6 Ways to Make a Small Flat Feel Bigger

With sectional title sales reaching 30% of the total residential property sales in South Africa as of 2020, there's a clear trend towards smaller living. FNB's Property Barometer also shows that this trend towards smaller homes isn't recent either. The average size of a full title stand has almost halved over the last 4 decades. There's a clear need for small space saving hacks (and not just for small flats)!  

1. Use Colour to Maximise Light

Painting walls in light colours allows light to fill a space and make it feel bigger. Darker colours may seem like a cosy idea, but they can easily make a room claustrophobic. If you want to go to the next level, contrast the lightness of the walls with bold colours in your decorations.

2. Clear the Clutter

Clearing surfaces and decluttering should be very high on your priority list if you're living in a small apartment. Removing all of the knick-knacks piled up on the coffee table, and reserving side tables for feature decorations like a vase, lamp, or family picture is key. One or two elegant items instead of a row of porcelain figures can really make a big difference in a small space.

3. Raise the Overhead Lights

Low hanging ceiling lights (and chunky chandeliers) take up a lot of volume in a room, making them feel crowded and small. If you're looking to maximise the space, consider raising your hanging lights. It can be as easy as using a zip tie. Alternatively, you can replace hanging lights with bulkhead fittings and place floor and table lamps strategically around the room. 

4. Mirrors Make the Illusion of Space

Make use of mirrors in smaller spaces to make them seem larger than they really are. Unless you're very careful in your small flat decor arrangement, be sure to opt for minimal framing as well. Embellished mirror frames, with intricate patterns or designs, can easily clutter the space and make it feel more cramped.

5. Floor to Ceiling Curtains

Floor-to-ceiling drapes (even if the windows aren't floor-to-ceiling) can create a feeling of height in a small flat. Just be sure to hang them high enough to not drag along the floor. Hang them high and your space will feel that much bigger.

6. Get Leggy Furniture

Raised couches are one of the easiest ways to create the illusion of space in a small flat. Econo Couch in Cape Town manufactures and sells premium couches. They even make items to order, specifically tailored to your living space. Their leggy Scandinavian couches are perfect for small apartment decor.