My first place was an apartment, and having my own space felt amazing. I wanted to make it special while staying within my budget.
A month before moving in, I searched everywhere for décor ideas to make the Apartment Décor feel like mine. That’s when I discovered my love for budget-friendly home décor and creating a style that felt personal. Back then, my style was cozy with lots of creams and browns. Now, I prefer a lighter, fresher look but still love some old favorites, like sheer curtains for a balcony or patio.
No matter your style, you can use these ideas and make them your own. Think of this as a simple guide to Apartment Décor that feels inviting and reflects you.
Here are easy tips to elevate your space, no matter the size!
Disclosure
When decorating your apartment, always check the rules in your lease or ask your landlord about what’s allowed. Some Apartment Décor are fine with you hanging things on the walls, while others have stricter rules. To avoid any fines, it’s important to know what’s okay before you start. If your apartment doesn’t allow nails or screws, ask if you can use alternatives like Command strips or other damage-free options. These are great for adding personal touches without risking your deposit. Staying within the rules not only saves money but also keeps things hassle-free when it’s time to move out.
13 Ways To Decorate Your Apartment On A Budget
1. Hang Balcony Curtains
My favorite thing I added to my Apartment Décor was sheer curtains for the balcony. I lived on the third floor and was lucky to have a sunset view instead of looking at other buildings. The curtains gave me privacy and let me enjoy my morning coffee without awkward eye contact with neighbors. If your balcony faces other buildings, curtains can help with privacy while still making the space feel cozy. Sheer curtains also look soft and relaxing, especially when they move in the breeze. You can choose any type of curtain you like, as long as they’re okay for outdoor use.
2. Add Greenery
Plants made my apartment feel alive and fresh. I loved starting my day by watering them after my coffee and even learned to grow fresh herbs for cooking. My favorite was the hydrangea—it added beautiful colors to my balcony and made the space feel vibrant. Adding plants to your balcony is a great way to fill up the empty space and make it more inviting. Hanging ferns were another favorite of mine; they looked so elegant draping down the railing and were super easy to care for. Before choosing plants, though, check how much sunlight your balcony gets. Too much sun can quickly harm your plants, and dead plants won’t add much charm to your space!
3. Layer Different Textures
Throw pillows and blankets are the easiest way to make any space feel cozy and inviting. Mixing different patterns, materials, and textures adds interest and keeps things from looking too plain. I love adding a faux lambskin rug to the chaise lounge on my couch—it brings an extra touch of softness and warmth that feels luxurious. For me, the more pillows, the better! They make everything feel comfortable and look styled. My husband might think there are too many, but I think they’re worth it. Combining these textures makes the room feel layered and cozy, perfect for relaxing. Small details like these can completely transform your space into a comforting retreat.
I love candles! They create a cozy, inviting feel that’s hard to beat. I prefer warm scents like cashmere, amber, and sandalwood for a comfortable vibe. In my Apartment Décor, I added candlelight with sconces, which I found at Marshall’s. Sconces are perfect for framing windows or art and add a bit of drama to the room. I like to hang them at different heights for a more interesting look. The soft, warm glow from the candles makes the space feel extra cozy, and the light patterns on the wall are beautiful. I also bought a cherry blossom table light from Kirkland’s for some extra twinkling light!
5. Hang Window Treatments Up High
Window treatments are so important for making a room feel finished and stylish. Without them, the space can look empty and incomplete, especially with just blinds. Curtains give you many ways to make your room look different and interesting. I used brown and cream curtains to add some variety. I love adding valances because they make the window look soft and dramatic. I also added candles, more pillows, and a little window seat by the balcony to keep things cozy. This whole window area really made my small Apartment Décor feel more inviting and put together!
6. Buy Upholstered Furniture
The star of my dining room is definitely the upholstered chairs. They look fancy but only cost $200 for all four from Walmart.com. At first, I was worried about them getting stained, especially with spaghetti, but I’m so glad I bought them! The material is easy to clean with a carpet cleaner, and I’ve had them for 7 years now. One mistake I made was buying a rug that was too small for the table. A larger rug would’ve made the room look bigger. It’s a common mistake for beginners, especially when buying décor online and not being sure about sizes.
7. Set Table Décor
A beautiful table setting can quickly make a dining space feel elegant! All you need are some placemats, decorative dishes, candles, and a flower bouquet in the center. That’s my simple formula for a stylish table. You don’t need fancy furniture if your tabletop is well-decorated—it makes your space feel ready for guests at all times. I found these Pfaltzgraff dishes at my local Ross for only $30, and they’re great quality! Just like the dining chairs, I still have them today. So, if you spot some Pfaltzgraff dinnerware while shopping, grab them!
8. Implement a color Scheme And Style
At the time, I was really into Paris-themed decorations. In the background, you can see a bouquet, a wine rack filled with my favorite wine (Roscato), and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower! Not pictured, I also had a three-tiered glass dessert tower on the bar filled with macaroons. To create a space that feels like you, start by exploring Pinterest or Google Photos to find what catches your eye and brings you comfort. Once you know your style, stick with it throughout your Apartment Décor, keeping the same theme or color scheme for a sense of harmony.
9. Don’t Skimp on Bathroom Decor
The bathroom décor was simple but cute. I got some rugs, a nice shower curtain, candles, and a few trays from Marshalls. The $20 curtain was my favorite part—it had a tie-back that made the bathroom feel extra cozy. With candles lit and a glass of my favorite Roscato, it felt like a mini getaway. I added a Paris touch with an Eiffel Tower canvas and made it feel more like a spa with neatly rolled white towels. It was the perfect space for a relaxing bath.
