22 Apartment Decorating Ideas: Transform Your Space on a Budget

Is your apartment a little drab? Is it lacking personality? Or are you just looking for a few quick and easy apartment decorating ideas that won’t cost you a fortune? Then you have come to the right place. Here are some quick and easy ways to transform your space without breaking the bank.

1. Make a Budget

The very first step in any apartment decorating project is to make a budget. It’s a good idea to know how much you can spend on your new space and what that money will go toward.

For example, if you’re a recent college grad, you may have a budget of $1,000 to spend on your first apartment. But if you’re an established professional who’s been living in your apartment for a while, you might have a budget of $500 for a living room makeover.

Either way, you’ll want to know how much you can spend on furniture, decor, and any other items you need to create your dream apartment.

2. Start with the Basics

When you’re moving into a new apartment, it’s tempting to buy everything at once. But that can lead to a lot of impulse purchases and a lot of clutter.

Instead, start with the basics. What do you need to live comfortably in your new space?

Think about the furniture you need and the activities you do at home. Do you like to cook? Then you’ll want to make sure the kitchen is well-stocked. Do you work from home? Then you’ll need a functional office space.

Make a list of all the things you need and prioritize them. You can always add more to your list later, but it’s a good idea to start with the essentials.

3. Find a Theme

A theme can help you narrow down your design choices and make decisions easier.

The theme you choose can be as simple as a color scheme or as complex as a vibe or feeling you want to capture.

Some popular apartment themes include:

• Modern

• Boho

• Rustic

• Vintage

• Industrial

• Minimalistic

• Parisian

• Coastal

• Eclectic

• Mid-century modern

4. Get Creative with Storage

Storage is a must in any space, but it’s especially important in an apartment.

Apartments can be limited on closet space, so finding creative ways to add storage will help you keep your space organized and clutter-free.

Try using baskets, bins, or even decorative boxes to store things like extra blankets, books, or electronics.

If you have a little more room, you could even add a bookshelf or a cabinet to store things out of sight.

5. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

If you’re allowed to paint your apartment, this is a great way to make your space feel like your own.

If you’re not allowed to paint, see if your landlord will let you paint just one wall. It’s a great way to create a focal point in a room.

If you’re not allowed to paint any part of your apartment, consider adding a bold, colorful wallpaper to one wall.

You can also add a pop of color by painting the inside of a bookshelf, the back of a door, or the ceiling.

6. Add an Accent Wall

If you’re not allowed to paint, you can still add an accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper. This is a great way to add a pop of color or a bold pattern to your space.

If you don’t want to commit to wallpaper, you can create a faux accent wall by hanging a large tapestry or piece of fabric.

This is a great option for renters because you can easily remove it and take it with you when you move.

7. Add Window Treatments

Dress up your windows with some simple and affordable window treatments. Even if you love the look of curtains, they can be a bit much in an apartment space.

A simple valance or a few curtain panels on a tension rod can add a lot of visual interest to a room without overwhelming it.

Choose a fabric that complements your decor, and play with patterns and textures to add even more dimension to your space.

8. Hang Art

Art is a great way to show off your personality and make a rental feel more like home. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy paintings to do it.

You can create your own gallery wall with a mix of inexpensive prints, photos, and original art. Or, you can choose one or two large pieces to hang on a focal wall.

If you’re not allowed to put holes in the wall, you can use removable adhesive hooks to hang your art.

Tip: When hanging art, make sure to keep the center of the piece at eye level. If you’re creating a gallery wall, start by hanging the largest piece in the center and work your way out.

9. Use Mirrors

If you have a small apartment, you can make it look bigger by using mirrors to create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror across from a window to reflect the light and scenery outside.

You can also use a gallery wall of mirrors to make a statement and open up the room.

10. Add Plants

Plants have a way of making any space feel more inviting. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry — there are plenty of low-maintenance houseplants you can choose from.

Even fake plants can add a pop of color and life to a room. Place a few throughout your apartment, or create a mini garden in a sunny spot.

11. Create a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a great way to add personality to your space and showcase your favorite pieces of art, photography, or even your own work.

You can get creative and incorporate different shapes, colors, and sizes of frames, or keep it simple and use matching frames.

