Decorating Ideas In A 500-Square-Foot Apartment | Rent. Blog

It’s definitely a step up from efficiency apartments, so you’ve got some breathing room — but it can still be difficult to create a functional living space. Here are some decorating ideas to keep your apartment looking good while allowing you to feel good living in it.

How big is a 500-square-foot apartment?

Five hundred square feet is 25 by 20 feet. That’s a little bigger than a typical two-car garage, so imagine a two-car garage with ample room to move and that’s about the size of a 500-square-foot apartment.

What does a 500-square-foot apartment look like?

A 500-square-foot apartment is big enough for there to be separate areas, like having a separate kitchen instead of a kitchenette, but still small enough that the rooms won’t be very big.

Source: Avalon Clinton

5 ways to decorate a 500-square-foot apartment

While it’s not the tiniest of apartments, a 500-square-foot space can easily feel crowded. You can avoid that crowded feeling by being clever with your décor. By using the ideas below, you can have a beautiful apartment that’s also practical for your lifestyle.

1. Vertical storage

When you’ve run out of room on the floor, start moving up! Use cabinets, shelves and other storage pieces that stack all the way up to the ceiling for more storage and to draw your attention away from the floor. Some kitchen cabinets have a little bit of space on top — use it to store things you don’t use often. And if you have high ceilings, that just means you have even more space to utilize!

2. Focus on lighting

Keep your space looking bright with great lighting. While natural light is best, you might not have much if it, depending on your apartment’s windows and layout. Especially if you don’t have a lot of windows that allow natural light, the light fixtures you use can make a big difference.

If you can’t change out the lights on the ceiling, you can always find cool floor or table lamps that will shed some light while looking stylish.

3. Simplify furniture

In a 500-square-foot apartment, size matters. While having that overstuffed armchair would be nice, it’s best to opt for smaller furniture as it won’t take up as much space and will make the room seem bigger and more open.

Use furniture with simple, clean lines, and avoid anything that’s too gaudy or attention-grabbing. Such furniture will be easier on the eyes and feel more inviting.

4. Add some drama

If you do want a bit of drama, use smaller elements of décor instead of big pieces of furniture. Large furniture will take up more room and make it feel smaller overall, which you want to avoid.

Instead, add a couple of patterned or textured pillows to your couch or dress things up with a bold frame around a piece of art or an eye-catching vase. The small details will add the effect you’re looking for without jumping at your face when you walk into the room.

5. Use symmetry

We’re naturally drawn to balance, and symmetry is the ultimate form of visual balance. If you have a fireplace mantle or open shelves, try to keep the items balanced and symmetrical with your décor.

If you have a candlestick on one side, also have one on the other side mirroring it. Or when putting pillows on your bed or couch, have them mirror each other. This will be more visually appealing to us on a natural level and make us feel calmer in the room.

Living in a 500-square-foot apartment

It’s not at all impossible to live in a 500-square-foot apartment and when it looks great, it’s that much easier to enjoy the smaller space you have. There’s no need to stray from the small and simple elements of design. In fact, they’ll be what transform your apartment into a cozy living space!

Related:

• Decorating Ideas in a 300-Square-Foot Apartment
• Decorating Ideas in a 400-Square-Foot Apartment
• Decorating Ideas in a 600-Square-Foot Apartment
• Decorating Ideas in a 700-Square-Foot Apartment
• Decorating Ideas in an 800-Square-Foot Apartment