At a Glance:
How to Create a Decorating Budget
6 Studio Apartment Decorating Ideas: The Main Considerations
To decorate a small studio or condo, you don't need to spend a fortune. The best inexpensive small apartment decorating ideas maximize available space while also being fashionable. We are always on the lookout for budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas, whether you have a cozy space in the city or have discovered an affordable apartment on the outskirts of town.
Many of us don't have a ton of space because real estate is still being advertised at high prices. Therefore, it's always motivating to see well-planned decorating ideas for apartment living rooms and bedrooms that take into account smaller setups as well.
Because small space solutions are often expensive, the cost of redecorating can be overlooked, especially if you rent. However, with a little imagination and expertise, you can accomplish a lot. So how do you decorate your tiny apartment to showcase your distinct sense of style while still keeping your studio functional and uncluttered? In order to point you in the right direction and address some of the most frequent points of concern when discussing how to decorate a studio apartment on a budget, we've put together a few apartment decor ideas when you're on a budget.
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FurnitureHow to Create a Decorating Budget
If you don't have much money to spend decorating your dream apartment, don't be depressed. If you set a low budget and really stick to it, you'll be surprised at how creative you become. DIY will become your best friend, so take that!
1) Decide How Much You Want to Spend?
You just spent a lot of money moving into a new place!
Here are a few examples:
- Paying the entire lease amount up front, including the deposit
- Additional pet fees
- Moving costs — especially if you relocated outside of your state
- If you moved to a new city, you might not have an income
So let's see how we can be sure to stay within our budget, whether you've just moved in or you've been in your place for a while, and it's time to finally decorate!
2) Make a List of the Top Priority Items
For instance, you should probably put off decorating the kitchen countertops in favor of purchasing a dining room table. Make a list of the most important things to buy if you are starting from scratch.
For example:
✓ For the living room, a couch or loveseat
✓ Dining room table
✓ Bed frame and mattress
Don't throw out old furniture immediately if you aren't starting from scratch (more on that later)!
3) Decorate One Room at a Time
rather than attempting to completely decorate your home. Use your decorating budget to spruce up the space you are most eager to improve. Move on to the next room after a few months.
The living room and bedroom are our favorite spaces to start in. But take it one room at a time, wherever you want to start!
4) Plan Ahead
Okay, let's make sure you follow your budget closely on this one. Imagine visiting Colder's, finding millions of items you adore, and buying them all.
So much for your trip's entire budget!
Create a list of the specific items you want for each room.
Make a thorough list of the furniture you want for each room instead!
You could write the following:
- A large mirror to go over the couch
- A tall bedroom chest
- A sizable floor rug
- 6-7 decorative throw pillows (use neutral or vivid colors as a theme)
- For the coffee table centerpiece, use a cute tray and faux flowers
You put down the incredibly adorable but random potholders and duvet covers now that you know what you want when you visit Colder's!
5) Request Gifts for Your Birthday, Christmas, and Housewarming!
If you enjoy making long-term plans, you can begin collecting ideas and creating your wish list before you even move! In this way, you can let friends and family know well in advance what you want for the upcoming holiday.
6 Studio Apartment Decorating Ideas: The Main Considerations
There are plenty of inexpensive ways to spruce up a rental space and transform your rental home or apartment from drab to fab if making property improvements are not an option.
- Walls: Create or purchase wall art or wall decals, hang curtains, buy mirrors, or paint the walls to decorate them.
- Floors: Throw rugs are reasonably priced and portable if you move.
- Windows: Purchase or create window coverings to create the illusion of a larger space and add a touch of beauty and sophistication to your apartment.
- Lighting: Consider replacing outdated fixtures and including mood lighting with lamps or accent lights.
- Furniture: Furniture directs the flow of the space; space-saving items, such as ottomans that double as coffee tables, do double duty; and there are a variety of options available at various price points.
- Accessories: A room's personality is added by decor items like pottery, plants, and throw pillows.
Try these low-cost, easy decorating ideas to give your apartment or rental home a distinctive look and feel.
