,

Interior Hacks That Instantly Make Any Nigerian Apartment Feel Bigger

0 Comments

If you’ve ever lived in a typical Nigerian apartment – especially in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Abuja – then you would probably agree with me on the following:

  • Tiny bedrooms where you can barely walk around the bed.
  • Kitchens with now storage space.
  • Living rooms that feel full the moment you place a sofa and TV.
  • Zero breathing space for decor, movement, or peace of mind.

And with rent prices rising, more people are settling for “manageable spaces” that don’t feel anything like home. Add poor natural lighting, bad layouts, or oversized furniture, and your home starts to feel like a storage room.

If you’ve ever felt like your house was closing in on you – you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to knock down walls to create space.

With a few smart interior hacks and layout decisions, your apartment can feel bigger, airier, and more welcoming – instantly.

Let’s show you how.

1. Start by Decluttering – Ruthlessly

Let’s be real, before we even talk about design, many Nigerian homes are full of things we don’t really need

From plastic containers with no covers, extra buckets, old books, extra stools, box of clothes you haven’t touched in a very long while.

Clutter is the number one enemy of space

What to do

  • Keep only what you use or love.
  • Donate or sell the rest.
  • Use baskets and labelled boxes for essentials – but hide them neatly under beds or on high shelves.

Less clutter = instant space.

2. Use Multi-functional Furniture

Spacing furniture is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity for small apartments.

Instead of that bulky ottoman that only holds your feet, get one that opens for storage.

Instead of a separate bed and wardrobe in a tiny room, get a storage bed.
A folding dining table, a wall-mounted shelf-desk, or a TV stand with drawers can double your functionality without eating space.

At CMC Interiors, we design custom furniture tailored to your room’s measurements – so you’re not forcing pieces into tight spaces.

3. Mirrors Are Magic (Use Them Wisely)

Want an instant space illusion? Use mirrors.

Mirrors reflect light and give the illusion of depth, making any room feel more open.

Best places to use mirrors:

  • In the living room behind the sofa or across from a window.
  • At the end of a hallway.
  • Inside wardrobe doors.

You can even use mirror wall panels to replace bulky artwork and bounce light around dark corners.

4. Choose Light Colours – They Breathe Better

Dark colours make rooms feel smaller and heavier.

Instead, use:

  • White, cream, beige, and light gray walls.
  • Pastel colours for cushions and accessories.
  • Light wood finishes for furniture.

You can still add colour through decor – just keep the base palette light and neutral to open up the space.

5. Maximize Vertical Space (Not Just Floor Space)

Most Nigerians decorate horizontally – we fill the floor, then run out of room.

But look up.

  • Install floating wall shelves instead of floor-standing cabinets.
  • Use tall bookshelves that reach close to the ceiling.
  • Hang curtains from the top of the wall (not just the window) – this makes the room feel taller.

You’ll be shocked how much “free space” is hiding on your walls.

6. Rearrange Your Layout (Yes, It Matters)

Sometimes, your space feels small not because it is – but because the layout is wrong.

Examples:

  • A bed pushed against the wrong wall can block the flow of a room.
  • A TV stand directly in front of a doorway clogs the energy of the space.
  • Sofas that sit in the middle of a small living room divide the room instead of opening it.

What to do:

  • Place larger furniture against walls to free up floor space.
  • Open up walkways.
  • Avoid blocking windows with tall items.

If it feels tight, change the layout first before blaming the room.

7. Let In Natural Light (Or Fake It Right)

Many NIgerian apartments have poor natural lighting – especially those with small windows or poor building orientation.

What helps:

  • Keep windows open and clean. Avoid heavy curtains that block light.
  • Use light-diffusing blinds or sheer curtains.
  • Add warm LED floor or wall lamps to brighten dark corners.

Light opens up space.

Darkness shrinks it.

Bonus Tips from a Furniture and Interior Design Expert

Here are expert-level tips we use when designing tight spaces for clients:

  • Glass-topped tables give the illusion of openness.
  • Floating vanities or console tables free up floor space in entryways and bathrooms.
  • Under-stair storage can be a game-changer in duplex apartments.
  • Sliding doors (instead of swing doors) can save massive room in small bedrooms and wardrobes.

    • Need help customizing these in your home? We can design, build, and install them to your exact measurements.

    You Don’t Need a Mansion to Live Well

    Many Nigerians believe comfort only comes with big spaces.
    That’s not true.

    With the right furniture, layout, colour, lighting, and smart storage, even a one-bedroom apartment can feel open, stylish, and peaceful.

    You don’t need more space. You need more intention.

    Your home should support your lifestyle – not suffocate it. Need Help Making the Most of Your Space?

    At CMC Interiors and Furniture, we specialize in:

    • Space-saving furniture.
    • Custom layouts for compact Nigerian homes
    • Design solutions that transform even the tiniest room into something beautiful.

    Call us today | Chat with us on WhatsApp | Book a free consultation with us

    Let’s help you breathe again in your own home.