Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Larger

When you're apartment hunting, square footage is usually one of the first numbers you notice after the price. But a number on a listing doesn't always tell the whole story. How a well-designed space actually feels to live in has a lot more to do with light, layout, and a few smart choices than it does with how many square feet are on the lease. 

A warm, homey vibe is possible anywhere. So, whether you're in a studio or a one-bedroom that's a little on the cozy side, there are ways to make a small apartment feel bigger without knocking down any walls – or losing out on your security deposit.

Let light do the work

Natural light is the easiest and most underrated tool for opening up a space. Keep window areas clear of heavy furniture, swap out dark or thick curtains for something sheer, and hang curtain rods close to the ceiling so the panels draw the eye up rather than cutting the wall in half. If natural light is limited, layer in warm artificial light – a few well-placed lamps do more for a room than a single overhead fixture ever will. 

And always remember, mirrors! One large mirror placed opposite a window can effectively double the light in a room and make the whole space feel like it has more depth.

Be intentional about furniture

The instinct in a small space is often to go small with everything – small couch, small table, small everything. But a few larger, well-chosen pieces usually work better than a lot of little ones that make a room feel cluttered and busy.

Look for multifunctional furniture for small spaces – a bed with built-in storage drawers, a dining table that folds down when it's not in use, a sofa that pulls out for guests. The less furniture competing for attention, the more spacious a room feels. 

Pieces with legs also help. They let light pass underneath and keep the floor visible, which makes a room feel airier than a sofa that sits flush to the ground.

Utilize vertical space

Most people decorate and organize from eye level down and leave everything above completely untouched. In a smaller apartment, vertical space is some of the most valuable real estate you have. Shelving that goes all the way to the ceiling draws the eye upward and makes the room feel taller. 

Keep in mind, the same goes for curtains. Mounted just below the ceiling, curtains can create the illusion of much higher walls. Add to that a tall bookshelf in a corner, which can anchor a room and add storage without eating into floor space.

Edit what's in the room

Small apartment decorating ideas tend to focus on what to add, but just as often, the answer is what to take out. Visual clutter, like too many small objects on surfaces, furniture pushed against every wall, and things without a clear home, makes a space feel smaller and more hectic than it actually is. Clearing even one surface completely can shift how a whole room feels. The goal isn't minimalism for its own sake, but giving the eye somewhere to rest.

Keep it consistent

One of the simplest ways to make a space feel more cohesive and larger is to limit the number of colors and materials competing for attention. A consistent palette – even just sticking to warm neutrals with one or two accent colors – makes a room feel intentional rather than cramped. It doesn't require a full redesign, but it might take a little targeted editing.

Portland apartments come in all shapes and sizes, and the right layout for your life is out there. It might just take a little thinking outside the square footage. 

Ready to find a space worth making your own? Browse affordable apartments in Portland, Oregon across Pinehurst communities and find one that fits your life.