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Are you graduating soon and looking for post grad apartment decorating ideas? These trendy decorating tips will make your space look WAY more expensive and high-end without spending a fortune!
You’ve officially survived college, and now you’re moving into your post-grad apartment, YAY!! Congratulations, because this truly deserves a pat on the back. So exciting, yet I remember feeling so overwhelmed, like “What do I do now?!”
Right after college, I quickly realized just how fast I needed to get my sh*t together, seriously. College itself is a different ball game when it comes to expenses, but it’s nothing like the real world. I quickly realized how much more expensive EVERYTHING really is..
No need to panic; I have lived in my apartment for 4+ years now, and I know exactly what it takes to turn your apartment into a home. These insanely cute post-grad apartment ideas constantly have my family and friends asking, “Oh my gosh, where did you get this?” The secret is, they will never guess the price I spent 😉
This post is all about post grad apartment decorating ideas on a budget.
Looking for more first apartment tips and tricks? Read these posts:
The Best Kept Secrets | First Apartment Decorating On A Budget
Life-Saving First Apartment Tips You Need To Know Before Moving In
The Ultimate First Apartment Essentials Checklist: Budget-Friendly Items You Need To Buy!
Post Grad Apartment Ideas
Our top post-grad apartment picks:
DIY Projects | Molly Mae’s Inspired Canvas
Recreate this look:
Textured wall art is super easy to recreate, popular, and cheap. I find the best places to get your supplies are Amazon, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels. I get so many compliments, and everyone thinks I spent a fortune 😉
*Pro Tip: I find my inspo from TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram. Also, be sure to clip your coupons for Hobby Lobby / Michaels, as they always have coupons!
Mirrors (!!)
With my first apartment being SO many, I had to come up with a clever idea to make my space feel more spacious. Mirrors are the most versatile and affordable decor piece you can add to your home! Not only are they perfect for small apartments, but they add style, create elegance, and make your space feel larger and brighter!
Modern & Affordable Light Fixtures
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If you want your life to feel put together, you have to add sconce light fixtures. If you have a small apartment, it adds a modern touch without taking up precious floor space. It truly creates the perfect aesthetic in my bedroom, and I spent less than $20 *depending on your style and preference* :)!
Celing to Floor Curtains
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I wish I had added curtains to my apartment windows a LOT sooner, but better late than never, right!? I tell alll my friends to add curtains to their space, because it literally makes you feel put together and fancy haha. Picture this: waking up in the morning and pulling your curtains back, you see what I’m saying haha?
Above Bed Prints
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I have a cost-effective secret to share with you, and it’s just between us haha! Here’s what you can do: find a print on Pinterest that you love, then head to your local CVS to have it printed in your preferred frame size (Walgreens is another great option). You can easily recreate beautiful prints to hang above your bed in less than 15 minutes and for under $30!
*Pro Tip: Place your prints into a decorative frame to add the perfect chic finishing touch.
Cozy + Textured Pillows
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Transform your dull living space into a cozy and modern vibe. You can easily create a warm and inviting living room space with oversized pillows!! Pillow inserts and pillow covers are extremely affordable, making them the perfect modern touch to add to your living and bedroom spaces.
*Pro tip: Swap your pillow cover each season, it’ll change your home aesthetic without the high price.
Add Shelving
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I wish I had added shelves to my first apartment a long time ago. Not only can I organize and display my fragrances and purchases, but it has also truly transformed my plain, empty wall into a useful and stylish display! This shelf has over 90K+ positive reviews!!
Wallpaper
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Renter-friendly and truly my best friend for transforming a boring apartment: wallpaper! Seriously, whether you choose to do an accent wall or an entire room, the results are priceless for the price you pay! I’ve found realllly good deals on wallpaper on Amazon. Also, there are so many wallpaper patterns to choose from that I am certain you will find one that matches your aesthetic!
Polaroid Picture Bowl
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About time, Polaroid pictures are extremely popular (again)!! Polariod provides a nostalgic and unique aesthetic that feels more like “real life” than typical digital photos. Recently, people have been sharing these memories by creating a “Polaroid Bowl” as a decorative display. It’s a creative idea and a wonderful way to showcase memorable moments!
Blanket Basket
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Keep your throws and pillows organized without cluttering your space. These baskets will add texture and dimension to your space while keeping your living room tidy, stylish, and cozy!
Post Grad Apartment Bar Cart
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What’s a home without a bar cart or an area to display alcohol haha?! Honestly, adding a bar cart is a great idea! When I moved into my first apartment, I was super excited about getting a bar cart, and it soon became my favorite spot to decorate (every change I get). If you don’t drink, no worries! You can always display non-alcoholic beverages too!