The best part about a gallery wall is that you can always add to it or rearrange it as you get new pieces. Gallery walls are a time-honored tradition in home decor, and they are an excellent way to add style to your apartment.

12. Add Throw Pillows and Blankets

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some color and texture to your living room, look no further than throw pillows and blankets.

You can add a pop of color with an accent pillow or choose a color scheme and mix and match a few.

Throw blankets are great for adding texture and warmth to your space.

Try adding one to the arm of your couch or fold it and place it in a basket for a cozy look.

13. Add a Rug

A rug is a great way to add color, texture, and style to your space. Plus, it’s a great way to cover up an ugly floor!

Just be sure to choose the right size rug for your space. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Make sure your rug is big enough that at least the front legs of your furniture can sit on it.

If you have a small space, a large rug can help make your room feel bigger. But, if you have a larger space, you can use a rug to help define different areas.

14. Create a Focal Point

When you walk into a room, what do you want to be the first thing you see? That’s your focal point.

In a living room, the focal point is most commonly the sofa. But there are other ways to create a focal point in your room.

You can use a large piece of art, a gallery wall, a fireplace, or an accent wall to draw the eye in.

15. Make Your Own Art

Art is a great way to add color and personality to your space. But, if you don’t have the budget for expensive pieces, you can make your own.

Get creative and think outside the box. You don’t have to be a professional artist to make something beautiful. You can frame fabric, hang a tapestry, or use a large mirror to add visual interest to your walls.

If you’re not feeling particularly artistic, you can also find digital art online and print it out yourself. There are tons of free and affordable options out there. Just make sure you have a high-quality printer and paper for the best results.

16. Add a Chandelier

If you have high ceilings, a chandelier can be a great way to fill the space and add a touch of elegance to your apartment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a chandelier to make a big impact. There are plenty of affordable options available online and in stores.

If you’re not allowed to make any permanent changes to your apartment, you can always add a plug-in chandelier. Just be sure to keep the original light fixture so you can switch it back when you move out.

17. Add String Lights

String lights are a simple and inexpensive way to add light and coziness to your apartment. Plus, you can hang them anywhere. Try draping them over a window or doorway, or use them to create a focal point on your gallery wall.

You can find string lights in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your apartment’s decor. And if you’re worried about using up too much electricity, there are plenty of energy-efficient options available.

18. Use Removable Wallpaper

If you’re not allowed to paint your apartment, removable wallpaper is a great alternative. You can use it to create a focal wall or to add a pop of color to your space.

Pro Tip: If you’re renting your apartment, make sure to get your landlord’s permission before adding removable wallpaper.

19. Use Contact Paper

Contact paper is a great way to add a pop of color to your apartment. It’s easy to apply and can be removed without damaging the surface. Try adding a fun print to the back of your bookshelves, to your kitchen cabinets, or as a backsplash in your kitchen.

Some other ways you can use contact paper include:

• Covering an old countertop

• Adding a print to your dresser drawers

• Creating a fun focal wall in your living room

• Covering the top of a table or desk

• Adding a pop of color to your staircase

20. Add a Bar Cart

Bar carts are a great way to add some decor to your living room while also getting a little extra storage.

You can style your bar cart with all your favorite drinks and glassware, or you can use it as a coffee cart.

If you don’t want to use it for drinks at all, you can style it with books, plants, and other decor.

21. Add a Room Divider

Room dividers are a great way to define a space, especially if you’re in a studio apartment. You can use a divider to create a separate sleeping area, or use it to divide a living area from your dining room.

Not only are room dividers a great way to define a space, but they’re also a great way to add a pop of color or texture to your space. If you have a small apartment, a room divider can add a lot of visual interest to your space without taking up any room.

22. Add a Personal Touch

Finally, don’t forget to add some personal touches to your new space. Whether you’re renting a new apartment or want to give your current unit a facelift, adding some personal items can make your apartment feel like home.

Display your favorite books, plants, or pieces of art throughout your apartment. You can also add personal touches with new throw pillows, blankets, or other textiles.

Conclusion

We hope you found some inspiration for your apartment living space. Remember, you don’t need to break the bank to create a beautiful apartment.

If you’re looking to make a more permanent change in your apartment, reach out to a real estate agent to help you find the perfect apartment for your needs.

Happy decorating!