Moving out of your parents and into your first apartment is an exciting time. You have a place you can make your own! There is so much fun decorating your apartment and/or bedroom to reflect your style. It’s your new home and it should feel like it!
But with rent so high nowadays, and things in general being very expensive, who has the extra money to spend on furnishing and decorating their apartment? Not a lot of twenty-somethings.
There is good news, though! There are quire a few ways that you can decorate your apartment on a budget. So if you’re looking to put your own personal touch on your apartment but don’t want to put a dent in your wallet, try these ideas to help you get your apartment looking great all at a lower cost!
7 Money-Saving Tips For Decorating Your Apartment On A Budget
1. Take Things From Home
What better way to make your apartment feel like home than by bringing things from your childhood home with you?
We’re not saying to bring that Elmo stuffed animal you got as a baby (unless you want to, of course!) but take things that may have been in your childhood bedroom that are functional and that mean a lot to you.
If you had a desk in your bedroom, there’s no reason for you to buy a new one. Use that. If you want to revamp it, paint it or try some other DIY project on it. Also don’t forget to bring anything sentimental with you like the pictures you had up in your room, your high school or college graduation tassel, any books you love rereading, and so on.
2. Go To Thrift Stores
You can really find some gems at thrift stores for much cheaper than what people originally paid for. Scope out thrift stores near you to see what kind of items they have.
Also be sure to check back frequently, as people donate new items all the time. You really never know what you can find! Even if something looks used, if it’s a quality peace, you can likely breath new life into it with a little cleaning and/or paint job.
Plus, not only can you find furniture here, but you can find plenty of smaller decor pieces, like frames, fixtures, and more.
3. Search Neighborhood Facebook Groups
If you’re not already part of your local neighborhood Facebook group, join them. Join all of them! Most neighborhoods not only have a general neighborhood Facebook group, but they also have some form of “trash to treasure” or “buy nothing” Facebook group too.
In these groups, people give away things they’re getting rid of – for free! All you typically have to do is pick them up (even though I did once have someone deliver a piece to me, that was nice). It’s true what they say, one man’s trash is another person’s treasure, and these Facebook groups are proof of that.
I’ve seen people give away everything from furniture to decor to clothing to pots and pans. Sometimes people are just giving away brand new things, too!
4. Use Facebook Marketplace
In addition to joining your neighborhood Facebook groups, regularly check Marketplace to see what’s being offered. Sometimes people do list things on Marketplace for free that they’re just giving away.
Most of the time, however, there is a price, but it’s still cheaper than if you were to buy it new or in a store. If there’s something specific you are looking for, it’s worth checking marketplace. Even if you’re not looking for something specific but know you want to decorate your apartment, casually browse and see what’s for sale in your neighborhood. Again, you’ll never know what you may be able to find.
Note: I personally have not used Craigslist, but I do know some people who have had success there. If you are comfortable using it and are safe about using it, search them for any home decor items or furniture you may be looking for. Additionally, if you live in an urban area, chances are people are just putting things out with the garbage rather than giving it away. Pay attention when you’re walking or driving – you really never know what you could be stumbling on!
5. Split Things With Your Roommate
If you are living with a roommate, turn decorating your apartment into a fun roommate bonding activity! Look online and create vision boards to see what you all like and don’t like. Go shopping together and pick things out together.
When ordering online, ask your roomie(s) for their thoughts on something before ordering. If it’s decor or furniture that’s going to be used in a common room, ask them to split it with you. Or split up who buys what for the apartment, that way it’s not just one of you paying for everything.
6. Check Out Discount Stores
HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls are popular for a reason. You can find such great things at a fraction of the cost. They all also have a ton of home things that you should be checking out to see what you can find. Burlington, Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club are also other great stores to look at that have home decor and furniture, too.
Especially if you don’t know exactly what you want just yet, walking around any of these stores can help give you an idea of how you should decorate your apartment. And if you have a roomate, it’s just a fun thing to do together! Also, don’t forget that a lot of stores have outlet stores – such as Pottery Barn and Le Creuset – so be sure to check out any outlet malls you have near you, too!
7. Take Advantage of Sales
Sales are happening all the time. You’ve probably kept a lookout on sales when it comes to clothes, but now’s the time for you to keep tabs on when sales are happening on home items too.
Department stores will put different home items on sales at different times. Also don’t forget big holidays when sales are happening, and we’re not just talking about Black Friday. Try and shop when these sales are going on so you can save even more money.
It’s Easier Than You Think To Save Money While Decorating Your Apartment
Decorating your apartment on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and strategic planning, you can transform your space into a chic and inviting haven without breaking the bank.
These seven money-saving tips are designed to help you make the most of your resources and discover new ways to enhance your home. From repurposing thrift store finds to embracing DIY projects and hunting for deals, each tip offers practical and innovative solutions for creating a stylish living space that reflects your personality and tastes.
Remember, the key to successful budget decorating is to think outside the box and be open to new ideas. With patience and a bit of ingenuity, you’ll find that it’s possible to achieve a beautiful and personalized home that you can be proud of, all while staying within your financial means.
So, get started on your decorating journey, experiment with these tips, and watch as your apartment transforms into a space that truly feels like home. Happy decorating!
About the Author
Michelle graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Arts '13 and a Master of Arts '14. She's currently working in corporate America with a side of freelance writing. She wants you to learn from her experiences and mistakes so your 20s can be your best decade. When she's not working, she's likely planning her escape to a tropical island.