Apartment Decorating: How to Create Balance in Your Space

Successful apartment decorating requires you to make the most of the small space while still maintaining a sophisticated look. To achieve this, you must create balance with the furniture you use, the colors you employ and the vibe you intend to give off. Too many large and clunky pieces can make a room feel cramped. You also don’t want the decorating theme to be overworked or contrived; instead, it should reflect who you are in a tasteful manner. Read below for tips on how to make the most of your apartment space while still letting your personality peak through.

Let Certain Pieces Shine

A small apartment can’t handle numerous large and ornate pieces, so let a few furniture fixtures do most of the talking in a room. Pick a showpiece headboard or bed frame for the bedroom, and pair it with a low, slim dresser and a narrow desk. If you want an ornate dresser or wardrobe, pare down your bed and use only a metal frame. Heavy furniture throughout will make the room feel unnecessarily crowded. In the living room, if you have a very soft, plush couch, pair it with straighter, minimalist-style end and coffee tables. Glass tables can further streamline the look. In any room with showy furniture pieces, let the art and wall decorations take a backseat. Opt for black and white photography in clean and simple frames. If your furniture is smaller and less ornate, play with a really great piece of art.

Contrast Textures and Patterns

Tons of patterns and colors in a small apartment will throw off the balance of the space. If you consider your tastes eclectic and frequently gravitate toward funky patterns, be sure to integrate them wisely into a room. Patterned couches often distract in a small space, so solid neutrals are your best bet for this big piece of furniture. Contrast solid sofas and chairs will fun patterned pillow or a vintage throw. If you must have more color on your couches, looked to striped fabrics, but balance the rest of the room with solid colors. Wallpaper is usually a no-go in an apartment, so add interest to one wall by hanging a fabric tapestry or painting it a bold, dark color (if your landlord permits). Showcase this wall in the room, and keep the rest of the furniture and artwork clean and minimal to let this wall piece shine.

Mix Materials

Classic decorating tends to shy towards wood furniture while the modernists opt for metals. To create balance in your apartment, you don’t have choose one of these camps over the other. Mixing and matching materials can be a great way to add interest without overwhelming. If the apartment is all dark wood, integrate some other materials into your color schemes. Opt for metal coffee and end tables and bright, but streamlined seating. Use wooden and metal picture frames on the same walls. If the room is naturally light, play with brighter colors. Use sheer curtains in rooms with otherwise heavier, richer fabrics and schemes.