Art is a way to liven up a home and make a space feel lived-in and uniquely yours. But sometimes, choosing the right pieces can be hard, especially if you live in a small space that can be limiting. To help you get started, we reached out to artists, sculptors, and designers to share their best tips on selecting accent pieces for your apartment – especially if you live in a small space. So, whether you just got the keys to an apartment in Manhattan, NY, or a highrise in Chicago, IL, use these tips to select the best accent pieces for your small space.
1. Support your local artists
I love to decorate our apartment space with plants, colorful ceramic art, and paintings by local artists. I look for colorful, well-balanced shapes or humorous work. I place them in sunny uncluttered parts of our apartment. Give them their own little space, and they will give you years of pleasure. – Pinckney Clay
2. Pick accent pieces that support your decor
The most important consideration would be to choose something that also fits the current decor. A painting or piece of wall art is always a good investment, particularly if purchased from your local craft store or craft market. You can then use the style or colors to pick out other items to compliment it, whether thrifted or handmade. A painting or piece of wall art does not have to be huge to make an impact, good lighting will do that for you. – Fiona, Manager and director of Dundee Design Project C.I.C.
3. The more personal, the better
When it comes to wall accent pieces, the more personal, the better. You want your apartment to feel like your own, as well as make the best use of your wall space, so I recommend something like a framed pet portrait on an inside wall of your living room. Pet portraits are a unique touch that is sure to bring a pop of personality into your space, and you can choose a size like an 8×10 inch piece if you’re filling a smaller-sized wall. – By Caroline Ann Designs
4. Use functional items as accent pieces
We recommend adding accent pieces to apartment living through everyday functional items. Unique, handmade ceramic dishes and serving ware can highlight any meal while showing off your personal style. A larger ceramic “low bowl” can be used on a table or sideboard as a catch-all or style it up with your favorite treasures on display. Laura Souyoultzis of Washington Clay Arts
5. Pick items that make you feel comfortable at home
When styling a small space, it’s additionally important to add items that make you feel comfortable and at home. Candles are a perfect choice. The flicker of a soy candle in an amber glass adds ambiance to your space and personalization by the scent. To safely enjoy candles in a small space, choose safer container candles, be sure to trim the wick before each use (which also makes them last longer), and never leave burning candles unattended. – Dickens Candles
6. Find a bold, colorful print
My best tip for an accent piece for renters is to find a bold, colorful print (preferably from a local artist) that will add a little pop to a small space, either on a wall or on a shelf. A framed 5″x7″ print that features more saturated versions of other colors in your decor will add colorful energy. For example, if your throw pillow has a little teal on it, find a print with bright teal, blue, or turquoise for an accent piece that ties in with what you already have. Laurel Greenfield Art
7. Consider practical uses
When choosing handmade wooden artwork such as a large bowl, consider how you may use it. A live edge bowl with the bark is not practical for serving salad but could make an excellent display piece or catch-all. Don’t be afraid to ask the artist if the finish used of a piece is food safe. Most wood turners try to make sure their bowls are 100% usable. – Wah-tie Woodturning
8. Invest in good quality materials
Consider a rug or curtains in a nice fabric like linen. A rug will make your home feel cozy. We would suggest a light color and no print, especially if you add wallpaper. Curtains bring privacy and a sense of security, and black-out ones may also help for a good night’s sleep. – Roses and Dreams
9. Go with multifunctional pieces
Illuminated porcelain vessels combine sculpture and lighting in contemporary and completely unique ways. These one-of-a-kind, handmade tabletop or corner pieces light up spaces with a warm glow and cast captivating luminous configurations. Each one is made with quality and practical indulgence your guests will remember. – Studio Brynne
10. Bring nature in
Botanical wall art is a great way to bring the ‘greens’ to your interior. Choose photographs of a lush green landscape or artwork of foliage and have them framed or printed on canvas. Pair the decor with rugs made from jute or sisal. – The Canvas Prints
11. Accent your house with scents
What makes a house a home? For us, it’s candles. Candles are perfect for those who love to add a touch of elegance mixed with coastal vibes while at the same time being minimalistic. When looking for a candle, choose a candle that goes with your ethics. – Raglan Candles
12. Create tray accent pieces
Make sure your candles shine bright in any room with this designer hack: arrange a candle, a tall floral, and a unique decor accent piece on a decorative tray to add instant elegance to any room. – Light My Candle Co.
13. Use pillows as accents
If you have room for a couch, a chair, or a bed – you have room for a pillow! These unique throw pillow covers are the perfect way to add texture, color, and your personal style to any apartment. Prince and Pom
14. Use varying pieces
Small spaces can really benefit from a focal wall area instead of displaying a larger piece. A great option is a collage of smaller pieces in varying shapes – 5″x5″ square, 8″x10″ rectangle, a round or two, and something in a contrasting medium really unique to your personality (think macrame, wood, metal). Triptych-type arrangements are also a great option for smaller spaces, especially when working with the 5″x5″ size. – Art Agape Creations
15. Add rugs to texturize
Rugs are a great way to add color and texture without any damage or clean-up when you move. They also help define spaces within your home. Many apartment layouts, for example, feature shared living and dining spaces. By adding a rug to your living area and another under your dining table, you’ll make it feel like two distinct spaces. – Studio Wallflower
16. Design with macramé
Macramé is a great way to add some visual interest and a pop of texture and contrast into a space of any size. It is such a dynamic fiber art; try hanging a macramé tapestry on an accent wall or above furniture, adding more plants into your space with a knotted plant hanger, or even incorporating some smaller, functional macramé accents like coasters or a table runner for a little bit of a boho flair. – The Lark’s Head
17. Make your accent pieces a focal point
We are attached to the places we live. We like to make our home special reflecting our innermost. A good piece of art should be embedded in your home interiors. It will become a focal point for your guests as well. – Boruch Lev Sculpture
18. Hang plants
It can be hard to add some greenery in a small space, but with a plant hanger that can be placed on an otherwise empty corner coming down from the ceiling or displayed on the wall, your plant will look even more dazzling while keeping the air clean. Planters effectively can keep your beloved plants out of reach from children and pets and definitely add color to any room. It can be easily moved around the house if the plant needs to catch more or less sun. – Isabella Strambio
19. Hang dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers are wonderful Native American-made art pieces that come in many sizes and colors to go with any décor. They are beautiful, hung in a window, over a bed, or on a wall. Definitely eye-catchers as well as conversation pieces. – Kachina House
United States
Canada