~ From space-saving hacks to city-inspired charm—this is how you decorate in Mumbai ~
A city is more than a place—it’s a living energy, a rhythm, a collective spirit. Mumbai isn’t just where you live—it’s what lives in you. Living in India’s financial capital means learning to navigate its compact spaces, humid climate, and fast-paced lifestyle.
Whether you’re renting a cosy 1 BHK in Bandra or setting up your first owned apartment in Powai, home styling in Mumbai needs to be smart, breathable, and reflective of the city’s vibe. Now that you’ve got a place, the next step is even more thrilling: making it feel like home, amidst all the chaos.
That’s where Magicdécor, with its urban interior solutions, can lead you into turning your apartment into a sanctuary that feels expansive, heart-warming and ‘that’s so Mumbai’!
Do More with Less: Smart Ways to Maximise Small Spaces
Mumbai’s skyline may be expansive, but its homes often aren’t. In the city that welcomes dreamers from every corner of the country, compact living is the norm. Surely, small doesn’t have to mean cramped. With the right home décor ideas, even the tiniest studio can feel open, airy, and full of life. So, how do you go about doing that?
- Stay focused on a core design theme. Be it oceanic, street-style or Bollywood
- Avoid changing themes in each room. Use theme motifs in different rooms to create a unified effect
- Buy fewer, smarter furnishings that are multi-purpose and elevate your space
- Stick to lighter-toned colours
- Let in natural air and light
When done right, small spaces can feel not just livable, but truly liberating.
Be One with the Ocean: Design for Mumbai’s Coastal Weather
Mumbai was once a cluster of seven islands—Bombay, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Woman’s Island—brought together by land reclamation to create the vibrant city we know today. But the ocean never really left. It’s salty breeze, high humidity, and coastal temperament still shape the way Mumbaikars live—and how we design our homes.
To live in harmony with Mumbai’s humid, coastal climate, keep your decor:
- Light, airy, and resilient—your materials should breathe as easily as your style.
- Choose moisture-resistant wallpapers and breathable paints that can withstand humidity.
- Avoid heavy fabrics or materials that trap moisture.
- Embrace the weather with natural textiles like cotton, linen, or rattan.
- Furnish with bamboo, cane, or treated wood—they’re made for tropical settings.
- Stick to breezy, open layouts that let energy and air flow freely.
- Use soft, coastal-inspired colour palettes: seafoam greens, sandy beiges, off-whites or watery blues
Play with the Lights: Let Space Shine Through
In a city like Mumbai, where each square foot is precious, lighting can be your biggest illusionist.
Here’s how to make your space feel bigger:
- Avoid dark corners and overly diffused lighting—they may feel cosy but can make small spaces feel cramped and closed in.
- Use bright, well-placed lighting to open up the room both visually and emotionally.
- Swap dim bulbs for warm-toned LEDs that mimic natural daylight and make your space feel fresher.
Layer your lights for maximum impact in minimal space
- Use ceiling lights for general illumination
- Add wall sconces for ambience and to amplify the beauty of walls
- Place mirrors strategically to reflect light and make the room appear larger
Right lighting doesn’t just brighten a space—it lifts the mood, expands the room, and invites beauty into every corner.
Make It Yours—Even If It’s Rented
Renting an apartment often comes with a big question mark: Should I invest in decorating a place that’s not mine? Whether it’s for a year or five, the answer is yes! Your Mumbai home decor should reflect your:
- Energy – your home reflects your state of mind. Every object you bring in must embody your energy and be aligned with your inner world.
- Taste – great design comes alive when everything flows together. Let your Mumbai home be a reflection of true taste.
- Lifestyle – decorate according to your daily routine and rituals. Whether you unwind with music or lose yourself in a book, let your space support the life you love.
Worried if all this is going to cost you a fortune? Well, actually no! You don’t need to break the bank to make a space feel like home. All it takes is:
- Start with a modest budget
- Focus on small touches that reflect you
- Think sheer curtains that let in light, easy-to-care plants, personal photographs, and smart accessories you can find online.
