20 Chic and Simple DIY Decor Projects to Enhance Small Apartments
Introduction: Living Large in a Small Space Imagine walking into your small apartment after a long day, greeted by stylish, personalized decor that reflects your unique style. It’s cozy, chic, and entirely your own creation. Whether you’re looking to maximize your space, add personality, or simply have fun with some hands-on projects, this article is your go-to guide. These ideas are designed to transform your space without breaking the bank or your spirit.
Let’s dive in and make your apartment a haven of creativity and style.
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What You Might Need:
Before we get started, here are some basic supplies to have on hand:
- Paint and brushes
- Hot glue gun
- Wooden crates or pallets
- Mason jars
- String lights
- Fabric (scraps or full pieces)
- Command hooks and adhesive strips
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Small potted plants or faux greenery
1. Create a Floating Shelf Accent Wall
Why It Works: Floating shelves not only save space but also create visual interest on otherwise empty walls.
How To Do It:
- Choose a wall with unused vertical space.
- Use a measuring tape to mark the placement of your shelves.
- Install floating shelves using wall anchors and screws.
- Decorate the shelves with books, small plants, candles, and framed prints.
Picture This: A cozy nook where floating shelves hold an eclectic mix of travel mementos, a small vase of flowers, and softly glowing candles. The perfect blend of style and function for your small apartment.
2. DIY Fabric-Covered Canvas Art
Why It Works: This project adds color and texture to your walls without needing expensive artwork.
How To Do It:
- Choose a lightweight fabric in patterns or colors that match your apartment’s theme.
- Stretch the fabric tightly over a blank canvas, securing it with a staple gun.
- Trim any excess fabric for a clean finish.
- Hang it up using Command hooks or lean it against a wall for a casual vibe.
Picture This: A gallery wall of vibrant, textured art in geometric patterns and soft hues that make your small apartment feel like a modern art gallery.
3. Mason Jar Herb Garden
Why It Works: It’s both practical and adorable, bringing a touch of nature into your kitchen or windowsill.
How To Do It:
- Gather mason jars and fill them with potting soil.
- Plant your favorite herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or mint.
- Label each jar with chalkboard paint or tags.
- Line them up on a sunny windowsill or secure them to a wooden plank for a vertical herb garden.
Picture This: A line of mason jars bursting with fresh green herbs, adding a touch of life and utility to your cozy kitchen space.
4. String Light Headboard
Why It Works: This whimsical project adds a dreamy vibe to your bedroom while saving space.
How To Do It:
- Choose a wall behind your bed and map out the design for your lights.
- Secure string lights in place using clear adhesive hooks.
- For an extra touch, add sheer fabric or faux greenery along the lights.
Picture This: Twinkling string lights cascading down a wall behind your bed, casting a soft, ambient glow that makes your small apartment bedroom feel like a serene escape.
5. Upcycled Wooden Crate Storage
Why It Works: Wooden crates offer a rustic, functional storage solution that’s easy to customize.
How To Do It:
- Sand and paint or stain wooden crates to match your decor.
- Stack the crates vertically or horizontally to create a bookshelf or storage unit.
- Use them to store books, shoes, or decorative baskets.
Picture This: A charming stack of rustic wooden crates filled with neatly organized books and decor, doubling as both storage and display in your small apartment.
6. Fabric-Covered Storage Boxes
Why It Works: These stylish boxes keep your clutter out of sight while adding a decorative element to your space.
How To Do It:
- Gather cardboard boxes or old storage bins.
- Wrap them in fabric, securing the edges with hot glue.
- Add labels for easy organization.
Picture This: A row of chic, fabric-covered boxes tucked under a bench or shelf, keeping your small apartment tidy and stylish.
7. Washi Tape Accent Wall
Why It Works: Washi tape is a renter-friendly way to add patterns and personality to your walls.
How To Do It:
- Choose a design, such as stripes, grids, or geometric shapes.
- Apply washi tape carefully to your wall, pressing firmly to avoid peeling.
- Remove and reposition as needed.
Picture This: A bold, geometric pattern created with colorful washi tape, turning a plain wall into a statement piece that instantly elevates your small apartment.
8. Decorative Ladder Shelf
Why It Works: It’s a versatile piece that can serve as storage, display, or both.
How To Do It:
- Find an old wooden ladder or purchase a decorative one.
- Sand and paint it to match your decor.
- Lean it against a wall and use the rungs to display throws, magazines, or plants.
Picture This: A beautifully painted ladder adorned with soft throws and trailing greenery, adding charm and utility to your small apartment living room.
