18 Cozy Apartment Aesthetic Ideas That Prove Compact Is Cute
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While apartments on the smaller side can be difficult to work with, in many ways, they do hold one superpower — their knack for coziness. Because let's face it, small spaces are simply more intimate than larger homes. With just a few simple touches and a lot of blankets, you can take advantage of your small apartment's natural flair for comfort. We've rounded up some cozy apartment aesthetic ideas, along with practical advice from design pros, to help you get started.
"When designing a small space, creating a cozy atmosphere is all about balancing different design elements — texture, color and scale — to achieve a warm, inviting and lived-in environment," says Sarah West of Sarah West Interiors. "Due to space constraints, selecting design elements wisely is essential, paring down choices to what's necessary without leaving the space feeling empty."
Still, aesthetics aren't everything when it comes to coziness. If you can't kick up your feet with a good book, place your coffee on a convenient surface next to you or see the television from where you're sitting, what's the point? In other words, your space also has to function well. Designers offer their tips and tricks for creating a cozy apartment aesthetic that's just as physically comfortable as it is visually pleasing. You'll find simple decorating tricks for modern living rooms, studio apartments and more.
Keep It Light
Go for lighter shades and relaxing neutrals to create a snug bedroom space in your apartment that you will not want to leave. Grab a few pillows and blankets and stick to light pinks and whites like this setup from Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors.
Photo by: Reid Rolls
Mix Materials
Create a space you and your guests will want to sink into like Emily Henderson does here. By mixing fabrics like a leather chair, wool rug and and textured artwork, this space becomes a cozy paradise. "Use lots of textures in your material choices, especially soft ones (plush rugs, soft nubby fabrics, blankets), as well as great artwork," says Jamie Ivey of Ivey Design Group.
Photo by: Sara Liggoria-Tramp
Weave in an Extra-Large Chair
Say goodbye to normal sized chairs and hello to the oversized chair-and-a-half. These extra large chairs are perfect for sprawling out with a good book or even cozying up with a loved one. Plus, they look just as comfortable as they are. Incorporate comfortable seating throughout your apartment like Tollgard Studio does here.
Layer up
Your bedroom should be your go-to spot when it comes to comfort. Lucinda Sanford of Lucinda Sanford Design focuses on aesthetics in order to create that relaxing space. "Layers of colors and patterns really help this, as well as making sure things look real and usable," says Sanford.
Cuddle up With a Good Book
Calling all book worms! Take inspiration from Fynes Designs and
create your own special reading nook with a bookshelf and comfy reading chair. Grab a pillow and blanket and pick up your go-to comfort read!
RELATED: 14 Best Reading Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style or Comfort
Cozy up the Flooring
No one likes walking barefoot on a cold dark floor. Soften up the floors in your apartment with light-colored rugs like this design scheme from Almost Makes Perfect. "A cozy rug can really add some warmth and comfort to a space," says Elyssa Contardo of Elyssa Contardo Interior Design. "It’s really important to feel all the materials and rugs you are selecting. A soft rug you can walk on barefoot makes a huge difference."
RELATED: 15 Best Area Rugs to Upgrade Your Living Space in 2024
Light a Few Candles
Lighting plays a major role in creating an inviting atmosphere. In this look from Style by Emily Henderson, candles were layered with overhead lighting to create warmth. If candles aren't your thing, go for smaller lamps with warm bulbs.
Photo by: Sara Liggoria-Tramp
RELATED: 15 Best Taper Candles for a Wick-edly Cozy Atmosphere
Bring Your Space to Life
While most of us may focus on super soft blankets, fluffy rugs and wide couches, there's something that might be missing — plants. Take a cue from Alice & Lois and try incorporating a few houseplants into your apartment. "Add flowers or a plant to a room to bring in a natural element and create a soothing environment," says Lynn Berney of LTA Interiors.
Don't Be Afraid of Patterns
Coziness is all about how a space makes you feel. If you love patterned wallpaper, don't be afraid to go for it like Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors does here. Match your furniture, rug and sofa for a cohesive design.
Photo by: Reid Rolls
Go With a Cool Blue
There's no color more peaceful than sky blue. Michelle Gerson of Michelle Gerson Interiors incorporates cool blues through the wall color, rug, bedding and light fixture by Gabriel Scott to create a relaxing bedroom sanctuary.
Photo by: Marco Ricca
Focus on Function
Although aesthetic is certainly a significant part of designing a warm and welcoming apartment, how you plan on actually using that space is arguably more important. Go for functionality like this space from Lucinda Sanford of Lucinda Sanford Designs. "A bench is great but if it looks like sitting on it is not possible, what is the point," says Sanford. "Can you sit down, watch the television, talk to other people, read a book and be comfortable? It's cozy when you can rest a drink on a table, put your feet up and really use a room like this one to socialize and be with friends or relax on your own."
Buddy up With a Side Table
How can you get cozy if you have nowhere to put your tea or rest your book? That's why side tables are so important in allowing a space to function how it's supposed to. Incorporate these convenient pieces on either side of your couch (or better yet, both sides, if you have the room) like Boxwood Ave. does here.
"More so than the decorative accents, the way a room is laid out really lends to the overall feeling of coziness in a space. Tighter seating arrangements designed with comfort and function in mind — is there an easily accessible side table to place your hot cocoa on? Where can you prop your feet up?" says Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design.
Create Depth Through Texture
Sheets, comforters and quilts can make or break how homey your bedroom feels. "For bedding, use understated textures like tufted or geometrical quilted fabrics," says Jenny Jing Zhu, founder of Lush Decor and author of Dream Weaver: Finding Strength & Purpose in Life's Twists and Turns. "They add just the right amount of texture to create depth without crowding the room. Simple accents, like a boucle throw pillow or a soft, chic blanket, can make all the difference in transforming a small space into a stylish and welcoming retreat — without overloading it."
RELATED: The Best Bedding You Can Buy
Design a Dining Nook
There's something comforting about dining in a booth at a restaurant. Why not recreate that feeling with a comfy nook at home? Here, Lucinda Sanford of Lucinda Sanford Design decided to use small couch (a cozy bench works too!) on one side of the dining table.
Texture, Texture, Texture
The texture of your furniture contributes significantly to the overall vibe of your space. Go with something that looks and feels comfy, and don't forget to layer other textures. This setup from Michelle Gerson of Michelle Gerson Interiors is a great example.
Photo by: Marco Ricca
Draw Attention to Cozy Accents
A soft, cuddly pillow can completely change the way a chair looks and feels. Keep an eye out for cozy accents like these that give off that homey feel and layer them like Candace Shure does in this space. "Layer additional cozy accents, like chunky throw blankets and fabric window treatments, to add variety and increase your space's homey vibe," says Jennifer Press of Press Interiors.
Embrace Compact Spaces
Apartments are filled with quirky spaces and unique layouts, but with the right design ideas, you can take advantage of those nooks and crannies like Amy Pigliacampo Interiors does here. Stack some books, incorporate a couple side tables and cuddle up with a few blankets.
Don't Skimp on Throws
While pillows and blankets aren't the only thing you need to cozy up your apartment, they're definitely an important feature. Take inspiration from Cherished Bliss and find ones you truly love to get comfy with. Throw them on the couch, in a basket or anywhere that's easily accessible.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
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