Whether you’ve recently moved into a chic condo downtown or bought your first starter home, adjusting to a small living space can be tough. I’ve lived in my fair share of small apartments, and have picked up a few tips & tricks along the way to maximize small spaces!

1. Keep your space Light & Bright

Choosing a light paint color will instantly make your space feel larger! For small spaces, I recommend Whites and Creams to give the room a lighter base that allows furniture & accessories to stand out. Try to stick to a simple color scheme throughout your space - consistency helps maximize spaces because it creates a more open look, and even-toned rooms trick the eye into thinking they’re more spacious than they are. Also, don’t underestimate the power of lighting! I recommend at least 3 light sources at varying heights in each room.

2. Choose Multi-Purpose Furnishings

When you are working with a small space, maximizing the functionality of your furnishings is key. For example, a tufted storage bench can provide seating in your living room as well as storage for extra blankets & pillows. A dining table can also serve as a desk, and a daybed can be used for both seating & a place for guests to sleep. Win-win!

3. Draw the Eye Up

Install curtains just below the ceiling of your room, ensuring they hang all the way down to the floor. Floor to ceiling curtains draw the eye up, which make your ceilings look higher and your space larger. Also, choose larger-scale art on your walls rather than smaller gallery items that may appear cluttered. I typically recommend hanging art at eye level, however hanging artwork above eye level can give the illusion of taller ceilings in a smaller space!

4. Strategically Place Mirrors

Mirrors can do wonders at making your space feel larger as they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Hang a large mirror near or across from a window, or in a high traffic area of your home like the entry way. Another option is to angle a mirror towards the focal point in your room as it will create the illusion of more depth. 

5. Choose Acrylic or Glass Furnishings

See-through furnishings don’t take up a lot of visual space, making the room feel larger while still providing functionality. They're also very versatile pieces and can be used in almost any room!

6. Take a Minimalist Approach

A room will appear much larger if there is minimum clutter or accessories lying around. Remove unnecessary items if they don’t serve a purpose or bring you joy.

7. Maximize Storage

If there is unused space under your couch or bed, put it to good use! Risers under the bed will accommodate under bed storage which can be used to store off-season clothing & shoes.