Do you have a small home and think furnishing it means going minimal, cold, or giving up style? Wrong. You can furnish a small home with style by choosing smart furniture, using every inch (even vertically!), and finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality.
This article gives you practical tips and smart ideas for small home decorating, featuring space-saving solutions like extendable consoles, expandable tables, floating shelves, and clever lighting tricks. Ready to turn a few square meters into a place you love?
1. Small apartment furniture ideas: choose space-saving and multifunctional pieces
When it comes to furnishing a small home, the first rule is clear: every piece of furniture should serve at least two purposes. That’s why extendable consoles are key: closed, they take up minimal space, and in a few easy steps, they become dining tables up to 3 meters long. Some models—like the Easy collection—even store the extensions inside.
Same goes for extendable tables: compact for daily use, spacious when guests arrive.
Other smart furniture for small apartments:
- Storage beds with built-in drawers
- Ottomans with hidden compartments
- Open bookshelves
- Wall-mounted or foldable desks
2. How to furnish a small home: use walls and free up the floor
Small spaces get cluttered fast, especially if the floor is filled with furniture. The trick is to furnish vertically. Walls and height are your best friends.
Try these smart tips:
- Swap traditional nightstands for wall-mounted shelves
- Mount your TV and create a light shelf wall
- Install a floating console in the entry or living room
- In the kitchen, use wall shelves for jars, spices, and accessories
3. How to furnish a small apartment using vertical space
When square footage is limited, vertical centimeters count. Furnishing tips for small spaces often come down to learning to look up—not just for visual tricks, but for functional opportunities.
If you have high ceilings:
- Lofts: perfect for a raised bedroom, reading nook, or micro office
- Loft beds: use the space underneath for a desk, wardrobe, or TV zone
- Full-height wardrobes: custom or modular to make the most of vertical space
- Raised platforms: add hidden drawers for storage
If your ceiling is standard height:
- Tall, slim bookshelves
- Stacked or floating shelves
- Vertical-style tables and consoles
- Vertical decor: stripes, ceiling-height curtains, or art arranged vertically
Bonus tip: use suspended or ceiling-track lighting: it clears floor space and adds a modern rhythm to your home.
4. Colors, materials and mirrors: visual tricks to expand your space
When space is tight, you can expand it visually with the right colors and materials. The goal? Lighten, brighten, and add depth.
Best colors for furnishing a small apartment:
- Light neutrals: white, beige, pearl gray, taupe
- Tone-on-tone palettes: create flow and coherence
- Bold colors? Yes, but use them on small accents like pillows or rugs
Materials that work best in small homes:
- Transparent surfaces: glass, plexiglass, acrylic
- Glossy or reflective finishes: reflect light and open up the space
- Light fabrics: go for linen, cotton, or sheer curtains
Mirrors: the secret weapon for small home decorating
- Large wall mirrors: double the perceived space
- Place mirrors across from windows: boost natural light
- Decorative mirrors: they’re as stylish as artwork
Lighting tips:
- Warm, diffused lighting: focus on ceiling or wall lights, avoid bulky floor lamps
Two perfect ideas for furnishing a small space:
- Extendable console with mirror above: a stylish, space-saving entryway combo
- Expandable table with a light or glass finish: practical and visually lightweight
Conclusion
Furnishing a small apartment isn’t impossible: start with the right ideas and go for smart solutions like extendable furniture, multifunctional pieces, light color palettes, and vertical compositions.
And if there’s not enough room for everything? Maybe it’s time for a little decluttering: keep what matters, let go of what doesn’t, and reclaim your space. Want help? Read our guide to decluttering.
With a few clever choices, even the smallest home can become your favorite place to be.