10 ideas to maximize space in small apartments

The decoration of small apartments requires a strategic look, where practicality and style must go hand in hand. Reduced projects do not necessarily mean a lack of comfort — with well-thought-out solutions, it is possible to visually enlarge the space, keep everything organized, and still imprint personality on the decoration. The key lies in the intelligent use of furniture, colors, lighting and in the choice of objects that optimize the available area.

Tijuca Forest inspires a project for a 115 m² carioca apartment. Project by Cité Arquitetura. In the photo, an integrated living room with dining area and a shelf with brises.

(Dani Leite/Divulgação)

More than following trends, decorating small spaces is an exercise in creativity. Betting on multifunctional furniture, vertical elements, and integration of projects can make all the difference in everyday life. Below, we list 10 functional and accessible ideas to transform small apartments into cozy, modern, and well-utilized projects.

1. Use multifunctional furniture

The apartment combines eclectic and romantic styles with a vintage touch. Project by Larissa Perna. In the photo, living room with pink sofa and home office.

Projeto de Larissa Perna. (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)

In small apartments, multifunctional furniture are true allies. Sofa beds, retractable tables, benches with storage, and beds with built-in drawers help save space and offer practical solutions for everyday life.

Besides optimizing the area, these furniture pieces bring versatility for different moments of the day, allowing the project to adapt according to needs. It's an intelligent way to keep the home functional and organized.

2. Bet on mirrors to enlarge visually

Erika Listo - Suite Well Living. Project of CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2023.

Erika Listo - Suíte Bem Viver. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2023. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)

Mirrors are classic tricks in the decoration of small projects. When well positioned, they reflect natural light and create the sensation that the project is larger than it actually is.

In small apartments, the ideal is to use large mirrors on entire walls or above strategic furniture like sideboards and sofas. They also help to reinforce brightness and make the project lighter.

3. Invest in light and neutral colors

Old apartment is modernized without losing the original layout. Project by Barbara Dundes. In the photo, kitchen with dining area and counter.

Projeto de Barbara Dundes. (Fran Parente/Divulgação)

Light colors enlarge the visual field and create the impression of more space. Shades of white, beige, light gray, and pastel serve as a neutral base that can be complemented with color points in decorative details.

This chromatic choice is essential to create light and airy projects, in addition to facilitating the combination with different decoration styles.

4. Integrate projects whenever possible

Meet architect Bárbara Dundes' apartment in São Paulo. In the photo, dining room with buffet and integrated kitchen.

Apartamento de arquiteta Bárbara Dundes em São Paulo. (Fran Parente/Divulgação)

Removing partitions and integrating spaces — such as living room and kitchen, or bedroom and home office — is an efficient way to increase circulation and improve the layout's utilization.

Integration makes small apartments more fluid and functional, promoting a feeling of visual continuity and enlarging the perception of space.

5. Make use of walls with shelves and niches

Apartment has a view of four postcards from Rio de Janeiro. Project by João Panaggio. In the photo, living room with wooden shelf and soft armchair.

Projeto de João Panaggio. (Foto: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Aldi Flosi/Divulgação)

When the floor is limited, it is ideal to think about verticalization. Shelves, niches, and hanging cabinets are great for storing objects, books, plants, and even kitchen utensils without taking up useful area. This resource helps to keep everything organized and visible, while also composing practical and charming decoration at the same time.

6. Opt for sliding doors

1960s apartment receives modernist décor and is full of design. Project by Beta Architecture. In the picture, bathroom with double sink and mirror.

(Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Sliding doors are great substitutes for conventional doors, as they save the space that would be needed for opening. They can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and even in cabinets. In addition to saving space, this type of door also brings a modern and elegant feel, ideal for those seeking functionality combined with style in small apartments.

7. Choose furniture proportional to the space

The green bookshelf is the protagonist of an apartment with a house-like feel. Project by Carmen Zaccaro. In the photo, a reading corner with a green bookshelf.

(Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Avoid large and disproportionate furniture — they can overcrowd the project and hinder circulation. For small spaces, it is ideal to opt for compact furniture, with a light design and visible legs, which create a sense of spaciousness. Customized furniture or made-to-measure pieces are also excellent options to make the most of each corner in a personalized and functional way.

8. Create zones with rugs and lighting

The view of the Estaiada Bridge is the highlight of a 2,549 sq ft apartment. Design by Maycon Altera. In the picture, a living room with a curved sofa and a wooden bookshelf.

Projeto de Maycon Altera. (André Mortatti/Divulgação)

Even in integrated projects, it is important to visually delimit the spaces. Rugs, floor lamps, or pendants help to sectorize without needing walls, maintaining the visual unity. This strategy is useful for organizing the home without compromising the space. This visual division makes daily life more practical and the decoration cozier.

9. Use light curtains or blinds

Apartment with two children bedrooms gets contemporary décor. Project by Rafael Ramos. In the photo, living room with rug, sofa and plant vase.

(Anita Soares/Divulgação)

Light curtains, made from fabrics like linen or voile, allow natural light in and make the project brighter and airier. Blinds are great for a cleaner and more contemporary look. In small apartments, avoiding heavy and dark fabrics is essential to not 'close' the space. Natural light, combined with discreet curtains, contributes to the feeling of open space.

10. Bet on vertical decoration with plants

Blaia and Moura Architects prioritize integration in this apartment in SP. In the photo, balcony with sofa, TV, and vertical garden.

Projeto de Blaia e Moura Arquitetos. (Rafael Renzo/CASACOR)

Plants bring life to any project, and in small apartments, they can be cultivated in vertical gardens, suspended pots, or wall supports. This is a way to add nature without losing floor space. Besides being decorative, plants help to purify the air and create a cozy atmosphere. Choose easy-to-care species that adapt well to indoor projects with little light.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.