When living in a small apartment, every inch counts. But instead of knocking down walls or doing major renovations, we can actually make our home feel bigger just by adjusting the "soft decoration"—things like curtains, rugs, cushions, lamps, and small furniture.

These details shape how we see and feel a space. Today, let's explore how we can use these simple tricks to open up even the tiniest home.

Go light with colors

We've all heard it before, but it really works—light colors make a space feel bigger. For small homes, we can start by choosing white, beige, soft gray, or pale wood tones for the main color scheme. This includes curtains, throw pillows, wall art, and even sofa covers. When the colors are bright and soft, the room feels more airy and open. If we want a bit more life, we can add pastel colors like mint green or sky blue as accents.

Use mirrors smartly

Mirrors are one of our best friends in a small apartment. A well-placed mirror can reflect light and make a room feel like it's doubled in size. We can hang a large mirror across from a window to bounce natural light around, or even use mirrored cabinet doors in the hallway or living room. For a more stylish look, try decorative mirrors with thin black or gold frames.

Choose lightweight furniture

In small spaces, heavy and bulky furniture can feel overwhelming. Instead, we can pick slim, lightweight pieces—like a sofa with raised legs, an open-frame coffee table, or a see-through acrylic chair. These items create a visual flow and don't block our sight lines. Foldable or multi-use furniture like a storage ottoman or wall-mounted table also helps us save space while keeping things neat.

Hang curtains higher and wider

A simple trick to make the ceiling feel taller is to hang curtains closer to the ceiling, not just right above the window. We can also choose curtains that fall all the way to the floor and extend the rod wider than the window frame. This makes the window—and the whole wall—look bigger. Go for light fabrics like sheer white or linen to let in more light.

Layer the lighting

Instead of relying on a single overhead light, we can add layers of soft lighting to shape the mood and create depth. Think floor lamps in the corner, wall sconces near the sofa, or fairy lights draped on a shelf. Warm, low-intensity light helps the room feel cozy and inviting. If we add a dimmer switch or use smart bulbs, we can easily change the vibe depending on the time of day.

Keep things off the floor

A clean floor instantly makes a small home look bigger. So whenever we can, let's hang things up—wall-mounted shelves, floating nightstands, or even a small wall-mounted desk. This not only clears the ground visually but also creates more room to move around. The more we see of the floor, the larger the room feels.

Stick to a simple style

When decorating a small home, less is more. We don't need too many patterns or decorations. If we want to mix styles, try to stick with two or three key elements. For example, a soft Scandinavian base with a little touch of modern or boho. Too much visual clutter can make a room feel cramped. A few pieces of well-chosen decor go a long way in keeping things open and fresh.

Use vertical space

If we can't go wider, we can go higher. Make use of vertical storage—tall shelves, hanging planters, or wall hooks. We can display books, plants, or even photos vertically to draw the eye upward and make the ceiling feel taller. This also frees up floor space for more open movement.

Let's create space together!

Living in a small space doesn't mean we have to feel boxed in. With these soft decoration tips, we can create a home that feels spacious, stylish, and relaxing—no matter the size. Why not try one or two of these ideas this weekend? Let us know which tip you want to try first, or share your own small space hacks with us!