How Not to Decorate a Small Apartment: 10 Tips

Viktoriya Pashinskaya explains how a small apartment can seem even smaller and what to do to visually expand the space.

Viktoriya Pashinskaya is a design expert and head of PV Design Studio. She is a member of the Moscow Designers' Union and regularly appears in TV programs on Channel One, TNT, MIR, and "Uсадьба".

Use dark tones carefully

You can paint all walls in a dark shade only if all furniture is light-colored. The most effective approach is to use dark colors zonally, playing on contrast.

Don't wallpaper all walls with too small or large patterns

You can, however, highlight one wall with a beautiful print. A good idea is to use patterns and horizontal wall divisions with moldings.

To visually expand the room, tile the wall opposite the window or perpendicular to it with mirrored tiles with facets.

Heavy furniture and cabinets with solid doors are not an option

To make the room look more spacious, choose light-colored furniture. Use open storage systems and furniture with transparent glass doors – if you're confident everything will be arranged neatly.

Too many accessories clutter the space

In a small apartment, accessories should be used in moderation. Let curtains, carpets, and other textiles be monochromatic – otherwise, the space will look cluttered.

Place furniture wisely

Don't occupy the center of the room with bulky items – instead, place them along the perimeter.

Give up heavy curtains

You can use them – but only moderately and in light shades. For a small room, fabrics with more than 50% light transmittance are best.

Overly large or small chandeliers can disrupt room proportions

Better to choose built-in spotlights, supplemented with wall sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps.

Too many colors are a bad choice

An interior looks good if it has no more than three colors at once – but the number of shades can be unlimited. Avoid overly bright colors, using them only as accents.

Multilevel ceilings are outdated

A ceiling with three or more levels will feel oppressive, but a two-level ceiling used thoughtfully for zoning can visually expand the room.

Also read:

• 5 Mistakes in Designing Rooms with Low Ceilings
• 11 Posts You Must Read If You Own a Small Apartment
• 10 Commandments for Owners of Small Apartments