Let’s face it…apartments aren’t known for their large space. According to RENT Café the average size in the United States is 934 square feet. For renters and tenants, this means one thing: every square inch counts.
There are several ways to use the layout of your apartment to create a welcoming, cozy home. As you decorate, consider the following:
Balance looks better: While most of us strive for balance in our lives, few people strive for it inside the living room. But furniture requires this, especially in small areas. According to the Apartment Guide blog, there are two types of balance: asymmetrical and symmetrical. With the former, different types and sizes of furniture are used to complement each other (a large sofa placed underneath several picture frames, for instance). With the latter, two of the same are used to achieve consistency (identical end tables, for example).
Use your walls: What apartments lack in floor space, they make up for in wall space. In short, go vertical. Install shelves, hang up artwork, and buy tall floor lamps. All of this works to visually lengthen a room.
Take advantage of drawers and compartments: Desk, baskets, and bookshelves are ideal for people who need space. Anything that allows you to store things – blankets, board games, books, etc. – provides more space. So, stay away from the basic table and opt for a chest of drawers, instead.
Use focal points: Per the San Francisco Gate, one way to make your apartment more efficient is to arrange your furniture around focal points. Consider what each room is for and set up things accordingly. Fireplaces, windows, and televisions make great focal points for living rooms. A good flow doesn’t only make your apartment feel less chaotic, but it frees up space, which helps it feel bigger, too.
Pull furniture away from the wall: Sure, it’s tempting to place everything you own up against the wall and out of the way, but this makes your apartment look smaller. This isn’t to say everything needs to be piled up in the center of your living room, but use your space – all your space – to create a layout the flows.
Of course, cutting down on what you own helps, as well. If the minimalist lifestyle isn’t right for you, consider parting with your things for the time being. Rent a storage space or sneak over to your friend’s house with a U-Haul when they’re out of town (you know, the friend with the big basement). That, as well as any of the above, makes your apartment life simple and enjoyable. Less may indeed be more, after all.
If you’re looking for a new place to call home, contact us today. We offer luxury living for those who want to reside in style.