Decorating an Apartment on a Budget
Jun 01, 2022
DECORATING AN APARTMENT OR RENTAL HOME CAN BE CHALLENGING. Renters are usually stuck with the existing wall, floor, cabinet, and other finishes, which in rental spaces can often be generic and dull.
If doing property improvements is not an option, there are still many affordable ways to dress up a rental space and take your rental home or apartment from drab to fab. Try these simple budget decorating ideas for infusing unique style and personality into your apartment or rental home.
Walls
Budget (and free) wall art is extremely easy to make, even if you are not the artistic type. Plain stretched canvases are affordable and almost anything can be decoupaged or painted on them. For an even simpler alternative, frame coordinating colors of pretty fabric or scrapbook papers to match your decor.
Wall decals are inexpensive and readily available, and most are made to remove easily. Decals can even be applied to furniture and tile. Want to save even more? Make your own. Get a roll of removable, adhesive shelf liner. This can be easily cut into various shapes or designs, applied to the wall, and then removed before moving out.
Curtains do not have to only cover windows. Hang inexpensive curtains or fabric along a wall to create a nice feature and provide color and texture to your space. You can even hang a curtain from the ceiling to divide a large area.
Mirrors are a frugal way to enhance a space. Mirrors make small spaces look larger and dark spaces look brighter. Inexpensive mirrors can be found at home decorator stores or check estate sales for bargain finds.
Floors
Throw rugs are a renter’s best friend. Not only do they protect the floor (and protect your deposit) but they are also a great way to add warmth, color, and pattern to an otherwise bland space. In a studio apartment or large room, throw rugs can also be used to define living areas.
Windows
Many times the window treatments are already installed in a rental property, but if you need or want window treatments on a budget, consider making your own—no sewing skills needed. Fusible bonding web (also known as stitch witchery) is available at fabric and craft stores and can be used to create simple, finished-edged panels of fabric to hang over windows or glass doorways.
Lighting
Adding additional lighting to a room is a cheap way to brighten up a drab space. When lighting a room, think in layers from top to bottom. Overhead lighting is a given and lamps can provide a soft glow or task lighting, but do not neglect floor up lighting or accent lighting to highlight art, cabinets, or bookcases.
Furniture
If your rental space is small, consider furniture that does double-duty. A sofa bed, Murphy bed, or loft bed can be very functional in a studio apartment. Ottomans that double as storage solutions or coffee tables that transform into dining tables are creative solutions for small spaces.
With Craigslist and online exchanges, ample flea markets, and yard sales, furnishing a rental home on a budget is easier than ever. Invest in a new mattress, but shop used for everything else. It is amazing how gorgeous an old dresser can look when painted peacock blue.
Accessories
One of the best ways to add color and personality to a rental space is through accessories. Accessories are easily portable. To add uniqueness to an otherwise bland apartment or rental home, look for handmade or vintage items to spruce up your space.
Add punches of color with throw pillows and small accessories such as pottery, picture frames, or book covers. These items are inexpensive, can be easily painted, covered up, or donated if they do not match or fit into your next home.
Houseplants can add a much-needed touch of life to an otherwise bland space as well, and houseplants are affordable. If you work long hours or are not interested in a lot of upkeep, try your hand at succulents or other easy-to-care-for species.