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 right at the stage of wall finishing — and then you won't need to try to expand the space using only furniture and accessories.

Light tones

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

Secondly, in a monochromatic interior, it's very important to play with textures: for example, paint some walls and decorate others with decorative panels or textured finishes.

Design: Olga Boytsova

Accent wall

Highlight one wall not only with texture but also with color. This technique helps draw attention away from the limited 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 effective are finishes with a silk effect — such options exist, for example, from the Italian manufacturer Loggia in the Montenapoleone Vanesia, Velluto Florentino and other collections. Let's look at them in more detail.

Montenapoleone

EffectSilk Fabric

Damask

Type of FinishWear-resistant

In silver base

ApplicationTwo-layer with a kelma

Colored according to the catalog

Montenapoleone Fabric Effect Finish, Loggia

EffectSilk

Refined, worn

Type of FinishGentle

With silver or golden shimmer

ApplicationTwo layers with a brush

Colored according to the catalog

Vanesia Fabric Effect Finish, Loggia

EffectFlorentine Silk

Velvet-like

Type of FinishGentle

With silver or golden shimmer

ApplicationIn two layers

With a kelma or spatula. Colored according to the catalog

Velluto Florentino Fabric Effect Finish, Loggia

These finishes are an excellent option if you want to achieve a luxurious look while saving money. Their cost is much lower than that of fabric wallpapers, and the application work is also significantly cheaper.

An important feature: some silk stucco finishes, such as Montenapoleone, contain real fibrous fiber, meaning it's not just imitation fabric but actual silk on the walls. The fibrous fiber in the material composition not only gives it a luxurious appearance but also prevents micro-cracks from forming on the walls, which is very important for new construction.

And most importantly — the decorative finish can even be applied by yourself. To do this 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 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 surfaces, natural fabrics, ceramics. Another option is to choose semi-matte finishes, such as semi-matte paint.

Design: Andrey Barinov

Doors in the same tone as the walls

Hidden doors also help visually increase space — since the wall surface remains unbroken, and the room instantly looks more spacious. This solution can be implemented with wallpaper, paint or 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 do not always help make a room look visually larger — often the effect is the opposite. Especially when it comes to wall decoration: don't be afraid of large, bright prints, big pictures and posters.

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

Design: Nika Vorotynceva

On the cover: Anna Rims' design project