Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With the right decorating strategies, you can make even the tiniest of rooms feel spacious. Whether you're in a studio, a one-bedroom Camden apartment, or just trying to maximize a compact room, these tips will help you create a beautiful and practical space. This is an area that I struggled with the most in my first apartment because I wanted the big, comfy couch that I knew could not fit.

1. Embrace Light Colors—Light colors make a space open and airy. Opt for neutral tones like white, beige, or light gray. These main colors should be on your bigger items, like your walls, furniture, and décor. If you're like me, you need a little color in your life, you can use pastels or muted tones to keep the room feeling big and bright. Using dark colors can make the space smaller than it already is.

2. Use Multi-Functional Furniture- When space is limited, every piece of furniture should serve more than one purpose. Consider options like these:

• Sofa Beds - Can double as your living room couch and bed for guests.

• Storage Ottomans- Perfect for hidden storage and extra seating.

• Drop-leaf tables- Expand when needed and fold away when not in use.

• Murphy beds- A great bed folds into the wall to create more space during the day.

3. Maximize Vertical Space- Take full advantage of the wall by using the following items:

• Floating shelves- My favorite thing to use for books, décor, and storage.

• Wall-mounted desks- To create a workspace without taking up floor space that could be used for something else.

• Pegboards- Make hanging kitchen tools, office supplies, or accessories easy.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Music Row

4. Incorporate mirrors- Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Place a large mirror opposite a window to bring in natural light or use mirrored furniture to enhance the sense of openness. Getting a full-length mirror and mounting it on the wall was the best decision I could have made.

Photo courtesy of James Lindsey on Unsplash

5. Let in Natural Light- This is a big one! Avoid heavy curtains that block light and opt for sheer curtains. Yes, we all love blackout curtains, but that is not good in a smaller space. You can also use blinds that let in sunlight. A well-lit room naturally feels bigger and more inviting.

6. Bonus: Go for Smart Storage Solutions: Decluttering is key in a small space. We purchased long storage bins to go under our son’s bed, which is the best purchase we could have made for all his toys. These under-bed storage bins cleaned up the room quickly and still left space for bigger items like the dump truck.

• Over the door organizer for shoes, toiletries, or kitchen supplies

• Hanging Racks for pots and pans in the kitchen

• Stackable storage to keep everything tidy without taking up too much space.

Decorating a small space is all about maximizing functionality while maintaining your creative style. By choosing the right furniture, utilizing vertical space, and keeping things light and bright, you will transform your Camden apartment into the greatest space ever. You can make it your own little retreat for yourself, friends, and family.

Need a few more tips? Here are a few more storage solutions to spruce up your space.