18 Apartment Decorating Ideas: Transform Your Space on a Budget

Apartment living doesn’t have to mean living small. You can create a space that feels like you—even on a tight budget.

I’ve lived in three apartments over the last six years—one had lime green carpeting (yes, really), another barely had enough light to read a cereal box, and the third had charm but not much else. I had to learn how to decorate on a dime, and fast.

Here’s everything I’ve learned—real ideas that work, backed by budget-conscious creativity, not wishful Pinterest boards.

Let’s get your apartment from meh to marvelous.

1. Embrace Removable Wallpaper for Instant Style

Removable wallpaper is the MVP of renter-friendly decorating. It’s not your grandma’s wallpaper, either—today’s peel-and-stick versions come in patterns that feel luxe and modern.

One of my favorite moves? A bold geometric accent wall behind the bed. It made my studio feel like a boutique hotel instead of a dorm room.

You can find rolls for $20–$40 online, and most cover a small wall. Pro tip: Don’t paper the whole room. Choose a statement wall for less cost and more impact.

2. Use Rugs to Define Spaces (Even Over Carpet)

Rugs are magic carpets—not just for looks, but for zoning your space.

In open-plan apartments or studios, a well-placed rug can create the illusion of rooms within rooms.

I once used a $60 woven rug from a flea market to separate my “living room” from my “bedroom” in a 400-square-foot shoebox.

That rug did more than any wall ever could.

Look for:

• Flatweave rugs for layering
• Vintage or secondhand options to save cash
• Sizes that leave about 6-12 inches of floor visible around the edges

3. Add Curtain Drama (Even If You Don’t Need Them)

Here’s a trick: Hang curtains high and wide to make your ceilings seem taller and windows bigger.

Even if your apartment came with blinds, layer in curtains to soften the space. I bought linen-look panels for $25 a pair and hemmed them with iron-on tape.

Opt for:

• Tension rods if you can’t drill
• Clip rings for a no-sew solution
• Sheers to keep things light and airy

4. Play With Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Rental kitchens and bathrooms can be… tragic. Enter peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, the affordable fix that made my apartment kitchen go from blah to whoa.

A pack of 10 tiles costs around $30–$50, and you don’t need a single tool. They peel off clean when you leave, too.

Use them:

• Behind the stove for a “chef’s kitchen” vibe
• In the bathroom for a faux marble moment
• Even around entryways for texture

5. Use Lighting to Change the Whole Mood

Forget the overhead light. Most apartments have that one dreaded dome light—the one that makes you look like a ghost.

Instead, layer your lighting. I bought:

• A floor lamp ($30, Facebook Marketplace)
• A string of Edison bulbs ($15, Target clearance)
• Two battery-operated wall sconces ($18 each, Amazon)

Warm light = cozy. Cool light = clinical. Choose wisely.

6. Use Wall Art to Tell Your Story

Bare walls are sad. But good wall art doesn’t have to be expensive. One of my favorite tricks? Print high-res digital downloads from Etsy ($2–$5 each) and pop them in thrifted frames.

Want something more personal? Hang:

• Polaroids with mini clips and twine
• Pressed leaves in glass frames
• Canvas prints of your own photos

Command strips are your best friend here. No holes, no landlord fury.

7. Elevate with Plants (Real or Fake, We Don’t Judge)

Plants are life-givers—literally and decoratively. They add color, movement, and texture. I once had a sad corner come to life with just one tall snake plant.

Low-maintenance picks:

• Pothos (can survive a forgetful waterer)
• ZZ Plant (almost unkillable)
• Fake eucalyptus garlands (for shelves)

You can find pots at dollar stores, repurpose mugs, or even use old candle jars.

8. Create a Gallery Wall with Intention

A gallery wall can look either curated or chaotic. Let’s go with curated.

Pick a color palette or theme. Use mixed frames (but keep one consistent element like color or shape). Lay it out on the floor before committing.

I once framed postcards from trips and paired them with minimalist quotes. Total cost? About $40 for 8 pieces.

9. Use Bookshelves as Decor

Bookshelves aren’t just for books. Think of them as mini design stages.

