When you are looking for apartments for rent, it’s natural to want to make your space feel like home.
However, the price tag of some pieces of furniture and decor can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to find budget-friendly alternatives to your favorite upscale pieces. But don’t worry—with these simple tips on decorating your first apartment on a budget, you can decorate your apartment in style without breaking the bank.
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#1 Color Blind: The Right Paint
One of the easiest ways to make your new space feel like home is to buy your favorite paint color. However, when you’re decorating an apartment for rent, sometimes that can be hard. Instead of feeling discouraged, try to embrace the idea that you get to pick out paint without any limitations. There’s a range of colors from very neutral (black or white) and pastel (blue), all the way up to brighter colors, like red or green. Consider whether you want to match your walls with something like furniture or accent pieces, or if you want it to contrast.
#2 Add Some Light
Achieving the perfect mix of natural and artificial light in your new home can be tricky.
However, with these tips you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect balance between cozy and bright:
- Use built-in lights to illuminate dark spaces and corners.
- Bring lamps from your old room into your new one for instant comfort.
- Keep things simple with minimal decor. It’s all about white walls.
- Avoid fluorescent lighting whenever possible. Instead, use LED bulbs or candles.
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#3 Invest in Extra Seating
If you’re decorating your first apartment, invest in extra seating. You may think that the living room is just for guests and will never be used by you, but you’ll soon find that having extra seating is extremely useful.
#4 Use Artwork to Give the Room Character
One of the best ways to make your new space feel like home is by adding personal touches. An easy way to do this is with the artwork. Find some favorite photos or paintings, frame them and hang them in your living room or bedroom. You can also create art yourself. Drawings and paintings are great because they don’t require any money at all.
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#5 Dedicate Space for Entertaining
When it comes to decorating your first apartment, many people are just happy to be done with the move and don’t think about how they can make their new space feel like home. But it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. One way you can make your apartment feel more homey is by dedicating a space for entertaining, whether it’s an area in the kitchen or living room. This way you’ll have somewhere to enjoy time with friends or family.
#6 Decorate With Plants and Flowers
One way to make your apartment feel spacious is by using plants and flowers. Even if you have a studio apartment, you can still find ways to incorporate greenery into your space. There are some beautiful succulents that are perfect for small spaces, which come in many shapes and sizes. Plus, they’re low maintenance and easy to care for!
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#7 Create Storage Solutions That Work for You
One of the biggest challenges that first-time apartment dwellers face is figuring out how to store their belongings. The main consideration when organizing your space should be the volume and weight of your items. If you have a lot of heavy items, you may need to invest in sturdy shelving or crates. If you have more lightweight items, then baskets or bins might be better options. A few other things to think about are: the size of items, aesthetics, and whether or not you’ll need to access your belongings on a regular basis. Once you’ve got your storage figured out, it’s all about creating an inviting and cozy living space.
#8 Select Furniture That Fits and Gives Extra Storage Space
The first thing you need to do is select furniture that fits your space and gives extra storage space. It’s important to be strategic about where you put things in your apartment so that it doesn’t feel cluttered or cramped. For example, if there is an empty corner in the room, consider placing a bookshelf there instead of just leaving it empty.
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#9 Embrace Minimalism
Don’t spend money on decor that you won’t use. Rather than buying items you’ll only use once, invest in pieces that can be used in multiple ways. For example, instead of buying a new couch, purchase something with versatility, like a futon or daybed. Or if you don’t have space for both, buy two armchairs and use one as an ottoman when the other isn’t in use.
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There’s no doubt about it, decorating your first apartment for rent can be a challenge. But with a little patience and perseverance, you’re sure to make a place that’s just right for you. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an ideal tenant.