Living in a small apartment? Same here—and I’ve learned that a few curtains can work absolute magic. With some clever placement, they don’t just hide the mess (though, yes please), they actually make my whole place feel bigger and way more functional. Let me show you how I made it work.
Create a Shipshape Small Space
We small apartment dwellers know how fast our tiny spaces can go from calm and cozy to chaotic and cramped. Sure, cutting household clutter is one way to keep things neat as a button. But did you know that a few sets of curtains can add more function to your home while making it appear tidier?
The following ideas share how to make your seriously small apartment feel bigger using curtains.
Get More Bang for Your Square Footage
Curtains can create private spaces in rooms when placed wisely. Not only do these little niches add more function to a small place, but they also boost home enjoyment. For example, what’s behind these curtains?
Create a Dreamy Nook
A cozy reading nook is a great spot for book lovers. It has soft, oversized armchairs and sofas that make you want to stay for hours. The soft cushions and gentle curves of the seating feel warm and comfy. You can easily get lost in a good book here. A nearby houseplant brings natural beauty to the room. Its lush green leaves rustle softly in the gentle breeze.
Whip Up a Closet
Smart storage solutions that maximize square footage are a must for small spaces. Shelves, racks, and hanging systems are great for organization. However, they can also cause visual clutter. A recent study shows this clutter can hurt your focus and information processing. What to do?
Beautifully Conceal Storage
Curtains can also be a smart storage option. They hide messy spots and help make a space look more organized. For example, you can install floor-to-ceiling curtains. These can have shelves or pockets. They are great for storing items like linens, toys, or office supplies. Your room will look cleaner and less cluttered. This helps you breathe easier and think clearly. This strategy works well in small apartments or studios. In these spaces, every inch matters. Using curtains for storage can help keep your living area tidy and calm.
Create Multiple Zones
Curtains can help you carve out multiple zones designed for storage, relaxing and even crafting. To do, just hang several curtains several feet from a wall.
Shown here: The nook on the far left is for sewing, the one next to it provides extra storage space, and the alcove on the left is for reading or snoozing.
Carve Out a Home Gym
Finding room to exercise in a small space can feel nearly impossible — unless you use curtains. They’re perfect for carving out a sliver of space to work out, as shown here. When you’re finished working out, close your curtains. This way, you won’t have to look at your yoga mat, free weights, or spinning bike.
How to Create a Railroad-Style Apartment
If you have a large rectangular studio, try using curtains. They can help you create a railroad-style layout, where each room lines up in a row. The apartment above uses a green patterned curtain. It separates the bedroom from the dining and office area. At the back of the room, a gray curtain creates a cozy living room by a big window.
Photo Credits: IKEA
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
