How to Make a Small Apartment Feel Larger: 5 Ways

If you have a small apartment, it's worth considering how to make the space visually more spacious even during the wall finishing stage — then you won't need to rely solely on furniture and accessories to expand the area.

Light Colors

The most obvious method that always works 100%. But there are a few nuances. First, to visually expand the room, choose main furniture and accessories in matching tones — and then add a few accent items to prevent the space from looking flat.

Second, in a monochromatic interior, it's important to play with textures: for example, paint one part of the walls and decorate another part with decorative panels or textured finishes.

Design: Olga Boytsova

Accent Wall

Highlight one wall not only by texture but also by color. This technique helps draw attention away from the small area, making the space deeper and more interesting. You can decorate one wall with printed wallpaper or paint it in a contrasting shade.

Design: Anna Rims

Even more impressive are fabrics with a silk effect — such as those offered by the Italian manufacturer Loggia in their Montenapoleone Vanesia, Velluto Florentino and other lines. Let's look at them in detail.

MontenapoleoneSilk EffectSilk Fabric DamaskType of FinishDurable Silver baseApplicationTwo-layer with a rollerColor matched to the catalog

Montenapoleone Fabric with a Fabric Effect, Loggia

VanesiaSilk EffectVelvetNoble, WornType of FinishGentleWith silver or golden shimmerApplicationTwo-layer with a brushColor matched to the catalog

Vanesia Fabric with a Fabric Effect, Loggia Velluto Florentino

Silk EffectFlorentine SilkVelvet-likeType of FinishGentleWith silver or golden shimmerApplicationTwo layersWith a roller or spatula. Color matched to the catalog

Velluto Florentino Fabric with a Fabric Effect, Loggia

Such finishes are an excellent choice if you want to achieve a luxurious look while saving money. In addition to their significantly lower cost compared to fabric wallpapers, the application process is also much cheaper.

An important feature: some silk stuccos, such as Montenapoleone, contain actual fiber wool, meaning they are not just fabric imitation but real silk on the walls. Fiber wool in the material composition not only gives it a luxurious appearance but also prevents micro-cracks in walls, which is important for new constructions.

And most importantly — the decorative finish can be applied even by yourself. To do it correctly, just attend a free masterclass — Loggia regularly holds them.

Glossy or Semi-Matte Surfaces

Just like mirrors, a favorite trick of designers for small apartments. Glossy walls and facades reflect light, making any interior brighter and the room feel more spacious.

The key is not to overdo it: too much gloss can make the space uncomfortable. Therefore, glossy surfaces, glass and mirrors work best when combined with other, more “warm” textures — matte finishes, natural fabrics, ceramics. Another option is to choose semi-matte finishes, such as semi-matte paints.

Design: Andrey Barinov

Doors Matching Wall Color

Hidden doors also help visually expand the space — since the wall surface is uninterrupted, the room instantly looks more spacious. This solution can be implemented with wallpaper, paint and any other materials — it depends on your creativity.

Design: Alena Chekalina

Design: Dasha Ukhlinova

Wallpaper with Perspective or Large Art

Compact furniture and small decor don't always help make a room look visually larger — often the effect is the opposite. Especially when decorating walls: don't be afraid of large, vibrant prints, big pictures and posters.

And all the above-mentioned techniques can also look great together: see how designer Nika Vorotynceva combines textured surfaces, rich tones, wall art and a hidden door!

Design: Nika Vorotynceva

On the cover: Anna Rims' Design Project