Here’s How to Make Your Apartment Feel Bigger

Apartment living can be a great experience, especially given the affordability. But apartments come with their own set of problems, as you've probably already discovered. Whether you just moved in or you're an old hand at dealing with the challenges of apartments, here are a few pointers to get the most out of your apartment.

1. Boost your storage space

Apartments generally vary in size from minuscule to roomy closet. We're kidding—mostly—but kidding aside, apartments can be small and seriously lacking in storage. The easiest ways to get around this is to be creative with the space you have. For instance:

• Use under-the-bed storage or find a bed with built-in drawers
• Hang cabinets and shelves on the wall to free up floor space but attractively store essentials
• Focus on multifunctional furniture pieces rather than decorative or single-function

2. Lighten up

Many apartments have poor lighting and few windows. This can make your space feel even smaller than it already is. Play with lighting by using full-spectrum light bulbs and avoiding dark curtains. Mirrors are also a great trick for brightening and opening up a room while giving an illusion of more space.

3. Customize carefully

One of the biggest challenges of renting an apartment is the inability to customize your space. But you can still make your home your own without losing your security deposit. Select accessories that hide your unpainted walls like large prints or standing lamps. You can also try temporary wallpaper for a big impact.

4. Upgrade your bedroom count

It's surprisingly easy to split a room into two different spaces, at least on a visual level. Purchase a room divider or hang a curtain to optimize your space. For a studio apartment, you can purchase or lease tall furniture to make natural divisions in "rooms."

Your apartment may be small, but there's no reason it can't feel roomy and comfortable.