Decorating your apartment doesn't have to break the bank. There are plenty of cheap tricks you can use to make your space look chic and stylish. With a little creativity and some savvy shopping, you can transform your blank walls and empty rooms into a cozy home that you'll love spending time in. Here are some of our top tips for decorating your apartment on a budget.
1. Make use of affordable art prints
Adding art to your walls is an instant way of bringing life to any room, but buying original art pieces can be incredibly expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable art prints available that are perfect for decorating your apartment. Online retailers like Society6, Etsy, and Minted offer a wide selection of prints by up-and-coming artists that won't break the bank. You can also find inexpensive frames at discount stores like Ikea and Target to display your new art pieces.
2. Use pillows and throws to add color and texture
Throw pillows and blankets are a great way to add color and texture to your living space without making any major design changes. You don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive designer pillows - you can find affordable options at stores like H&M Home and Target. Buying neutral furniture allows you to switch up your throw pillows and blankets easily with the changing seasons.
3. Add some greenery
Plants not only liven up a space, but they also improve air quality and reduce stress. They’re also an affordable way to add decoration to your apartment. Whether you opt for real plants or fake ones, there are plenty of plants that can thrive indoors with minimal sunlight and water. Snake plants, pothos, and succulents are all low-maintenance options that are easier to keep alive.
4. Use removable wallpaper or wall decals
Temporary wallpaper or wall decals can transform a boring apartment into a chic, stylish space. Opt for a fun pattern or texture to add some interest to a blank wall. These options can be easily removed without damaging your walls, which is perfect for renters.
5. Utilize washi tape
Washi tape is a versatile and inexpensive way to add some personality to your apartment. It’s a type of tape that’s made of paper and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Use it to create wall art, frame pictures, or to create a custom border around a mirror or picture frame. It’s an easy and affordable way to add some color to your walls.
6. Mix and match second-hand furniture
Buying all new furniture can be expensive. Opting for some second-hand furniture or antiques allows you to create a unique space while also staying within your budget. Check out local thrift stores, antique shops, and garage sales to find unique pieces that can add character to any space.
7. DIY your own decor
Get creative and make some of your own decor pieces rather than buying them. Pinterest is a great source of DIY inspiration and tutorials for everything from customized painted signs to hand-woven macramé wall hangings. Making your own decor is a fun way to add personal touches to your apartment that no one else will have.
8. Hang curtains
Hanging curtains is a cost-effective way to make your apartment look and feel larger. Hanging curtains high and wide can make the ceiling appear higher and the room appear bigger. You can find affordable curtains at Ikea or World Market, or you could make your own from a patterned bedsheet.
9. Add mirrors to create depth
Strategically placing mirrors around your apartment can help open up space and create an illusion of bigger space. Large mirrors can also reflect natural light, brightening up the room. Again, check out thrift stores for antique or vintage mirrors, or find a new one at Ikea or Target.
10. Pick a color scheme
Picking a color scheme for your apartment creates a cohesive look for the whole apartment, regardless of when or where you added something new. Choose a color palette that you love, and then use it when you’re buying home decor items.
In conclusion, decorating an apartment on a budget can be easy with the right tricks up your sleeve. A few cheap pieces or DIY decor can create an inviting, stylish space you’ll love to come back to. So, don't let the cost of decorating your apartment scare you - use these tips to create a space you love without breaking the bank.