How can I organize, brighten and decorate small rooms?

If you're permitted to paint, change your wall color to a lighter shade. Use satin finish paint which reflects more light. Buy lampshades with white or ecru fabric shades and use omnidirectional LED soft white light bilbs in them equivalent to a 60, 75 or 100 watt incandescent bulb. Do not use LED bulbs in an enclosed fixture unless it is indicated on the package as o.k. for use, there. Placing a floor lamp in a corner bounces more light.

Get white sheers or draperies. Use light colored throws on your sofa and chairs. Use brightly colored pillows for accents. Tables with glass tops reflect more light. Pictures under glass and those with metallic or mirrored frames reflect more light, as will light colored ceramics/porcelains.

Install a full length mirror or at least a larger wall mirror.

Using see through plastic or clear glasssoap dishes on counters will make the soap dish less noticeable.

Don't waste any vertical space. Use glass shelves in the bath. Paint shelving a light color for kitchen use. If you have space, use a drop leaf table that makes space only when needed.

If you have a storage bin, alternate your decor by season. Apartments tend to have too little space for many "knick knacks", but a few small heat proof items can usually be placed on window sills.

In closets, put multiple clothing items on each hanger ( 2 pair slacks with a jacket, 2 skirts with a vest, blouse and vest, etc. ) Use space saver bags, rarely used suitcases, and locking see through bins for out of season clothes and bedding and place under bed or in storage room. Use back of closet doors for towels, shoes, belt, scarves, handbags.

In your kitchen, stack vertically anything that can be carefully placed in a larger baking dish, bowl, etc. Spice racks come in tier options that fit neatly in cabinets. Stack canned goods, as well.

In a linen closet, roll towels or fold and stack in alternately facing positions to create more space. Place toiletries on tiered shelves or in old shoe boxes where you can easily see contents.

avoid dark paint on walls that will make it look smaller. Also a mirror on the wall adds illusion of space . If you are near an Ikea store they have many storage solutions at good prices.

Love Oliva's ideas. Also, lamps in front of mirrors, clear acrylic chairs, a bookcase in the closet (if you have the room) for accessories and folded sweaters, etc. and sheets on the top shelf, mirrors that reflect light from a window. Pant hangers (about $5) that hold 4-5 pairs of pants or more if you put two pairs per arm; also hangers for blouses/dresses that hook on to each other and hang vertically. Open blinds or drapes when you get up and let in natural light; use sheers for privacy if needed. At least one tall live or faux green plant. Make end tables from a garbage can, using a round top and fabric skirt. Lots of storage there. Floor lamps, especially with swing arms, can take less space than table lamps and function well.

Hi Debbie. I'm Cindy. Begin by hanging large mirrors across from windows. That alone will make the rooms feel bigger. Floors should all be the same (if possible) rather than starting and stopping. That too will help space seem bigger. The space under beds and sofa is prime real estate. Use it for storage. And, lastly, use multi-function furniture. Foot stools can double and be used for storage. Good luck Debbie.