Small Apartment Decorating: The Complete Poster Size and Placement Guide
A few years back, I was living in this tiny 600 square foot one-bedroom apartment with my girlfriend, and I had a bit of a poster obsession. I mean, I had small space wall art literally everywhere - above the bed, in the kitchen, even in the bathroom. My girlfriend was pretty patient about my wall art addiction, but decorating small spaces forced me to get creative about placement since we were working with such limited square footage.
Through a lot of trial and error (and probably some eye-rolling from her), I learned that successful small apartment decorating isn't just about having great posters - it's about putting the right size poster in the right spot. A poster placed poorly or sized wrong for its space can make even the tiniest apartment feel cluttered and chaotic. But get the poster size and placement right? Even the smallest space can feel intentional and stylish instead of overwhelming.
Here's what I figured out...
What Size Posters Work Best in Small Apartments?
Large Posters for Small Spaces (18"x24" to 24"x36"): Sometimes grouping a couple of large posters is way better than hanging multiple small prints. If you've got a blank wall behind your bed or sofa, two or three large 18"x24" or even 24"x36" pieces can actually make small apartments look bigger by creating a strong focal point. This poster placement approach avoids the cramped, cluttered feeling that comes from having too many frames in a relatively small space, and makes your eye think there's more room than there actually is.
Small Posters for Tight Spots (8"x10"): Multiple smaller prints work great for apartment wall art when you want to fill awkward spaces or create little vignettes. 8"x10" sizes are perfect for gallery walls, coffee corners, or when you're working with narrow wall strips in tiny apartments.
Medium Posters - The Small Space Sweet Spot (12"x16" to 16"x20"): When in doubt about poster size for small apartments, 12"x16" or 16"x20" are your friends. They're big enough to have presence but won't overwhelm a small room. I probably used this size more than any other in that tiny apartment.
6 Small Apartment Poster Placement Ideas (Real Customer Examples)
1. Living Room Wall Art That Defines Your Space
One of my favorite customer photos shows three European destination prints perfectly arranged above an armchair and couch. This apartment poster placement is exactly what I mean about going big with your main seating area - these travel posters instantly transport you somewhere else and define your living space, even in a studio apartment.
2. Kitchen Wall Decor: Turn Your Space Into a Cocktail Bar
I love this photo of a customer's kitchen featuring multiple small cocktail prints tucked under the cabinets, right next to their collection of alcohol bottles. It's such a clever use of that often-ignored space between your upper cabinets and countertops. Those smaller prints make the whole kitchen feel like a sophisticated bar instead of just where you store your cereal.
3. Coffee Corner Wall Art for Small Spaces
Sometimes the smallest spaces pack the biggest punch. One customer created the perfect coffee corner with just an 8"x10" coffee print that fits perfectly between a window and shelf with coffee accessories. It's proof that you don't need a big wall to make a big impact with small apartment wall art - those little forgotten spaces can become your favorite spots.
4. How to Decorate Awkward Wall Spaces in Small Apartments
Here's a brilliant example: a customer put a large Lisbon poster on that weird side wall between their kitchen and a doorway. You know those awkward wall spaces - they're too small for furniture but too prominent to ignore. Now instead of an empty space, it's a place that always reminds them of a memorable trip. Any favorite destination works perfectly for these challenging spots in small apartments.
5. Entryway Poster Ideas That Make Small Prints Look Luxe
This customer photo is genius for small apartment decorating - they took two 12"x16" vintage flower market posters in their small apartment entrance and made them look much larger by adding big white mats. It's such a simple trick that instantly makes your apartment wall art look more expensive and intentional. Perfect for making a great first impression in even the tiniest entryway.
6. Bar Cart Wall Decor for Small Spaces
Sometimes simple is stunning in small apartment decorating. One customer photo shows a small bar cart tucked in a corner with a single large Gin and Tonic cocktail print above it. It's small and simple but packs a big punch - proof that one well-placed poster can turn any corner into a conversation starter.
Transform Your Small Apartment with the Right Wall Art
The best part about decorating small apartments with posters is that you can experiment without breaking the bank. Start with one or two pieces in the right spots, see how they feel, then build from there. And don't be afraid to move things around - I probably rearranged our apartment wall art monthly in that tiny space.
Whether you're drawn to vintage travel destinations that make you dream of your next adventure, coffee prints that celebrate your morning ritual, or cocktail posters that turn your bar cart into a conversation starter, the right poster placement and sizing can transform even the tiniest apartment into something that feels uniquely yours.
Ready to start your small apartment decorating project? Browse some bestsellers and find the perfect prints to make your small space feel like home. Remember - it's not about the size of your apartment, it's about making every inch count with thoughtful wall art placement.
Got a tiny space transformation you're proud of? I'd love to see how you've styled your posters! Tag me on Instagram @Vintaprints - small space decorating is one of my favorite things to see.