Brainstorming ideas and ways of decorating an apartment on a budget might seem difficult at first, but with the right attitude and determination, it can turn out to be an exciting and creative experience. With apartments, and any rental, comes the absolute truth that no permanent alterations can be made to the space without consent from the owner. With that being said, it is still totally doable to create a warm and welcoming space that is a reflection of who you are as a tenant.
Follow these tricks to decorate your rental in a way that makes it feel like home while also still following the rules of your rental agreement.
Know What You Want
Before you begin decorating, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want your apartment to look and feel like. Keep in mind your personal style, the environment you want to create, and the intended purpose of each room. Having a plan will help you make informed decisions throughout the decorating process.
Be Open to Temporary Solutions
One of the key elements of apartment decorating is to understand that most solutions will need to be temporary. Since you can’t make permanent changes, focus on removable and non-permanent options. Consider command strips, removable wallpaper, and adhesive hooks to achieve your apartment ambitions. The walls won’t be permanently marked by hanging art, mirrors, or shelves with these.
Area Rugs for Floor Decor
Apartments often come with cold, uninviting, and boring floors. An area rug can add warmth and be used to create different areas within your home. It is an easy and affordable way to bring in colors and patterns that tie your home’s energy together. They add softness, define spaces, and even protect floors (which is excellent for renters). Plus, you can take it with you when you move!
Creative Storage Solutions
Apartments are well-known for having limited storage space. While some do come with storage rooms or units, not all communities have these available to their renters. For those that don’t, we suggest getting creative with storage ideas to keep your apartment clutter-free. Wall-mounted shelves, under-bed storage bins, and multi-functional furniture pieces like couches and ottomans with hidden compartments can help you maximize every square inch of your apartment.
Make a Statement
One way to make your apartment feel like your own is by adding personal touches that really bring out who you are as a person. Do you enjoy local art or digital templates you can order online? Do you want your walls filled with personal pictures or maybe more commercialized décor? Hanging art, photographs, or tapestries will help tell the story of who you are as a renter. Decorate with items that resonate with you, whether it’s a collection of books, wall decals, or handmade crafts.
Mirrors To Add Space
Apartments, especially smaller ones, can sometimes feel small and cramped. To combat this, mirrors are a fantastic way to create the illusion of space and brightness without taking up too much space. When choosing a mirror, consider oversized or decorative ones to add depth and brightness to your rooms. One way to add space into your home is to position them strategically to reflect natural light and visually expand your living area.
Removable Wallpaper
Non-permanent wallpaper is a game-changer for renters. It allows you to experiment with patterns and colors without the commitment of paint and your standard permanent wallpaper. Boring rooms can now come to life by creating a warmer space to spend your time in. Create an accent wall in one or multiple rooms to give it a fresh look.
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
The lighting you choose can greatly affect the energy or mood of your apartment. When deciding on ways to bring light to your home, consider floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant light shades when decorating to add warmth and character to your space. Like most apartment décor, it can all be easily added and removed when you move.
Accessorize with Furnishings
When furnishing your apartment, don’t underestimate the power of furniture arrangement. Couch cushions, throw blankets, and curtains are the cherry on top when it comes to apartment decorating. Incorporating them into your home adds layers of texture, color, and comfort. Mix and match to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Optimize space and create a welcoming environment by experimenting with various layouts. When thinking of ways to section off your rooms, consider open shelving units that can serve as room dividers or provide extra storage.
Add Plants to Bring Life
There are so many benefits to having plants in your home. They not only purify the air, but they also can bring freshness and light into your space. For those who do not have a green thumb, try some low-maintenance plants to start with. Such as succulents or snake plants.
Temporary Wall Art
Adding temporary wall decals to your space will help spruce up your walls and add life to your home. Thankfully, they are affordable and come in any design you can think of. These are non-permanent options that are easy to remove once it is time to move, which makes them ideal for renters!
Final Thoughts
In the end, when it comes to decorating a rental, what we must remember is that the biggest limitation to our creativity is our imagination and our ability to think outside the box. So, are you ready to start the journey of apartment decorating? Are you ready to commit to creating a space that is entirely your own and all that you want it to be? We would love to hear about your experience and any other ideas you can add to help other renters.
