First apartment decorating on a budget: the best tips to transform your outdated apartment into something you love without spending a fortune.

Moving into your first apartment is SO exciting, but it’s also so dang expensive. I remember being so overwhelmed with the cost of buying all the apartment essentials… & having little room to splurge on decorating.

However, decorating your apartment should be fun, especially since you’ve just accomplished something BIG: getting your first apartment!! *claps*

I’ve lived in my apartment for close to 4 years now, holy sh*t, haha, and I’ve learned just what it takes to make my place look high-end without actually spending much. My friends are constantly asking me how I make my space look so expensive. So I’m here to share my best-kept secrets!!

These budget-friendly apartment ideas actually look SO good and will instantly level your apartment without draining your wallet.

If you have expensive taste, you’ll love these apartment decorating ideas that won’t break the bank!

This post is all about first apartment decorating on a budget tips.

First Apartment Decorating On A Budget

How to decorate an apartment on a budget?

1. Create A Budget

I know this sounds cliché, but one of the best things you can do is create a budget. With everything being so expensive nowadays, having a breakdown will save you the headache!

I would categorize them into sections, such as the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc. That way, you know exactly what decoration items you need for each room in your first place. This saved me SO much time and money, trust me!

2. Be Patient (!!)

Dont buy just to buy! You do NOT have to purchase all of your decor items right away! I repeat, give yourself grace, and don’t feel pressured to buy everything right away. Seriously, there are so many items I’ve bought for my apartment that I wish I hadn’t. So, trust me when I say to be patient, figure out your style, and choose what makes the most sense for you.

After I bought all the essential items for my first apartment, I started with the decorative pieces.

3. RESEARCH

You’re currently doing this now, so you can totally pat yourself on the back, haha. I researched like crazy before moving into my first apartment. I went down a rabbit hole on YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and more!! I needed to know all the deals and tips on making my experience the best yet! CLICK HERE FOR LIFE-SAVING TIPS TO MOVING INTO YOUR FIRST APARTMENT!

Apartment On A Budget Decorating Ideas

(Make Your Place Look High End Without The High End Prices)

Cozy and Fluffy Throw Pillows and Pillow Covers

Pillows are SO slept on as a decorative piece, but they can truly enhance any room in your home. Not only do they look great in the living room, but they have also transformed my bed into a five-star hotel experience at home!

These pillow inserts I swear by & they have over 120K positive reviews on Amazon!

Pro Tip: Swap out your pillow covers throughout the year to match the season’s vibe. I always receive so many compliments when I do this; it’s super inexpensive and transforms the vibe with minimal effort! Plus, you’ll think you have a transformed room every few months 🙂

Mirrors

This might be one of my favorite small apartment decorating ideas: MIRRORS! I have a pretty small apartment, and I couldn’t figure out how to make it appear larger. Well, here you have it!

Pro Tip: Place a large mirror across from your window to maximize natural light. This will make your space appear larger and brighter with the reflecting light.

Under Counter Lights

When I tell you…. these under-cabinet lights are a game-changer, especially on a tight budget! It quickly elevated my space from 0 to 100 in no time! After my friend saw them in my house, she couldn’t resist and purchased them as well haha!

5 Star Hotel Bed At Home

Seriously, this duvet will get the job done. I secretly always keep my bedroom door open when I have guests, because 10/10 they are going to compliment how lux and expensive my bed looks. The kicker is, I got all my bedding super cheap on Amazon!! I’m loving my soft bed!

Tried and tested with over 151K positive reviews, I definitely understand what the hype is about! I’ve even bought one for my mom, because it’s that GOOD (!!)

Pro Tip: Opt for white bedding, not only does it provide a clean aesthetic, but it also looks a lot more fancy! I always get my duvet a size bigger for a more fluffier look. Example: if you have a queen bed, get a king duvet and queen duvet covers.. thank me later!! 🙂

{Related: The Best Amazon Apartment Must Haves | Affordable But Look Expensive}

Decorate Your Walls / Accent Walls

IF your apartment allows you to paint your walls or add wallpaper, you totally have to! Not only is paint inexpensive, but it’s a stylish way to add color and personality to your space, making it feel cozier and more expensive!

Curtains

Curtains!! A cheap decorating idea for the living room!! These have become a non-negotiable, because they truly make my place look so luxurious!!

Pro Tip: Be sure to hang your curtains as high as possible. This will create the illusion that your apartment is bigger than it really is. (coming from a small apartment girl haha)

Artificial Tree

Artificial trees are such a popular and chic decor piece. I love adding artificial trees to my space when I want to add a little spice and to feel a bit fancier. It’s low-maintenance, requiring no watering or cleanup, and it’s a great option for those with allergies. Including myself haha! 🙂

Galley Walls

My friends are often stopped in their tracks when they see my frames on the wall. It’s no surprise that they add visual interest to the space. I enjoy the conversations sparked by my picture frames, and I’ve found some great deals on them! Literally 5 frames for under $20, you cannot beat that!!

Frame Lights

Speaking of picture frames, you have to grab these frame lights! This simple apartment decorating item has created a galley wall atmosphere in my home. A sophisticated room design for an amazing price! I can’t help but feel fancy every time I walk past it.

Bar Cart!!

If you haven’t considered getting a bar cart for your first apartment, you’re totally missing out! Not only is it insanely cute, but the best part, it’s really affordable to put it all together!

{Related Post: How To Truly Set The BAR: Best Bar Cart Styling Ideas You’ll Love}

DIY Your Artwork

A smart way to save some cash is to create your own art! It’s a simple, easy, and affordable decor item. I’ve looked at YouTube several times to recreate DIY canvases for my living room wall. Trust me, interior designers are often impressed with DIY projects!

Add A Flashy Rug

If you want to feel put together, add a rug, haha. No, seriously, they will make your space look and feel 10x more expensive. Whether it is a textured or a flashy rug, it’ll totally elevate your space.

Ceiling Fans / Canderlier

Swap out the ugly ceiling fan that comes with your new apartment for one that matches your style and decor pieces. This will ensure your apartment has a cohesive look and feel.

Wallpaper

I’m obsessed with wallpaper! So much that I’ve even created an accent wall with wallpaper in my cubicle at work haha! The amount of compliments I get is unbelievable!!

Pro Tip: Opt for renter-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper, which allows you to personalize your space without making permanent changes. You don’t want to incur fines when you move out.

Lamps

Unfortunately, my apartment doesn’t receive much natural light. I had to get creative.. so I purchased a few lamps. Not only are they a functional accessory, but they also add a decorative flair to my space. A win is a win!!

This post was all about the best first apartment decorating on a budget tips!

Want more first apartment ideas? Check out these articles:

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The Ultimate First Apartment Grocery List | Everything You Need

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