Studio living in Seattle isn’t something that you should fear. While some people are afraid of living in a studio apartment, the truth is that it is something that should be embraced. Sure, a studio apartment might be smaller than a typical one or two bedroom place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get a lot out of it.

You just have to know what you’re doing and be sure that you’re following a few tips and tricks to keep your studio apartment feeling spacious. It really isn’t that hard.

If you are living in one of the many great studio apartments in Seattle, you should keep these ideas in mind so you can have a home that feels much bigger than it is.

Use Functional Furniture: Why not invest in a sofa bed or Murphy bed? This kind of furniture will give you both an area to sleep and also a place to sit without taking up more space that you don’t have.

You can also use folding tables and chairs as well, which can be easily tucked away when you’re not using them, giving you extra space in your apartment.

You can also buy ottomans or benches that can provide you with more places to sit as well as more places to store some of your items. By relying on functional furniture, you will have places to sleep and rest, sit, and store.

Mirrors: Believe it or not, mirrors are a great way to make your studio apartment feel a lot bigger than it actually is.

Large mirrors that are mounted on your walls will be able to bounce light and give the impression of a bigger room. You’d be surprised by just how much it seemingly expands your space in a matter of seconds.

And adding mirror panels to closet doors or walls can also help increase the sense of space in the room, no matter how small it is.

Lighting: And don’t forget about lighting, which can also work wonders and make your studio apartment feel much bigger. You can increase the amount of natural light in your apartment by using light and airy window treatments. But no matter what you do, you should always steer clear of thick curtains, which will only limit your lighting and make your apartment feel darker and, therefore, smaller too.

When you are able, use some overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps to evenly light up the area. By employing good lighting, your space will feel more inviting, warm, and bigger too.

Just because you’re living in a studio apartment doesn’t mean you have to be in a space that feels small and cramped. Instead, a few simple tips and tricks will create the illusion of a lot more space.