This post shares affordable ways to style your first apartment.
Decorating your first apartment can feel like the ultimate challenge. You want your space to feel cozy and functional all while being able to show off your personal style, but this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune! All it takes is just a little creativity to make your first apartment a cozy and stylish nest. Here are 13 affordable first apartment decor ideas you’ll love
1. Affordable Floating Shelves
Floating shelves make all the difference in a small apartment! They add style while being practical and they provide extra storage space. Display anything from books, plants, photos, all the way to decorative items. I love floating shelves because they’re pretty easy to mount, and they help keeping your floor open and clutter-free while giving a neat and modern touch to your apartment. You can find them on Amazon, Target and Ikea if you’d rather go in person.
2. Use Fabric to Add Personality
Fabrics like throw blankets, pillows, and curtains can really tie an apartment together. A few well picked fabric pieces can bring color, texture, and warmth into your space without needing to spend a ton. Choose bold throws or plush pillows to give your couch an inviting look, or hang curtains to soften harsh light and make the space cozy.
3. Affordable Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are an awesome way to add your character and personality to your space. What’s even better? You don’t have to spend money on expensive pieces of art. Frame inexpensive/cheap prints, posters, or even personal photos in a mix of different picture frames for a cool and casual vibe. This will definitely make your friends and family want to take a double look!
4. Add Stylish Storage Baskets
Storage doesn’t have to be boring. Stylish storage baskets and bins keep you organized while adding texture and personality to your apartment. Use them for everything, from storing blankets to organizing small items in the bathroom or bedroom, you can find a wide range of affordable options made from materials such as wicker, fabric, or even metal that can easily fit into the aesthetic of any of your rooms.
5. Refresh Your Bedding
Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, so it’s worth giving it a little extra time to make it comfortable and inviting. Change out old, worn bedding for something new and modern. Look for stylishly patterned duvet covers or soft sheets in neutral tones that will help you relax comfortably after a long day, these are usually pretty affordable and you can find great deals online. Add a few throw pillows to really give your bed that extra neat aesthetic and your bed will look expensive without the high price tag.
6. Statement Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to completely change the mood of a room. Get rid of the harsh ceiling lights and instead, go for softer, warmer lighting using stylish floor lamps, table lamps, or string lights, these options are stylish and functional. You can find affordable lamps in various cool designs on amazon and home goods!
7. Low-Maintenance Plants
Bringing in a little greenery can instantly give new life to your first apartment. Indoor plants are not only beautiful, but they also help purify the air and add a calming vibe. If you’re new to plant care, start with low maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents, these are the most popular. These plants are perfect for apartments because they’re forgiving and don’t require a lot of attention.
8. Use Wall Hooks
Wall hooks easily add function and style to any apartment, at a very low price. Whether you need a place for keys, coats, bags, or even scarves, hooks are a great solution. You can find unique hooks made of materials like wood, metal, or ceramic that match the aesthetic of your apartment at Target, Amazon, or Anthropologie!
9. Add a Statement Rug
A statement rug can tie a room together while bringing in comfort and style. Rugs are my favorite way to give any room life and spice without doing much effort. A bold bohemian pattern to a simple neutral colored design, a rug adds warmth and texture to any room! They’re great for defining areas in studio apartments and can easily be switched out for a fresh look. You can find a wide range of affordable rugs on Rugs USA and Wayfair.
10. Entryway Makeover
Doesn’t matter how small your entryway may be, there are many different ways you can still decorate it. Entryways are the very first thing you see when you walk into an apartment, and you can choose to decorate it with simple decor like a small table, a mirror, gallery wall, or a simple rug. Adding decor to your entryway will definitely make a lasting impression on your guests!
11. Refresh Your Kitchen with Accessories
The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in any apartment, especially your first apartment where you want to be able to enjoy your first meals! So I say it’s definitely worth investing in a few stylish accessories to make it feel more put together. You can find affordable and chic storage jars, colorful dish towels, and decorative trays, that add a personal touch at target or home goods. Adding these to your kitchen can bring charm and utility to your kitchen without a huge cost.
12. Include a Small Home Office Corner
Setting up a small home office is super important if you work or study from home. When you move in to your first apartment, find a corner with extra room and a foldable desk (this is super convenient), a comfortable chair, and some wall mounted storage is all you need to have that functional, cozy office space. I recommend going for multi-purpose furniture to save space and to easily blend with your apartment’s interior. A simple, organized work space will make your first apartment feel more functional and productive.
13. Renter-Friendly Decals
Instead of committing yourself to DIY projects, one of the easiest, most renter-friendly ways to decorate your walls is by using removable wall decals or posters. These are easy to put up and take down and won’t damage your walls. They come in every design you can imagine, so it shouldn’t be hard to find something that fits your style, oh and did I mention they’re extremely affordable? My favorite way to get affordable decals is on Amazon and Etsy!
Decorating your first apartment doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With these 13 budget friendly ideas, you can design a functional and stylish first apartment that shows off your personality without breaking the bank. Whether you add a few simple decor pieces, change out your lighting, or include a few DIY projects, these small changes add up and create a beautiful, personalized apartment all while staying within your budget!
