How to Make Your Small Apartment Look More Expensive Than It Is

Get that boujee style on a budget.

Having a multi-million dollar home with luxurious amenities and an abundance of space is sadly just a dream for most of us. Instead, you might be one of many who is living in a small apartment that could use a good makeover to bring it to life – and that's okay!

The elusive notion of luxury often comes with a hefty price tag that can leave us disheartened. With a little creativity and extra thought, however, you can make your home look that little bit more opulent without breaking the bank.

Below, we're looking at eight ways you can make your small apartment look more expensive than it is, so you can live out your luxury living fantasy.

1. Add decorative mouldings

Adding decorative mouldings to your apartment can enhance its visual appeal and give it a luxurious touch. Whether it's crown moulding, wainscoting, or baseboard, mouldings can mimic the look of traditional or classical architecture, giving your apartment a sense of timeless elegance. Board and batten is a particularly easy moulding to DIY at home – find a quick tutorial here.

2. Paint it

One of the most impactful ways to make your home look more elevated is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. White paint in particular will give it a clean, crisp, and timeless aesthetic.

3. Switch up your hardware

Luxury is in the detail. Hardware, such as doorknobs, drawer pulls, and faucets, are often overlooked but can make a huge difference to the appeal of your space. Take a look at your hardware and if they look drab or dated give them an upgrade with more chic designs. This is a particularly good trick for rental apartments where permanent changes can't be made.

4. Focus on lighting

Good lighting is one of the secrets of the interior design world. It significantly influences the atmosphere and mood within a home. Many of us will automatically switch on our downlights without considering, but adding some lamps can make a space look soothing and sophisticated.

Opt for high-quality fixtures with stylish design elements and finishes such as brass, gold, or chrome, to help to elevate the look of a space and make a statement.

5. Declutter and organise

If you're living in a small space, having a cluttered and unorganised space won't just negatively impact how you function in your home, but can also make it look cheap. A clutter-free space instantly makes your home look put together and creates an impression of elegance and sophistication.

6. Use nice window treatments

Window treatments are one of the most important parts of every room in your home and there's no quicker way to make a home look average than with ugly curtains or blinds. Stylish window treatments can take a room from good to great.

Sheers are a wonderful choice as they create a bright, soft, and outdoorsy feeling by allowing natural light to enter – they also don't need to be expensive to look good!

7. Focus on symmetry and balance

This interior design trick involves arranging furniture and accessories in a symmetrical and balanced manner to create a sense of order and harmony – something often associated with high-end design. Start by establishing a focal point be it; a fireplace, kitchen island, bed, window, or sofa. From here you can choose items with the same visual weight to flank the focal point.

8. Add a hint of luxury

Sometimes the smallest things make a huge difference. A fancy soap in your bathroom, beautiful quality glassware/carafe or a decorative candle will add a luxurious feel without breaking the bank.

Get that boujee style on a budget.

How to Make Your Small Apartment Look More Expensive Than It Is

Get that boujee style on a budget.

1. Add decorative mouldings

2. Paint it

3. Switch up your hardware

4. Focus on lighting

5. Declutter and organise

6. Use nice window treatments

7. Focus on symmetry and balance

8. Add a hint of luxury

Enjoyed This?

Don’t Make These 6 Mistakes in Your Small Space

12 Beautiful Small Bedrooms You Can Actually Recreate

Maximise Space in Your Studio Apartment With These Genius Design Tips

Welcome to Bed Threads

When should we send your message?