and makes it feel finished. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but the right rug pulls the furniture together and suddenly the room feels intentional instead of just pieces floating around.’
A rug is an essential piece you should own if you live in a small space. It can transform a one-dimensional room, restricted in size, into a well-designed, welcoming sanctuary that feels expensive and thoughtful.
Mahalia Handwoven Wool Rug
Nothing beats a Persian-style rug. The Mahalia style is a timeless choice that will enwrap a room with color and pattern without dominating.
Pierce & Ward Deco Border Handwoven Wool Rug
The perfect accent piece, this Art Deco-inspired rug will sing alongside any style of furniture you place it under. It’s a timeless piece that will stand proud for years to come.
Lariat Hand-Tufted Rug
Antique Ivory / Sand 10′ 0″ x 14′ 0″
Jute rugs are the perfect way to give a room warmth and texture. The beauty of the Lariat style is its scalloped border; it’s unique enough to notice without overwhelming a small living room.
8. Layer lighting
(Image credit: Marianne Evennou)
As someone who lives in a small home, I’m more than familiar with the power of lighting. Whether it’s vintage lighting or more contemporary styles, scattering lamps throughout your space will give your apartment competence and that all-important sense of ambience, a quality that even the most high-end penthouses radiate.
Dominique explains the power of layering lighting. ‘Use lighting as a design tool. Layered, warm lighting can completely transform a small apartment, making it feel curated and dimensional. Combining natural light with strategically placed sconces, floor lamps, or table lamps adds richness without requiring more square footage.’
It’s important to consider the height and scale of your lighting, too. A small living room would look best with a variety of lighting styles and sizes, for example, a statement floor lamp and several lamps scattered on your bookshelves.
Making a small apartment feel bespoke is far easier with the right lighting. This classic design will illuminate your walls and give your space a high-end, luxurious vibe.
Wood Trumpeted Table Lamp – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Table lamps are just as crucial as overhead lighting in a small apartment, and this trumpeted style is so chic. Inspired by mid-century designs, it’s guaranteed to provide character and depth.
Ravello Rattan Sconce Wall Light
When it comes to making a small apartment feel luxurious, textured lighting is always a good idea. Rattan allows light to filter through, creating a beautiful shadow effect on the walls of any room.
9. Add ceiling trim
(Image credit: Little Greene)
It’s not just furnishings and decor that can make a small apartment feel more expensive; architectural touches like molding and trim will give the bones of your space depth and an instant sense of grandeur.
‘Incorporating extra trim on walls and around door openings adds visual depth and makes a space feel more layered and stately’, says Laura Lees Gilbert. ‘Trim frames the openings in a room, creating intentional visual transitions that feel harmonious and well-planned. It’s a relatively low-cost, understated upgrade with visible impact.’
If you’re a renter, making permanent changes to your space might not be possible, particularly decorative features like crown molding; however, ceiling trim ideas that use peel-and-stick wallpaper can create just as much impact and personality.
10. Steer clear of fleeting design trends
(Image credit: Studio Duggan)
Ultimately, what will make your small apartment feel high-end and impressive is its timelessness. Aim to follow interior design trends that have sophistication at their core, rather than shock factor.
Interior designer Sophie Head explains, ‘Focus on fewer things, better quality over quantity. A standout piece that is a talking point draws the eye. Each main element should have its own story, for example, where it is from or what it means to you. Draw the eye and the mind and heart.’
She adds, ‘Your apartment isn’t a showroom, it is your living, breathing space that reflects your personality. Don’t be shy of creating contrasts in materials and colours, but avoid clashes.’
Dominique says that following timeless decorating ideas will make or break your small apartment. ‘Invest in timeless over trendy. Avoid chasing fleeting design fads, especially when it comes to flooring or larger furniture pieces that are costly and difficult to replace. Instead, anchor the space with neutral, classic modern designs defined by clean and harmonious lines. Then, introduce a few statement accents to layer in flair and sophistication.’
The key to making your small apartment feel high-end and expensive is being intentional and thoughtful with what you bring into the space and where you place it.
Remember, says interior designer Nina Long, ‘In a small space you have to be more particular and thoughtful as to what you place in it. Keep it simple and uncluttered. You don’t need ten accessories on a side table, or four different blankets over the sofas. Less is more in a small space, purge or sell things that don’t go for a cleaner environment that feels light and airy.’
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