Living in a 600 square foot apartment isn’t easy, but the right decor ideas can turn a cramped spot into a cozy, stylish home.
Small apartments demand a bit of creativity and planning to squeeze out every bit of space.
Most folks struggle to make their tiny living areas feel organized and open. The trick is to get clever with your layout and storage.
Go for multi-functional furniture, use your vertical space, and stick with lighter colors if you want your place to feel bigger and brighter.
Smart storage and thoughtful furniture placement can really open things up. With a little imagination, even the smallest apartment can look good and work well.
1. Functional Zones with Area Rugs
Area rugs do wonders for breaking up an open space. Toss one under your sofa and coffee table to carve out a cozy living area.
Lay down a different rug in your dining spot to set it apart. Suddenly, your 600 sq ft apartment feels more organized and intentional.
Layering rugs? Totally works. Try a smaller accent rug on top of a big neutral one to add style and define conversation areas.
2. Floating Shelves for Vertical Storage
When floor space is limited, look up. Floating shelves add storage without eating up room.
They “float” on the wall, giving you a modern look and spots to stash books, plants, or knickknacks.
You can put them anywhere—kitchen, bathroom, living room, you name it. Use them for spices, toiletries, or your favorite photos.
3. Choose a Fold-Out Murphy Bed
A Murphy bed is a lifesaver in a 600 sq ft apartment. Fold it up when you’re not sleeping, and you get your living space back.
Many modern Murphy beds come with built-in storage or even a desk. You get a bed and a workspace all in one.
Some models don’t need wall mounting, which is great for renters. Pick a style you love and make sure it’s easy to use.
4. Nesting Tables in the Living Area
Nesting tables are a small apartment’s best friend. Stack them when you don’t need them, and pull them out for guests.
Glass-topped nesting tables keep the room feeling open. Your living area looks bigger and less crowded.
Slide them under your sofa if you need extra floor space. They’re flexible and easy to move around.
5. Statement Gallery Wall
A gallery wall adds personality fast. It’s like jewelry for your walls—suddenly, your space has character.
Pick art and photos that make you happy. Mix up prints, snapshots, and little decorative items for a look that’s all your own.
Play with layout before you start hanging. A balanced arrangement makes the room feel bigger and more put together.
6. Large Mirror to Amplify Light
Mirrors bounce light around and make tiny places feel huge. Hang a big one across from your window to maximize natural light.
Go for a slim or frameless mirror for a more open vibe. It’s a simple move that pays off with a brighter, airier apartment.
Angle mirrors to reflect your favorite view or a cool corner. Even if your place is small, this trick makes it feel open.
7. Add Indoor Plants
Plants liven up a small apartment instantly. Snake plants and pothos are easy to care for and thrive in little spaces.
Hang pothos from the ceiling or perch them on shelves to save floor space. Snake plants clean the air and barely need any attention.
Try a few plants near windows or in empty corners. Even with just 600 square feet, you can fit more greenery than you’d think.
8. Curtain or Screen Room Divider
Dividing up your space helps keep things organized. Curtains are easy to pull back if you want things open.
Screens give you privacy and can add a decorative punch. Folding screens come in tonsof styles.
Bookcases can act as dividers and storage at the same time. Or hang a sheer curtain from the ceiling for a softer, less permanent solution.
9. Multi-Functional Furniture Like Storage Ottoman
Storage ottomans do it all—they’re extra seating, a coffee table, and a spot to stash stuff. Perfect for small spaces.
Look for other furniture that does double duty. Lift-top coffee tables can become desks or dining tables.
Ask yourself if each piece can work in more than one way. You’ll get more out of your square footage without giving up comfort or style.
10. Under-Bed Storage Drawers
Don’t let the space under your bed go to waste. Slide in some drawers for off-season clothes, bedding, or shoes.
You can buy ready-made drawers or DIY it with shallow bins on wheels. It keeps your stuff dust-free and your floor clear.
Measure your under-bed space before you shop. That way, you’ll get storage that fits just right.
11. String Lights for Cozy Ambiance
String lights make your apartment feel warm and homey. Drape them over your balcony railing or across a wall for a soft glow.
Wrap them around windows or tuck them in glass jars for DIY lamps. String lights add charm without taking up space.
They’re perfect for relaxing evenings—way better than harsh overhead lights.
12. Use Stackable Kitchen Containers
Stackable containers are a game-changer in a small apartment kitchen. They let you use vertical space and keep everything neat.
Clear containers make it easy to see what you’ve got. Square or rectangular ones fit better in cabinets than round ones.
They’re great for dry goods and snacks. You can even stack them in the fridge to keep leftovers organized.
13. Slim-Profile Furniture to Save Space
Slim-profile furniture is a must in tight quarters. Look for narrow sofas, thin bookcases, and tables with skinny legs.
These pieces do their job without hogging space. There are loads of space-saving options that won’t cost a fortune.
Wall-mounted desks and floating shelves are great too. A narrow console table can even double as a desk.
14. Dedicated Workspace with Compact Desk
Working from home in a small place isn’t always easy, but it’s doable. A compact desk can fit in a corner or even replace your nightstand.
A live edge tabletop with hairpin legs uses barely any space but still looks cool. Room dividers can help section off your workspace.
Keeping work and living areas separate—even with just a curtain—makes a big difference for your work-life balance.
15. Choose Light, Neutral Wall Colors
Light, neutral wall colors just work wonders in small apartments. They make the space feel bigger and brighter.
Whites, off-whites, light grays, and soft taupes—there’s a reason people keep coming back to these. They reflect natural light way better than darker shades.
It’s also easier to match your furniture and decor when you’ve got neutral walls. Honestly, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of decorating.
If you’re stuck, check out Benjamin Moore’s popular interior neutrals. They’ll give your apartment a clean backdrop and help everything feel a little more open, maybe even airy.