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As someone who has lived in multiple apartments over the years, I’ve become accustomed to creating a sense of “home” with the small space I’ve been given. Each place has been so unique, and despite my design style evolving through the years, there are certain ways to create a chic, youthful aura in your space.
Whether you’re moving into your first apartment after college or relocating to a new neighborhood, it’s time to start thinking about how you can add stylish touches to your home. I’ve rounded up some of the best chic apartment decor ideas that will instantly elevate your small space. Keep reading to see how you can easily recreate these looks.
More Apartment Decor Tips to Read About:
1. Install Eye-Catching Art In Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first thing you and your guests see when they walk into your apartment, so why not make it stand out? A great way to create a stunning entryway moment is to install eye-catching art pieces. The bolder and more oversized look will exaggerate the small space, which can make your apartment feel more like home.
Halley’s Commet Wall Art
Ace Rug Runner
2. Create a Beautifully Styled Coffee Table
There’s just something about a beautifully styled coffee table that makes your living room feel grounded. Not to mention, it adds character and personality to your home, too. Feel free to display beautiful coffee table books, a vase with florals, and your favorite candle to warm up the space. Even if you have a smaller coffee table, you can still create a similar look with fewer items.
Josh Young: Artful Home
Apotheke Earl Grey Bitters Candle
3. Add Custom Touches to Your Basic Kitchen
When it comes to decorating rental apartments, adding custom touches can transform a space. Many times, rental spaces have basic kitchens. However, that’s where a little imagination and DIY magic come in handy. You can install features like: peel and stick tiles, pot racks, art, and lamps on your kitchen counter to make the space come to life.
Lawerence Peel & Stick Tile
Rail Rack & Hooks
4. Create a Fun Bar Cart Moment
To be honest, there’s something so chic about having a bar cart in an apartment. When designed intentionally, it creates a stylish, yet functional moment. Display your nicest glasses on top and create extra storage using a cabinet console rather than a push cart.
St. Tropez Decorative Tray
Vance Cut Glass Drinking Glass
5. Thoughtfully Display Art & Literature
Take a moment for the arts in your small apartment. Whether you have a blank wall in your living room or entryway, thoughtfully displaying your favorite books on shelves below and framed art on the wall above will make a powerful design statement.
Dillon Modular Bookcase
Gallery Matted Frame
6. Make Space for a Dining Nook
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have everything you want — you just have to learn to work with the space you’re given. Making space for a dining nook is possible for the girl who loves to entertain and plan chic gatherings with friends.
Chroma Restaurant Table
Spindle Leg Bench
7. A WFH Setup That You Never Want to Leave
We can’t dream of a better place to work from home. That’s what’s so powerful about creating a desk setup you never want to leave. Investing in a stunning desk makes all the difference. Plus, the use of exaggerated art pieces and a large lamp compels the space to feel bigger than it actually is — which is a design hack that’s essential to small apartment living.
Quincy Wood Executive Desk
Greenwood Tapestry Wall Art
8. Add a Hutch for Additional Storage & Character
If your kitchen allows, adding a hutch or built-in cabinet will add a personal, stylish touch to the room. As someone who collects a lot of kitchenware, dinnerware, and cookbooks, this would be essential for me to add to the space. It’s an easy addition that you’ll appreciate so much in a small apartment.
Mysen Glass Cabinet
Holme Kitchen Island
9. Cute Accent Chairs Add Personality
When I added colorful, modern accent chairs to my living room, it instantly made the room feel stylish. Plus, it creates more seating options for friends. If your apartment allows, adding one or two accent chairs to your living room will elevate the aesthetic of your home.
Bennet Swivel Club Chair
Penn Chair
10. A Comfy Sofa is Always Chic
One thing I always recommend is investing in a comfortable sofa for your living room. It’s most likely the room you’ll spend the most time lounging in after work or with friends in the evening, so having a seating option everyone will feel comfortable in makes a world of difference.
York Slope Slipcover Sofa
Landry Sofa in Napa Charcoal
11. Install a Mini Home Library
The look of built-in bookshelves in an apartment will instantly create a cozy and chic feel in your home. I recommend using the Billy Bookcases from IKEA to recreate a look like this. There are so many colors and styles of shelves and cabinet doors to choose from, so you can create a custom feel in your living room, bedroom, or entryway.
Billy Bookcase
Billy/Oxberg Bookcase
12. Crisp Bedding with Cozy Pops of Color
When you live in a small apartment, finding ways to make the space feel bigger and luxe is a must. One way to do this in your bedroom is to keep your bedding a crisp white, percale material and add pops of color with a cozy blanket at the foot of the bed. To further add personality, roll out a colorful, geometric rug and place some round lumbar pillows on your bed for a decorative accent.
Everyday Percale Bookcase
