Even if you’re renting a small apartment, it should still be a warm and inviting space to call home. You may be limited on a complete remodel but there are many things you can do to decorate and organize your apartment that won’t break your bank account. Decorating your small apartment cheaply is a great way to feel good when you entertain and enjoy the space on a daily basis. Don’t forget to look for items second-hand at yard/garage sales, thrift stores, discount stores and on craigslist.
13 Cheap Ways to Decorate your Small Apartment
1. Clear out the clutter!
The first thing to do is clear out items you don’t want or need anymore. An open space is more inviting and calming than a cluttered space. Not only is clearing clutter free, you could actually earn some money toward decorations or shelving by selling some items you no longer want on Craigslist.
2. Add an entryway.
Many apartments lack a formal entryway but you can make your own by using a simple bookcase. Remove the top shelves and install coat hooks on the wall for coats, leashes and umbrellas. The bottom shelves can have a couple of baskets to store gloves, keys, sunglasses, hats, etc.
3. Display shelves.
Install basic floating wood shelves on a wall and rotate the display items to keep things fresh.
4. Decorate with your collections.
Do you have a lot of baseball hats? Do you collect movie posters or have a collection of vintage toys or action figures? Save space and create a unique look by hanging your collections on the wall or displayed on shelves or in shadow boxes.
5. Paint options.
You may not be allowed to paint the walls (but if you are go for it!) but no one can stop you from painting your furniture. A fresh coat of colorful paint on your bed frame, desk or coffee table could bring just the right finish to the room.
6. Floor coverings.
Many apartments come with dingy, old carpet. Add appeal by choosing a bright area rug, as large as you can afford.
7. Decorative mirrors & accent lighting.
Mirrors are a great trick to make a small space feel bigger and add light in a room with limited windows. Hang a mirror on a wall in a cramped area of your apartment, preferably across from a window to catch the natural light. Add some inexpensive, colorful accent lamps to create a warm glow in the evening.
8. Furniture layout.
Ideally, you would start with an open space but if you are working on re-arranging the furniture, try to picture the space as bare. Try dividing the room into separate, functional zones. One way to do this is to “float” the sofa in the middle of the room and place your TV on the wall facing it. You can then use the space on the other side of the sofa for an office or dining area. Use a coffee table with built in storage.
9. Multi-purpose, open storage.
Invest in a large, multi-purpose bookcase or industrial metal shelf that will serve multiple storage needs. Place it in a central location in your apartment and use it to store everything from books and dishes to towels, flatware and office supplies. Use a basket to house small items.
10. Decorative pillows.
Funky, patterned throw pillows can instantly brighten a dull couch or arm chair and they add comfort too.
11. Bring a touch of the outdoors in.
Inexpensive plants, pine cones or even weed flowers can all be beautiful ways to freshen up your apartment.
12. Switch out your hardware.
It is true that hardware can be expensive but you can take it with you to your next apartment! High quality handles and drawer pulls look great and can change the feel of the kitchen and bathroom.
13. Add bright, coordinated colors.
In your bedroom, try coordinating your bedding, curtains, and an area rug for a distinctive look. In the bathroom, a matching shower curtain, towels, and bath rug will make the room appealing.
It isn’t necessary to spend an arm and a leg to have a well-organized and inviting apartment space. Your friends will want to come over and your mom will be impressed when she stops by but best of all, you will want to spend time there!
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