8 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Apartment on a Budget

Whether you are a student or just pushing through a budget, it feels like the cost of living keeps going up every day. But, what do you do when you desire a cute space to go back to after a long day of work or school – a place you can call your own?

Luckily, there are some easy ways to decorate your apartment on a budget! Living in an apartment can be more creatively restricting than living somewhere you own, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to be an interior designer, have tons of free time, or made of money to create a space that you can enjoy!

Here are 8 easy ways to decorate your apartment on a budget!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1) Before anything else, get an idea of the aesthetic that fits your taste and style

In order to start decorating, you should get an idea of how you want to decorate your apartment on a budget. Preppy? Sleek and modern? Based around a theme? Cozy? Colorful? Monochrome? There are tons of different ways to decorate a space.

If you don’t know what your individual style is just yet, start your journey by strolling through catalogues and other places of inspiration! I love checking out more expensive stores, like Pottery Barn, for inspiration, or even taking a walk through furniture store displays, including Ikea.

Even a student on a budget needs a great study space.

Or, simply start shopping! Find pieces that make you happy. Then, things will just fall into place.

2) Fill your seating areas with pillows

Pillows can be a fun way of filling a room with color and coziness. I love finding pillows with removable covers that you can change out when you feel like it.

Add pillows to your couches or chairs, or even add some pillows to the chairs at your kitchen table.

Pillows are also easy to mix and match, especially if you find them on sale in different stores. Mix and match sizes, shapes, and colors. Cheaper pillows are a great staple to start with, then you can build up from there.

3) Fill your bed with pillows

Pillows can really make a space feel more at home. Whether it is two or ten, add some color and attitude to your bedroom with your favorite pillows.

4) Find inspiration in off-price retailers

HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Burlington are filled with goodies just ready to be found. It can be fun searching for the best deals in these off-price retailers. Taking a stroll through these stores will make it easy to decorate your apartment on a budget.

These stores have plenty of things from rugs to dishes, wall decor to mismatching furniture. It can sometimes be a bit of a hunt, but I have found plenty of things to fill my apartment in the past.

5) Frequent thrift stores

Thrift stores are notorious for low prices and fun finds. You might just score big on your next trip to your local thrift store! There are many decorative pieces just waiting to find a new home.

6) Mix organization and function with decoration

Find some colorful baskets, shelves, or even hooks to mix decor with function.

Bar carts can be cheap and fun for entertaining, but you can also use rolling carts as side or utility tables for any room.

Bookcases are a great addition because they can hold your belongings while also creating an aesthetic display. This shelf is a creative spin on a bookcase. Display cookbooks and dishes in your kitchen or your favorite books near your bedside.

Put your favorite kitchen items on display on shelves for a fun way to spice up your space while also getting organized.

7) Browse online stores to compare prices and search for deals

There is no doubt Amazon and other major retailers have made it easier to shop on a budget. You can sit in your bed and compare prices without even wasting time in the store.

8) When in doubt, add a rug

A kitchen mat like this marble print one will decorate your kitchen and make cooking easier on your body! And, it is under $20.

What are your favorite ways to decorate on a budget? Let me know in the comments!