Mix:

• Books (stacked vertically and horizontally)
• Decor items like candles, vases, and small plants
• Personal touches like souvenirs, old cameras, or framed photos

Don’t overfill them. Let each item breathe. Bonus: you get storage and style.

10. Swap Hardware for a Mini Makeover

You can completely change the feel of a dresser or kitchen cabinet just by changing the hardware.

Swapping outdated knobs for sleek gold pulls made my IKEA dresser look triple its price. You can find great options for $2–$5 per knob.

If you’re nervous about replacing them, store the original hardware and reinstall it before moving out.

11. Try Furniture Flipping

Can’t afford West Elm prices? Flip something.

One of my best finds was a $10 coffee table I sanded and painted with leftover wall paint. Total glow-up.

Places to look:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Curb alerts
• Thrift stores on discount days

Paint, stain, or reupholster—it’s cheaper and deeply satisfying.

12. Maximize Mirrors for Light and Space

Small apartment? Add mirrors.

Mirrors reflect both light and square footage (well, visually). Lean a full-length one against the wall, or hang one opposite a window.

I once hung a thrifted mirror across from my balcony door, and the difference was dramatic—more light, more room, more magic.

13. Embrace Open Shelving for Style and Function

Open shelves are perfect for kitchens or bathrooms where storage is lacking.

In my tiny kitchen, I used two floating wood shelves to hold mugs, spices, and plants. Everything was within reach—and looked curated.

Tips:

• Keep a consistent color theme
• Use matching containers or baskets
• Don’t overload them

14. Add Texture with Throws and Pillows

Want cozy without clutter? Think texture.

I layered a chunky knit throw ($20, TJ Maxx) and a few patterned pillows on a plain gray sofa. It made it look designer-level.

Stick with 2–3 textures:

• Knit
• Velvet
• Linen

Mixing materials creates depth even if you’re only working with neutrals.

15. Use Bar Carts Beyond the Bar

A bar cart is the chameleon of apartment furniture. Use it for:

• A coffee station
• Bathroom towels and products
• A plant stand
• A bedside table

Mine is currently holding my wireless speaker, incense, and a stack of magazines. Stylish and functional.

16. Get Smart with Storage

Let’s be real: apartments are rarely storage-friendly. But you can make it work.

Look for pieces that double up:

• Ottomans with hidden storage
• Under-bed bins
• Over-door organizers

In my last place, I kept winter clothes in vacuum bags under my bed and used a bookcase as a pantry. Creativity > square footage.

17. Use Paint Where You Can (and Get Permission)

If your lease allows, a coat of paint is the biggest bang-for-buck upgrade. Even just one wall in a moody navy or warm terracotta can totally shift the energy.

Stick with:

• One statement wall (less to paint back later)
• Neutral tones if you want resale decor
• Matte finishes for a modern vibe

Can’t paint? Use large canvas art or fabric tapestries to mimic the effect.

18. Incorporate Personal Touches That Tell Your Story

This one might sound sentimental, but hear me out.

What makes a space yours is not the trendy decor—it’s the meaning.

Display:

• A framed recipe from your grandma
• Vinyl records from a favorite concert
• A corkboard with travel stubs and love notes

One of my friends mounted his skateboard decks as art. Another has her grandmother’s cross-stitch framed. Your decor should say something about you.

---

Stats worth knowing:

• According to Apartment Therapy, 66% of renters say decorating improves their mood significantly.
• A Zillow survey showed that rental units with aesthetic improvements like paint, lighting, or upgraded hardware are 1.5x more likely to be rented quickly.
• A 2024 survey from Rent.com found that 83% of Gen Z renters prefer flexible decor options like peel-and-stick wallpaper and removable tiles.

---

Final Thought: Decorating your apartment on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it just means being smarter about how you use what you have. Every paint swatch, secondhand rug, or string light you add is one more brick in the foundation of your sanctuary.

Take your time. Hunt for pieces with meaning. Get creative. And remember, this space is yours to shape—even if it’s just 400 square feet.

If I turned a shoebox apartment with lime green carpet into something people complimented on Instagram, you absolutely can too.