Living in a Melbourne apartment has its perks: less maintenance, better locations, and usually a stronger sense of community. But when space is limited, its up to your layout to make it liveable.
In fact, around 70% of residents in inner Melbourne live in apartments. So, making the most of every square metre is important.
The good news is you don’t need to knock down walls to make a small apartment feel big. Here are 10 small apartment design ideas that instantly make any apartment feel bigger.
1. “Float” your furniture
Most people instinctively push everything against the walls. You might think doing so will look like you have more room for activity. Ironically, it can actually make a room feel boxed in.
Try “floating” your sofa from the wall, leaving a few inches or placing a narrow console table between the sofa and the wall. Creating breathing room around furniture pieces adds depth and makes the space feel considered rather than cramped.
2. Define zones in open-plan layouts
Small apartments often have the living, dining and kitchen areas all in one space. The key is to make each space into its own zone without actually closing them off.
To define zones in open-plan layouts, you can:
- Use rugs to anchor areas (a large rug under your sofa instantly defines the living room)
- Have the back of your couch facing the dining area to act as a soft divider
- Add open shelving units to subtly break up space without blocking light
- Hang pendant lights above the dining table to visually separate it from the lounge
- Change the style of wall between zones to create subtle boundaries.
If you’re moving into a new apartment, make sure to map these zones out before moving day. Share it with your Melbourne removalist too. Your larger furniture can then go straight into their spot, saving you from rearranging things later.
3. Use multi-functional furniture
One of the easiest and cost effective ways to maximise space is to use multi-purpose furniture.
Examples of multi-functional furniture for small apartments include:
- Ottomans with hidden storage
- Extendable dining tables that stay compact most of the time
- Sofa beds for guests instead of a spare room
- Bed frames with built-in drawers
- Storage benches at the end of the bed
The goal is to reduce the number of standalone storage pieces you need. When fewer items are competing for floor space, the entire apartment feels more open.
4. Keep walkways clear for better flow
Nothing shrinks a room faster than awkward traffic flow. If you constantly sidestep furniture, it’s too tight and you need to reposition or re-angle your furniture.
Aim for at least 60–90cm clearance for main walkways.You should be able to move naturally through the space without thinking about it.
5. Maximise vertical space
When floor space is limited, the key is to look up.
Vertical storage draws the eye upward, which instantly makes ceilings feel higher and rooms feel bigger.
Maximise space with:
- Tall bookcases
- Wall-mounted shelves
- Hooks behind doors
- Hanging plants
Alt text: Boho-chic corner with a large floor mirror, wicker chair, and lush tropical plants.
6. Use mirrors to make the room look big
Mirrors reflect light, open up corners, and create the illusion of depth. They can make a room feel double in size!
Place a large mirror opposite the window to reflect light. You can lean a floor mirror against a wall to add height and dimension without having to install anything (a win for renters!).
7. Stick to a cohesive colour scheme
In a small space, too many contrasting colours can make it feel chaotic. A cohesive palette creates visual continuity, which makes a space feel bigger.
Here’s how to use colour to maximise space:
- Choose one main neutral base
- Layer 1–2 accent tones through décor
- Keep larger furniture pieces consistent
8. Raise furniture off the floor
Furniture with exposed legs creates visual airiness. When you can see underneath sofas, chairs, and beds, rooms feel less heavy.
This small design choice can completely change the perception of space.
9. Choose the right-sized furniture
Scale matters more than you realise: if your furniture is too big, it can overwhelm the space, while too small pieces can look messy.
Measure carefully before you buy it. If you’re moving house to a new apartment, double-check lift dimensions and hallway widths as well.
10. Declutter ruthlessly to create space
The final (and most powerful) trick: remove what you don’t need.
Open surfaces create calm. Negative space is not empty. It lets your favourite pieces stand out.
Before rearranging things, ask:
- Does this piece serve a purpose?
- Does it suit the scale of the room?
- Does it add visual clarity or visual noise?
Sometimes the best way to maximise a small apartment is to subtract, not add.
Final takeaways
There you have it – 10 small apartment design ideas to make your home feel bigger. With careful layout planning, strategic furniture choices, and a little editing, your small Melbourne apartment can feel like an open haven.
If you’re transitioning into a new space, plan your layout early (even before your removalist in Melbourne arrives). An experienced Melbourne moving company such as Holloway Removals, can place your items exactly where you want them. So, make sure you have a plan ready for them to make everything run smoothly.
A little preparation goes a long way, especially in a small apartment.
FAQs
Smart furniture placement, decluttering, and using light, mirrors, and vertical storage can dramatically change how spacious a room feels.
Yes, leaving space around furniture creates depth and improves visual flow, making rooms feel less boxed in.
Use rugs, lighting, furniture orientation, or open shelving to visually separate areas without blocking light.
Multi-functional pieces like sofa beds, storage ottomans, and extendable tables maximise usability while saving space.
Aim for at least 60–90cm so movement feels natural and the space doesn’t feel cramped.
Mirrors reflect light and create visual depth, which can make a room feel significantly larger.
Neutral, cohesive colour schemes with one or two accents create visual continuity and make spaces feel more open.
Exposed legs allow light and sightlines to flow underneath, reducing visual heaviness.
Always measure your space, lifts, and doorways, and choose pieces scaled to the room rather than oversized statement items.
Absolutely—fewer items reduce visual noise, making rooms feel calmer, more functional, and more spacious.