Walls
Even if you lack artistic talent, creating inexpensive (and free) wall art is very simple. Cheap, unadorned stretched canvases can be painted or decoupaged with almost anything. It is even easier to frame coordinating prints from your scrapbook or fabric to match your decor.
Most wall decals are made to be easily removed and are inexpensive and widely available. Even tiles and furniture can be decorated with decals. Additional savings desired? Make it yours. Obtain a roll of adhesive, reusable shelf lining. Decals are simple to apply to the wall, cut into a variety of shapes or patterns, and take off before leaving.
Not only can windows be covered with curtains. To make a nice feature and add color and texture to your space, hang inexpensive curtains or fabric along a wall. You could even hang a curtain from the ceiling to divide your living room from your bedroom in a studio apartment.
Mirrors are a cheap way to make a room look better. Small spaces appear larger in mirrors, and dark areas appear lighter. You can find a budget-friendly mirror at home decor stores or look for deals at estate sales.
If painting is permitted, pick neutral, light colors that are simple to repaint before moving. Other components like art, furniture, and decor can add color.
Floors
The best furniture for renters is throw rugs. They are a great way to add coziness, color, and pattern to a room that would otherwise be boring, in addition to protecting the floor (and safeguarding your deposit). Throw rugs can also be used to separate living spaces in a studio apartment or a big room.
Windows
In rental properties, window treatments are frequently already in place, but if you need or want window treatments on a budget, think about making your own — no sewing experience is necessary. Fabric and craft stores carry fusible bonding web, also known as stitch witchery, which can be used to make straightforward, finished-edged panels of fabric to hang over windows or glass doors.
Lighting
In rental properties, replacing existing lighting fixtures is typically not permitted; however, if a particular fixture is unsightly or inoperable, it might be worthwhile to bring it up with the landlord. Unexpectedly, a good landlord might offer to replace it or pay you back for doing so.
One low-cost way to brighten a dark room is to add more lighting. From top to bottom, consider layers when illuminating a space. Don't forget to use floor uplighting or accent lighting to draw attention to artwork, bookcases, or cabinets in addition to overhead lighting, which is a given. Lamps can also provide task lighting or a soft glow.
Furniture
If your rental space is compact, think about furniture that serves two purposes. A sofa bed, Murphy bed, or loft bed can be very useful in a studio apartment. Creative small space solutions include ottomans that serve as storage solutions and coffee tables that convert into dining tables.
It's simpler than ever to furnish a rental home on a tight budget thanks to online exchanges, a variety of flea markets, and yard sales. Spend money on a new mattress, but look for used items everywhere else. It's amazing how stunning a peacock blue paint job can make an old dresser appear.
Accessories
Accessories are one of the best ways to inject color and character into a rental space. Accessories can be transported easily. Look for handmade or vintage items to spruce up your space if your apartment or rental property is otherwise dull.
Throw pillows, and small accessories like pottery, picture frames, or book covers are great ways to inject color into a space. These things are cheap, easily painted or covered up, or they can be donated if they don't go with or fit in your new house.
Houseplants are inexpensive and can add a much-needed touch of life to an otherwise lifeless space. Try your hand at succulents or other low-maintenance species if you work long hours or lack the patience for extensive maintenance.
Overall, your small apartment is a special place for you. We sincerely hope you liked these tips for a small studio apartment and found them helpful. By no means are these budget-friendly apartment decor ideas for studio or one-bedroom apartments intended to guide you on how to furnish or decorate your house. But if you follow some of these tips, you'll find that your studio apartment decor is just as enjoyable, laid-back, and stylish as some much larger spaces. Living in a studio is all about making the space work for you. Once you are ready to shop for your furniture and home décor, stop by Colder's and let our experts help you find your apartment must-haves (and a few off your wishlist items) from our vast inventory of appliances, furniture, and mattresses.
Why Trust Colder's?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder's is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder's is committed not only to continuously offering can't-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that's our best price guarantee.
Shop Furniture at Colder's
Don't put off happiness — and shop furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder's. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find more apartment decor ideas, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder's locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: First Apartment Checklist: Furniture Essentials