Frequently Asked Questions: How to Decorate a Small Apartment

Most owners of small apartments ask the same questions. We decided to answer the most popular ones in this post. Bonus — links to the most popular articles about organizing a small apartment on our site.

What do you mean by "small apartment"?

In Russia, a small apartment is usually called a studio up to 30 sq. m, a 2-room flat up to 45 sq. m, and a 3-room flat up to 60 sq. m with low ceilings (2.5 m and less) and tiny bathrooms. Generally, what you can find in typical Khrushchyovs and panel buildings. Though studios of 25 square meters are very popular among developers today.

What color to choose for walls in a small apartment?

The lighter, the better — walls will reflect light and visually expand the space. To avoid monotony, choose interesting tones — lavender, mint, peach, vanilla, pistachio.

Design: "Studio Volkovs"

How to lay laminate in a small room?

For narrow elongated rooms, the horizontal method of laying is suitable — it visually spreads the walls and avoids the effect of a shoe box. In rooms that are close to square shape, it's better to lay the boards diagonally (45 degrees).

Should tiles be large or small?

In a small space, small tiles look better — the room appears more proportional. Check out mosaics, "chicken" tiles or tiles with small patterns — they will look natural and unobtrusive.

How to visually increase ceiling height?

The optimal solution for low ceilings is high baseboards and cornices. It's preferable to paint them in wall color, and the cornice should be concave, transitioning onto the ceiling.

Bed or sofa?

A bed is more convenient by default. A sofa takes up less space — though, if you're ready to constantly disassemble and reassemble it. If the budget allows, consider a transformer design that lets you completely change the room's setup depending on the situation.

What to do if nothing fits in the bathroom?

In conditions of limited space, pay attention to furniture, appliances, and plumbing designed specifically for small apartments. For example, in the bathroom, a mini washing machine or shallow vanity unit will come in handy.

Where to find storage space?

Make wardrobes up to the ceiling, placing items for long-term storage, seasonal footwear, down jackets, and coats on upper shelves. Use furniture itself as storage space: for example, a footstool, the space under the table or on the wardrobe — you can place attractive boxes for rarely used items there.

Design: INT2Architecture

Design: Evgenia Matveenko

Design: Space4life

Design: Studio Bazi

How much does a renovation in a small apartment cost?

The cost, of course, depends on the area and scope of work. Designer Olga Andreyanova said that the average cost of a capital renovation in an apartment, including demolition of old systems and finishes, rough and finishing materials, replacement of plumbing and wiring, as well as repair works — starts from 15 thousand rubles per sq. m. For example, in a small studio of 32 sq. m, a capital renovation will cost nearly 500 thousand rubles. And that's without furniture.

What to read about renovation in a small flat?

• How to Arrange a Tiny Kitchen in a Khrushchyov: 8 Examples
  
• Design of a Small Apartment: A Post Everyone Should Read
  
• How to Decorate a Small Apartment: 10 Ideas from Our Designers
  
• 10 Mistakes in the Layout of a Small Apartment
  
• 10 Golden Rules of Designing a Small Apartment
  

Design: Maria Didiani