How to make your small studio apartment look bigger
Studio apartments in the UAE are in high demand due to their affordability and low maintenance. Also, you can easily maximise the small space with the right decor and planning. In this post, we reveal some clever techniques to help you make your studio apartment look bigger.
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR STUDIO APARTMENT LOOK BIGGER
You don’t have to break the bank to create expansiveness in your studio for rent in Dubai. You just need to know how to utilise every square inch of your space. We have some easy space-saving ideas to make a small room look bigger. Check them out!
LESS IS MORE
A minimal approach is one of the most effective ways to maximise space in Dubai studio apartment. It focuses on functionality and avoids unnecessary clutter. The best way to make your studio for sale in Dubai seem bigger is by getting less furniture!
Do not purchase items that you do not need and declutter your home every couple of months. However, instead of throwing things away, donate them to charity so that someone else can put them to good use. Make sure to stick to monochrome colours for a spacious vibe.
GO FOR FURNITURE WITH STORAGE OPTIONS
One of the most effective ways on how to furnish a small studio apartment in Dubai is by investing in furniture that serves more than one purpose. It reduces clutter while increasing functionality.
Avoid bulky items that dominate the room. Choose options with hidden storage compartments, such as coffee tables and comfy sofas with storage areas where you can neatly stack all the items without cluttering your apartment. This helps you maximise space in Dubai studio apartment while keeping the area stylish and liveable. Test different storage ideas for small spaces to determine what works best for you.
USE LIGHTER SHADES OF PAINT
When thinking about how to make a studio look bigger, the colour palette plays a significant role. A darker shade on your walls can make your apartment appear cramped, as it would absorb light instead of reflecting it. On the other hand, painting a space with neutral tones like beige, white or soft grey is a sure way to make your apartment look bigger.
You can also use other light colours on the walls and the floor to make your studio look bigger. Moreover, you can opt for light-coloured furniture to allow for maximum light reflection and give your place a more airy feel.
TRY THE CANTALOUPE RULE
Celebrated home styling experts utilise this rule to make small spaces look bigger. According to the cantaloupe rule, decorative items smaller than a cantaloupe tend to crowd the room. Go for fewer decorative items and ensure they are bigger than a cantaloupe. Big vases on stylish spindly stands could be one of the options you can consider. Also, keep the number of decorative pieces minimal to avoid cluttering.
KEEP IT ILLUMINATED
It is important to keep small portions and studio apartments well-lit. If you don’t have sufficient sunlight, use lamps to light the house. Lamps can function as decorative pieces, offer an additional light source and elevate the house’s aesthetics. Another tip when choosing lighting for your home is to choose cooler colours.
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL
Instead of leaving the walls bare, install a tall mirror to cover the entire wall. It would cast an illusion that your apartment is spacious. Mirrored walls for studio apartments is a simple trick, and many shop owners, especially those in local markets, utilise this trick to make their merchandise look twice the actual quantity. Similarly, a glass wall with an outside view should suffice. There are multiple ways mirrors can create space.
ADD RUGS AND FLOOR PIECES
Another idea to make a studio apartment look bigger is to use rugs. Rugs can be a good idea to add space to a studio apartment. You can use rectangular and square pieces of rugs to divide spaces. These patches will work as virtual boundaries or partitions. You can head to the best rugs shops in Dubai to get your fix.
LONG FLOWING CURTAINS
Curtains are an important part of a living area, and how they are used makes all the difference. Long floor-to-ceiling curtains can make your studio apartment appear wider than it is. Curtains that start closer to the ceiling will make your studio look bigger and can also serve as partitions. When choosing curtains for your home, consider sheer fabrics, as they will maximise the natural light in the room.
VERTICAL STORAGE
Vertical design is key when learning how to make small apartment look bigger. Tall shelves, wall-mounted cabinets and hanging storage effectively utilise unused wall space without occupying floor area.
Use your walls as storage zones for books, jewellery, electronic equipment, bicycles and sports goods. This will make your walls look appealing and provide a homely touch to your living space.
FREE THE WALLS
Distancing the furniture from the walls can also make a studio look bigger. Don’t worry if you have little space to spare. Add a few inches between the wall and furniture items and watch the magic happen.
To avoid your studio feeling like one big room, you can also define specific areas using visual markers. This adds structure without closing off spaces. Zoning is especially helpful for those looking into how to make a studio apartment look bigger without major renovations. It creates the illusion of multiple rooms while maintaining an open-plan layout—an essential element of minimalist décor ideas for small apartments.
EASY INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS
Looking for expert-level design guidance tailored for city living? Try these practical Dubai studio apartment interior design tips:
- Cool-toned neutrals, such as pale grey or off-white, work well with the region’s natural light and reflect heat.
- Choose UV-protected sheer curtains to soften the sunlight without darkening the room.
- Apply the “60-30-10 rule”: 60% dominant colour, 30% secondary tone, 10% accent. Helps keep visual harmony.
- Select sand-toned textiles for a warm, locally inspired neutral palette.
- Add smart lighting layers, such as under-cabinet strips or LED uplights, to enhance depth.
- Integrate open-base wardrobes or floating consoles to create a continuous and uncluttered floor.
- Add wall-mounted foldable desks for work spaces in Dubai homes.
FAQS
What storage solutions are best for small Dubai apartments that avoid clutter?
To avoid clutter, opt for vertical storage such as tall wardrobes, floating shelves and wall-mounted cabinets. Beds with drawers and fold-out desks are also great space-saving furniture for studio apartments in Dubai.
Storage ottomans and under-bed containers help keep things organised while maintaining a clean look. To save money, you can consider buying used furniture in Dubai.
HOW DO I MAKE MY KITCHEN WELL-LIT?
Use under-cabinet lighting to brighten the kitchen and save some space.
What are the best paint colours to make a studio feel bigger?
Monochrome colours, accent colours and neutral colours are trending these days. You can use varying shades of the same colour throughout the apartment. This cohesive look can make the space feel less choppy.
You can also go for bold colours. A pop of colour can add aesthetics without overwhelming your flat. Throw colourful throw pillows and artwork, or paint a single accent wall.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid when decorating a tiny studio in Dubai?
Yes, avoid using dark colours across all walls, as it can make your studio feel smaller. Oversized furniture and excessive accessories can also clutter the space. Avoid neglecting vertical storage. For those focusing on how to make a small apartment look bigger, keeping things light, minimal and well-structured is key.
WHERE CAN YOU RENT A CHEAP FLAT IN DUBAI?
If you want to move to a studio, the best areas to rent affordable studios in Dubai include Deira, International City and Dubai South.
WHAT ARE THE BEST AREAS TO RENT A STUDIO IN ABU DHABI?
Mohammed bin Zayed City, Khalifa City, Al Muroor and Al Reem Island are the top areas to rent a studio in Abu Dhabi.
And that’s a wrap to our post about how to make a studio apartment look spacious. You can tell us how these simple hacks worked for you by posting a picture of your studio in the comment section below.
Want your home to look on-trend? Here are some current interior design trends to spruce up your space.