- Choose wallpapers instead of paint
- Sample or try before you buy
- Use calming colours
- Avoid bulky furniture. Choose pieces that can move with you.
Your home decor ideas for Mumbai should focus on presence, not permanence. After all, even rented homes can be loved wholeheartedly.
Inspired By Mumbai, Designed By You
There’s a quiet magic in the moment when local treasures find their place in modern décor. In a city like Mumbai, where every corner hums with character, blending its beauty with modern aesthetics can make your home feel both grounded and globally inspired.
Modern aesthetics are all about purpose and flow. They use:
- Open layouts that invite natural light
- Functional furniture with artistic form
- Warm woods and matte textures
- Terrazzo, clean lines, and minimal cabinetry
- Calm, Japandi-inspired styling
You can carry forward this elegance of modern styling and infuse it with the warmth and artistry of Mumbai-inspired elements. Here’s how.
Modern Decor with Mumbai’s Signature: Where to Shop
Add layers of local charm to your home décor with these Mumbai home decor brands:
- Magicdecor—for custom wallpaper murals, custom blinds, and canvas prints
- Nicobar – for soft linens with a contemporary Indian touch
- Fab India – for earthy lamps and timeless handcrafted pieces
- Freedom Tree – for bold, whimsical prints that add personality
- Chumbak – for playful mugs and accessories inspired by Mumbai’s vibrant energy
- The Bombay Store – for heritage-inspired finds that reflect the city’s legacy
Style Cue: Look for Mumbai-inspired accessories—like cushion covers with local motifs, an upcycled clock from Chor Bazaar, or cutting chai glasses in a vintage-style metal holder
Get a Mumbai decor piece that’s just yours
If you want to anchor your space with something truly one-of-a-kind, take a stroll outside Jehangir Art Gallery. You may find a piece of local art that can transform your space.
Style Cue: Sometimes, the art you need isn’t in a gallery—it’s waiting on a sidewalk.
Turn everyday Mumbai moments into meaningful design
Your love for Mumbai doesn’t have to end at the Gateway of India or the Worli Sea Link. It’s steeped in the everyday life—amber sunsets at the promenade, the shimmer of traffic lights on an ink blue night, Gulmohar blossoms bursting orange in the summers, or the rhythmic lash of monsoon rain on asbestos shades.
Bring these memories home with Magicdecor. You can turn these moments into:
- Custom murals, wallpapers, or roller blinds
- Design your own Mumbai-inspired mural wallpaper
- Get guidance on choosing colour palettes
- Get professional advice on how to seamlessly blend the beauty of Mumbai with Modern Decor
Beautify the Balcony, Nest in the Nooks
If your Mumbai apartment comes with a balcony, count yourself among the lucky ones. It’s your private bridge between the indoors and the outdoors. A place where the sea breeze and the city buzz become part of your daily life.
Transform it into a biophilic space with:
- Potted palms like the ‘bird of paradise’, ‘Areca’ or ‘Monstera Delciosa’
- Creepers that climb up the railings
- A vertical herb garden with fragrant oregano or rosemary
Make it cosy with:
- A comfy mattress with Mumbai-themed cushions
- Keep a table for your favourite brew
- Place your speakers there and listen to your favourite tunes
Whether it’s a morning chai corner or your golden hour retreat, a well-done balcony can lift your spirit like nothing else.
What about those empty nooks? Don’t let them go to waste, simply:
- Line them with books you love
- Frame nostalgic photos
- Create a meditation corner with candles, incense, or even a small altar
- Place your cabin or check-in bags there as a reminder of your beloved trips
Treat the space in your apartment with attention and purpose, and steadily you will have designed a home that’s an extension of you.
Ready to turn your apartment into a Mumbai-inspired haven?
From small Mumbai apartment décor to full-scale urban interior solutions, great design starts with one thing—connection to the life you live. At Magicdecor, we help you create a home that’s not just beautiful on the outside, but deeply personal on the inside. No matter where you come from, when you style your home with a relentless spirit, you belong to ‘Aamchi Mumbai!’.