25 Apartment Decorating on a Budget
Let’s be real: decorating an apartment can feel like burning money on fancy candles that you never light.
With a little creativity (and a touch of stubbornness), you can create an apartment that feels expensive without spending much at all.
Some worked, some… not so much. But along the way, I learned some clever tricks, and I’m here to spill them all.
Ready for 25 budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas that won’t leave you living on instant ramen? Let’s go.
1. Embrace Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
Why pay full price when someone else already did? Thrift stores are treasure chests if you have patience.
You can find solid wood furniture, quirky art, and vintage mirrors for a fraction of retail prices.
Pro tip: Go on weekdays—weekends get picked over fast.
2. DIY Wall Art
Ever looked at a $200 canvas painting and thought, “I could do that”? Well… you actually can. Buy a cheap canvas, splash some paint, or even frame fabric or wallpaper samples. Boom—instant art.
3. String Lights = Instant Vibes
If fairy lights are “basic,” then I’m proudly basic. String lights add warmth, softness, and cozy vibes to any room. Drape them over your bed, around windows, or even along a bookshelf.
4. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Rental-friendly and budget-approved. Peel-and-stick wallpaper can transform an entire room or just one accent wall without destroying your security deposit.
5. Plants (Real or Fake)
Plants make any apartment feel alive. Don’t have a green thumb? No worries—fake plants have gotten really convincing. Just dust them occasionally unless you want “dead chic” vibes.
6. Secondhand Rugs
A rug grounds a space, but new ones are pricey. Check Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or thrift stores for gently used rugs. Just give them a deep clean and they’re good as new.
7. Gallery Wall with Personal Photos
You don’t need to buy fancy art prints—just print your favorite photos in black and white, grab cheap frames from IKEA or Dollar Tree, and create a gallery wall that feels personal and stylish.
8. Floating Shelves
These babies are cheap, easy to install, and double as storage + decor. Use them for books, plants, or small art pieces.
9. Throw Pillows & Blankets
If your couch looks blah, dress it up with throw pillows and blankets. You can swap covers seasonally for a fresh look without replacing the whole pillow.
10. Repurpose Mason Jars
Before you roll your eyes—hear me out. Mason jars make awesome candle holders, pen organizers, or bathroom storage. Plus, they’re cheap and look farmhouse-chic.
11. Washi Tape Wall Designs
Can’t paint? Use washi tape to create geometric wall art, faux frames, or headboard outlines. When you move, it peels right off.
12. DIY Coffee Table
Grab a couple of crates, stack them, and stain or paint them. You’ll have a rustic coffee table with hidden storage for under $30.
13. Use Scarves as Wall Hangings
Remember my scarf phase? Honestly, it worked. Scarves are colorful, lightweight, and easy to hang with push pins—instant boho wall art.
14. Removable Backsplash Stickers
Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, these peel-and-stick tiles look shockingly real and cost way less than a real renovation.
15. Paint Old Furniture
Instead of buying new, just paint what you have. A fresh coat of paint can turn a tired dresser into a statement piece.
16. Candle Clusters
Candles make any apartment feel cozy. Group them in clusters of different heights on your coffee table or dining table for a romantic vibe (even if the only date is with Netflix).
17. Mirrors to Fake Space
Apartments = small. Mirrors = magic. They bounce light around and make rooms look bigger. Hit up thrift stores for unique frames.
18. Cute Storage Baskets
Storage doesn’t have to be ugly. Buy or DIY woven baskets to hold blankets, magazines, or random clutter you don’t want guests to see.
19. Chalkboard Wall or Frame
Pick up chalkboard paint or a chalkboard panel and hang it in your kitchen. It’s perfect for to-do lists, grocery reminders, or doodles.
20. Mix-and-Match Dining Chairs
Can’t afford a full matching dining set? Mix chairs in different colors or styles. It feels eclectic and intentional (even if it’s just because you were broke).
21. Repurpose Wine Bottles
Wine bottles make sleek DIY vases or candle holders. Plus, you get to drink the wine first. Win-win. 🙂
22. Curtain Hacks
Skip custom curtains. Buy cheap ones and hem them with iron-on tape or hang them higher to make ceilings look taller.
23. Bar Cart Alternative
Don’t want to drop $$ on a bar cart? Repurpose a small bookshelf or rolling cart into a chic drink station.
24. Statement Lampshades
You don’t need a new lamp—just switch the lampshade. A bold shade can totally refresh your lighting setup.
25. Declutter & Rearrange
The cheapest trick? Declutter and move stuff around. Sometimes rearranging furniture gives a room a brand-new feel.
Bonus Tips for Decorating on a Budget
Because honestly, once you start, it’s hard to stop:
- Layer rugs for a cozy look without buying one giant expensive rug.
- Spray paint can make old hardware or decor look brand-new.
- Pinterest hacks are gold—but test them before you commit (some look better online than in real life, trust me).
