Five of the Best Ways to Maximize the Space in Your Studio Apartment or Dorm

There’s something unmatched about living on your own, and having an apartment with my best friends is without a doubt one of the highlights of my university life. From waking up on lazy Sunday mornings and overlooking the city on the balcony with a coffee in hand to ordering takeout on late study nights with your notes sprawled on the living room rug, moving out of your parents’ house and into a home you can call your own brings a feeling of freedom and independence like no other. 

Still, with some freedom comes some responsibility, and – if you’re like us – some pretty tiny living spaces, too. Here are five tips for maximizing your small space without spending too much money in your studio apartment (or dorm), from one uni student to another.

Paint your walls light colors

Although this is more difficult (if not impossible) to apply to dorm rooms, painting your apartment walls lighter hues is an easy way to make your place appear roomier than it actually is without taking up any actual space. White walls have reflective qualities and help to blur the lines between wall and ceiling, so it’s harder to tell where the dimensions start and end — making your room seem much bigger.

If you’re in a dorm room, try temporary wallpaper to transform your space instead.

Place your mirrors strategically

If it’s placed in the right spot, investing in a gigantic mirror can do wonders for your living space. Keep your mirror in an area that reflects natural light, and it’ll create the illusion of more room where there is none. Alternatively, you could place your mirror behind an end table, so it’ll reflect the furniture and extend the room.

The Adelaide Mirror (starting at $298) from Anthropologie is a beautiful example of a larger sized mirror with gold framing to add an elegant touch! Or, for a more rustic feel, this Barnyard Designs floor mirror is available on Amazon ($227.95), with a thick wooden frame.

Add artificial light

Light is imperative for making the space appear larger. Natural light is always the best way to go, but considering the fact that we don’t have access to the sun at all hours of every day, artificial light will do wonders for your place as well. Stick to pot/can lights that will add light to corners, or tall lamps that don’t take up too much space and illuminate the entire room. Try to avoid low-hanging lights or lamps that suck the light into only one area.

Keep things simple

Don’t crowd your space with too many knick-knacks or unnecessary furniture. According to Target’s decor expert Sabrina Soto, any decorative piece smaller than the size of a cantaloupe does nothing but clutter your space needlessly. Instead, try placing only a few statement pieces around your apartment to keep the place looking clean and minimalistic. The Margot hanging planter from Urban Outfitters adds a clean, refreshing vibe to any room without cluttering the floor too much. You could also go for tapestry or posters on your walls, which don’t take up any area space and add character to your room all the same.

Be selective with your furniture

In terms of staple pieces in specific rooms, try to pull them slightly away from the walls in order to create the illusion of more space. If you’re putting together your living room, choosing shorter couches or sofas with taller legs will give your place the appearance of more leg room. 

In terms of color, keeping your furniture monochromatic, or at least colour coordinated, will not only simplify your apartment, but keep it looking stylish as well. The Barkley Counter Stool from Urban Barn has a modern feel to it, and provides plenty of leg room with its innovative design on the bottom half.

Living little and living lavish are not mutually exclusive. You can spice up your tiny apartment or dorm room by choosing the right furniture and placing them around your space strategically. If you follow my tips, you’ll be all stretched out and feeling at home in no time!

• dorm room decor
• student housing