Beginner’s Guide to Decorating Your First Apartment on a Budget
- mompspomps
- Sep 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Moving into your first apartment is exciting – it’s your chance to finally create a space that feels like you. But once the rent, utilities, and security deposit are paid, your decorating budget might feel…well, pretty thin. The good news? You don’t need a huge wallet to make your apartment stylish, cozy, and functional. With a little creativity (and some smart shopping), you can turn your blank space into a home you love.
Here’s your beginner’s guide to decorating your first apartment, without blowing your budget.
1. Start with the Basics
When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get carried away by Pinterest boards and TikTok room tours. But before buying everything that looks cute, ask yourself: What do I actually need first?
Essentials first: A bed, a place to sit, a table for eating or working, and some basic storage. Focus your budget here before splurging on extras.
Neutral big pieces: Choose sofas, rugs, and dressers in neutral tones. You can always swap out colorful pillows or artwork later. This makes your space more versatile and future-proof.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly sofa:
2. Embrace Secondhand Treasures
One of the best ways to decorate on a budget? Thrift, thrift, thrift.
Thrift stores & flea markets: You’ll often find solid wood furniture that’s more durable than cheap flat-pack pieces.
Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: People give away or sell quality furniture at a fraction of the price when they move.
Hand-me-downs: Don’t be shy about saying yes to your aunt’s extra bookshelf or your friend’s unused lamp. With a little spray paint or new hardware, they can feel brand new.
Not only do secondhand finds save money, they also give your apartment personality.
3. Add Character with Textiles
If your apartment has plain walls or rental-grade flooring, textiles are your best friend.
Rugs: A rug can completely change the vibe of a room—warm it up, define the space, and add personality.
Curtains: Even inexpensive curtains can soften a room and make it feel finished. Choose light fabrics to let natural light in.
Throw pillows & blankets: Affordable, easy to swap, and instantly cozy. Stick with a color palette so it feels intentional, not random.
Pro tip: Layer textures (cotton, velvet, knit) to make the space feel more expensive than it is.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly rug:
4. DIY Your Décor
When you can’t afford high-end décor, make it yourself.
Wall art: Print free digital downloads or frame pages from old books, magazines, or calendars.
Paint projects: A fresh coat of paint on a thrifted dresser or coffee table can transform it. If painting walls isn’t allowed, try removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals.
Gallery wall: Mix prints, mirrors, and personal photos for an affordable statement wall.
Pinterest and YouTube are goldmines for budget-friendly DIY ideas.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly removable tiles:
5. Use Lighting to Set the Mood
Overhead rental lights are usually harsh. Adding your own lighting makes your space instantly cozier.
String lights: Affordable and perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.
Lamps: Pick up thrifted table lamps or floor lamps for soft, layered lighting.
Candles: Both real and flameless LED candles add warmth on a budget.
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel more inviting without spending much.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly LED lamp:
6. Get Creative with Storage
Small apartments don’t come with endless closet space. Instead of clutter, try smart storage that doubles as décor.
Baskets & bins: Perfect for hiding blankets, shoes, or random odds and ends.
Floating shelves: Great for displaying books, plants, or framed prints.
Multi-purpose furniture: Ottomans with hidden storage or coffee tables with shelves keep things tidy without taking up more room.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly coffee table with storage:
7. Bring Life In with Plants
Plants instantly make an apartment feel alive and homey.
Low-maintenance options: Snake plants, pothos, or succulents are nearly impossible to kill.
Budget-friendly: Even one or two plants on a shelf or windowsill make a big difference.
DIY planters: Use thrifted mugs, baskets, or repurposed jars as plant pots.
If you’re not ready for real plants, faux greenery works too.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly faux plant:
8. Personalize with Small Touches
It’s the little things that make an apartment feel like home:
Photos of family and friends in thrifted or DIY frames.
Candles or diffusers with your favorite scents.
Books, souvenirs, or quirky thrifted finds that reflect your personality.
These touches don’t cost much, but they transform your apartment from generic to yours.
Here's our Amazon Pick for the best budget-friendly diffuser:
9. Decorate Slowly—Don’t Rush
One of the biggest mistakes first-time renters make is trying to decorate everything at once. Not only is it expensive, but you often end up with impulse buys you don’t love later.
Instead:
Focus on essentials first.
Add décor little by little as you find pieces that fit your style.
Enjoy the process—your apartment will feel more authentic when it grows with you.
Final Thoughts
Decorating your first apartment on a budget doesn’t mean settling for boring or bare. With thrift finds, cozy textiles, DIY projects, and a few personal touches, you can create a stylish home that feels uniquely yours. The key is to prioritize, get creative, and remember: you don’t have to finish everything overnight.
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