9. Hanging Plant Holders
Why It Works: Hanging plants save floor space while adding a fresh, natural touch.
How To Do It:
- Use macramé plant hangers or create your own using rope.
- Secure hooks to the ceiling and hang your planters.
- Fill the planters with small potted plants or succulents.
Picture This: A trio of hanging plants swaying gently by a sunny window, bringing life and vibrancy to your small apartment.
10. Chalkboard Pantry Door
Why It Works: This project adds functionality and fun to your kitchen.
How To Do It:
- Apply chalkboard paint to your pantry door or a designated section of the wall.
- Let it dry and season the surface by rubbing it with chalk and wiping it off.
- Use it to jot down grocery lists, meal plans, or inspirational quotes.
Picture This: A chic black chalkboard pantry door covered with playful doodles and a neatly organized grocery list, blending practicality and charm in your small apartment kitchen.
11. Pegboard Wall Organizer
Why It Works: Maximizes vertical space while keeping essentials within arm’s reach.
How To Do It:
- Install a pegboard on a kitchen or office wall.
- Use hooks, shelves, and containers to organize utensils, stationery, or decorative items. Picture This: A sleek pegboard wall where everything from spatulas to potted plants finds its place, creating functional art in your cozy kitchen or office.
12. Accent Chair Makeover
Why It Works: Refreshes old pieces without needing new furniture.
How To Do It:
- Reupholster a chair with vibrant fabric or add a fresh coat of paint.
- Use decorative nails or trim for an elegant finish. Picture This: A revitalized accent chair with bold, colorful patterns that stands proudly in your living room or corner nook, offering both comfort and style.
13. Photo Clip String Display
Why It Works: Showcases memories without taking up shelf space.
How To Do It:
- Hang a string along a wall using adhesive hooks.
- Use clothespins to clip your favorite photos or postcards. Picture This: A delightful array of personal photographs and postcards clipped along a twinkling string, warmly inviting nostalgia into your intimate living space.
14. Painted Ceiling
Why It Works: Draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of space.
How To Do It:
- Choose a soft pastel or bold color to paint the ceiling.
- Complement with matching accents throughout the room. Picture This: A refreshing ceiling of soft blues or vibrant yellows, reflecting natural light and casting a calming, expansive feel throughout your cozy apartment.
15. Corner Shelf Unit
Why It Works: Utilizes often-overlooked corner spaces effectively.
How To Do It:
- Build or buy a corner shelf to fit snugly into your apartment’s nooks.
- Decorate with plants, books, or art pieces. Picture This: A curated corner with cascading vines, cherished novels, and sculptural accents, transforming dead space into an artistic display area.
16. DIY Textile Wall Hangings
Why It Works: Adds warmth and texture without bulky frames.
How To Do It:
- Use yarn, macramé, or fabric scraps to create hanging pieces.
- Drape over wooden dowels or a branch for a boho look. Picture This: A handcrafted textile wall hanging swaying with the breeze, its intricate textures complementing the earthy tones of rugs and furniture.
17. Glass Bottle Lanterns
Why It Works: Repurposes items while adding cozy lighting.
How To Do It:
- Clean and paint old glass bottles.
- Insert battery-operated fairy lights or candles. Picture This: A collection of softly glowing glass bottles casting a warm, ambient light throughout your intimate apartment, perfect for cozy evenings.
18. Half-Painted Walls
Why It Works: Creates visual interest and depth without full commitment.
How To Do It:
- Paint the bottom half of a wall in a contrasting color or pattern.
- Use painter’s tape for a crisp dividing line. Picture This: A living room with sophisticated, half-painted walls in bold, dramatic hues juxtaposed with crisp white, giving depth and modern flair.
19. DIY Ottoman
Why It Works: Provides additional seating or a footrest.
How To Do It:
- Repurpose an old crate or box with added cushioning and fabric.
- Add storage by hinging the top cover. Picture This: A stylish ottoman with hidden storage, comfortably placed by your sofa, offering an extra seat or a lavish spot for tired feet.
20. Wallpapered Furniture Accents
Why It Works: Transforms ordinary pieces into unique focal points.
How To Do It:
- Apply peel-and-stick wallpaper to drawer fronts or shelf backs.
- Match patterns with room decor for unity. Picture This: A vintage dresser with whimsical wallpapered drawers, turning an otherwise plain piece into an artful explosion of color and pattern.
Closing: Your Small Apartment, Your Big Style Transforming your small apartment into a chic and functional space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these simple DIY projects, you’ll not only enhance your space but also make it truly feel like home. So grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and let’s make your small apartment a big reflection of your style!
