Wondering how to decorate your apartment on a budget? New apartments are like a blank slate. There are tons of great apartment decor options out there. Before you get started, be sure to check your lease agreement. It’s important to follow the conditions in your lease so you can be sure to receive your entire security deposit when you move out. While apartments can be a great place to live long-term, an apartment isn’t usually considered a forever home. That said, items you can either remove or take with you are ideal for decorating your new apartment. Keeping this in mind, this list is full of ideas to spice up your new pad.
Wallpaper
Removable peel-and-stick wallpaper is all the rage right now. There are so many great options at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes. Target even has a selection of styles as well. Removable wallpaper is perfect for decorating an apartment because, well, you can remove it. Make a feature wall or create a decorative back splash. The options are unlimited!
Curtains
Installing floor to ceiling curtains in a bold color or pattern can really add a pop of style to your new space. Adding a curtain rod is a little tricky because it requires screwing the rod brackets into the wall, but the end result is worth the extra work. I can usually find the best quality curtain rods for a discount at Home Goods or Target. After several drapery disappointments over the years, my favorite style of curtains are the kind that have the grommets at the top. Grommet-top curtains with a 1-inch curtain rod can be found in almost in every room of my house. Choose insulating curtains for the added benefit of energy savings.
Mirrors
If you want to add style and make your space feel larger, mirrors are a must! Mirrors reflect light which can help brighten up the room. They also provide the illusion of more space. I love shopping the different styles and shapes of mirrors at Hobby Lobby and Home Goods. A geometric shaped mirror may add a modern feel, while a barn wood bordered mirror will give the space a rustic style.
Art
Who needs a hammer and nails when you have 3M Picture Hanging strips! I love these. Pounding nails into the wall will only result in holes that will need to be filled when you move out. Grab some 3M Picture Hanging strips and make life easier by hanging your art securely without damage to walls. That’s an idea that will really stick!
Lighting
Updated light fixtures can make a dramatic impact in an apartment. A friend recently shared with me that she and her husband replaced all the light fixtures in their apartment to match their taste. They just kept the original fixtures stored away. When it was time to move out, they simply removed their own fixtures and put the original ones back in place. They were able to take their own fixtures with them to their new house. Genius!
Plants
Any space can seem brighter and more alive with a plant or two. Lately, I’ve been adding more plants to my collection, but I am far from having a green thumb. My only requirement for the plants I choose is that they are easy to grow. If you’re just getting started with houseplants, I recommend a pothos plant. It’s easy to grow and you can even forget to water it for awhile without it dropping dead. You can easily find a pothos at your local grocery or home improvement store.
Furniture
Furniture will take up most of the space in your place, so it makes sense that it should reflect your style more than anything else. Unfortunately, furniture can be expensive. To save money, you can think outside the box. I am so cheap that I almost never buy furniture brand new. There are so many great places to find used furniture: consignment and second-hand shops, thrift stores, yard and estate sales, and online auction and marketplace sites. You can furnish your whole apartment on the cheap shopping used instead of new. Put your own style into old items with a coat of paint. A little elbow grease goes a long way.
Rugs
Let’s face it, apartment flooring isn’t always the most attractive. It’s amazing how a rug can become a stylish base to anchor your room. Some rugs are costly, but they are an investment you can take with you when you move. Try a light colored rug to brighten the space or a patterned rug to add visual interest. I’ve had great luck finding nice rugs at home improvement stores and I love the non-slip rug pads from IKEA.
When Temporary Decor Isn’t Enough
Sometimes a more major update like a new coat of paint can be necessary for an apartment. Painting the interior of your apartment depends on your lease agreement. If you are thinking of making a permanent change like this, check with your landlord first. He or she may be opposed to the idea or thrilled you are willing to put in the work to update your place.
I hope you found these ideas helpful as you make plans for your apartment. Leave a comment below. We’d love to see your before and after. Have fun decorating your new place!
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