How to Furnish a Small Apartment – 10 Proven Tricks to Gain Space and Functionality
Furnishing a small apartment is one of the most common challenges faced by property owners in Poland. Whether you have a 25 m² studio, a 35 m² apartment in a block, or a two-room interior up to 45 m², the right arrangement of a small living space can dramatically improve your comfort. The key is combining functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 proven tricks we use as interior designers when working with small apartments. These are practical, real-world tips based on experience that you can implement immediately.
This article will help you if you’re looking for topics such as:
how to furnish a small apartment,
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how to visually enlarge a small space,
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Let’s get to the details.
1. Light colors visually enlarge any small interior
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to make a small apartment feel larger is to use a light color palette.
Colors such as white, beige, warm gray, cream, or soft pastels reflect light and make a small space appear bigger and more open.
Why do light colors work?
they reflect natural light,
they create a sense of cleanliness and freshness,
they reduce the visual weight of furniture and walls.
Designer’s tip:
If you want to introduce darker elements, use them in accessories or in furniture with a light, airy form. A dark sofa can look great in a small apartment as long as the rest of the interior remains bright.
2. Mirrors – the best friend of a small apartment
A mirror is one of the most underrated elements in small-space design. When positioned correctly, it can even visually double the size of a small room.
Where is the best place to hang a mirror in a small apartment?
Opposite a window – it will reflect light and the view,
In a narrow hallway – it will widen the space,
Behind a table or sofa – it will create a sense of depth.
Tip:
Choose large-format mirrors. In small apartments, floor-to-ceiling mirrors or mirrors integrated into furniture work best.
3. Multifunctional furniture – a must-have in a small apartment
If you’re looking for ways to cleverly furnish a small apartment, multifunctional furniture is an absolute essential—especially in studios and apartments up to 40 m².
Examples of multifunctional furniture:
A sofa with storage for bedding,
A bed that folds into a wardrobe (Murphy bed),
A fold-out table that can double as a desk,
A coffee table with storage,
A shelving unit that separates zones within a single room.
Professional tip:
Avoid heavy, bulky furniture. In small apartments, pieces on legs or with a light, minimalist design work best.
4. Maximizing storage – floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
In small apartments, storage is key.
The smaller the space, the more important it is to plan every centimeter.
Best storage solutions for small interiors:
Floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinetry,
Built-in wardrobes with sliding doors,
Hallway wardrobes also extending to the ceiling,
Beds with drawers or lift-up frames,
Seating with storage compartments.
Designer’s tip:
Avoid open shelving – in small apartments, it creates visual clutter. Closed cabinets are far more effective.
5. Open space instead of walls – combining functions
In small apartments, the living room and kitchen are often combined, which allows for more light and a greater sense of space.
If you’re planning a renovation or designing from scratch, consider:
Removing unnecessary walls,
Opening the kitchen to the living room,
Combining the living room with the dining area,
Creating a single living space instead of several tiny rooms.
Why does this work?
The fewer the divisions, the more spacious, functional, and modern the interior feels.
6. Zones in a small apartment – how to define them?
Even in a studio apartment, you can define zones:
Relaxation area,
Sleeping area,
Work area,
Dining area.
Best tools for defining zones:
Rugs,
Lighting,
Changing wall colors,
Light partitions, movable screens, room dividers, shelving units.
Tip:
Instead of building walls, use a cabinet or shelf as a “separator.” This provides extra storage while preserving open space.
7. Lighting – the key to coziness and depth in small interiors
Lighting in a small apartment is often overlooked, yet it has a huge impact on how the space is perceived.
What lighting should you use?
Layered lighting: ceiling lights + wall sconces + lamps,
LED strips under kitchen cabinets,
Pendant lights to define zones,
Diffused light that visually enlarges the space.
Pro tip:
In very small apartments, avoid a single central light source. Layered lighting makes the space feel bigger.
8. Minimalism and tidiness – the key to a functional small apartment layout
In small interiors, every unnecessary item takes up space.
That’s why the foundation is functional minimalism, meaning you limit items left out in the open.
Designer’s rule:
If it doesn’t serve a functional or aesthetic purpose – it must go.
9. Monochromatic interiors make a space feel larger
A monochromatic design in a small apartment (e.g., different shades of beige or gray) makes the interior look calm and elegant. It eliminates the “cut-up” effect that breaks up the space.
Why do monochromatic interiors work?
Colors blend seamlessly,
They don’t create contrasts that shrink the space,
They look modern and airy.
10. Custom-made furniture – the best way to furnish a small apartment
Ready-made furniture rarely makes the most of the available space.
That’s why, in small apartments, interior designers often recommend custom-made furniture, such as:
Kitchen cabinetry,
Wardrobes,
Hallway furniture,
TV units,
Corner furniture.
Tip:
Well-designed custom cabinetry can replace 4–5 separate pieces of furniture. This is a huge space saver.
Summary – How to Furnish a Small Apartment to Make It Functional and Beautiful
Furnishing a small apartment doesn’t have to be a compromise. In fact, small interiors can be more functional, practical, and aesthetically pleasing than large ones—provided they are well designed.
Key principles:
Use light colors and visually enlarge the space,
Make use of mirrors,
Choose multifunctional furniture,
Maximize storage,
Open up the space and define zones,
Ensure good lighting,
Maintain minimalism,
Opt for custom-made furniture.