8 Budget-Friendly Ways to Decorate Your First Apartment

You’ve just found the perfect apartment. You’ve signed the lease and everything is finalized and in order. Now all that’s left to do is decorate your first apartment with your favorite things and make it your very own.

Furnishing your first apartment can be such an exciting time. You’re moving away from home and becoming fully independent. But, it can be costly. Furnish your apartment on a shoestring budget and make it exactly the way you want, that way it will be unique to you and full of character—and all without breaking the bank.

Here are the best ways to kit out your first apartment on a budget. You need to be creative and smart to cut down the costs and give you your dream apartment.

8 Budget-Friendly Ways to Decorate Your First Apartment

Shop at Flat-Pack Stores

Flat-pack furniture stores tend to be a cheap and convenient way to kit out your apartment. Things like beds and wardrobes are great to get from places like IKEA and they can be a fun DIY project. It’s always good to make an extensive list of the things you need for your abode. IKEA shopping can always get a bit expensive without any guidance or monitoring.

Become an Arts and Crafts Guru

Channel your inner creative and embellish your apartment with hand-made, crafty DIY treats. Maybe a charming patchwork quilt or personalized photo walls are all great ways to cut costs and make your home beautiful. For some inspiration check out these amazing crafty blogs to follow.

Buy Second Hand Furniture

Furniture can be the most expensive part of moving into a new home. So why not buy second hand? Good quality pieces can really bring your home to life with only half the cost. Try heading to your local flea market and bag some bargains.

Here are a few tips to buying second hand:

• Watch what you buy second hand – Be very wary about buying second hand mattresses, sheets, or soft furnishings like cushions and rugs. You will save yourself from a potential bed bug infestation or harmful bacteria. These things should really be bought new.
• Take measurements – If you are heading to a flea market, be sure to take measurements of your space and have an idea of the piece you’re after. That way you will know for sure if it will make a great addition to your apartment.
• Look for Quality – Always buy quality furniture. Look for hardwood or sturdy, reputable brands. That way, your furnishings will be durable and last.

Get it For Free

Keep your eyes peeled for freebie furniture that neighbors or family members are giving away. These items are probably in perfect condition and you spend nothing. Even check online. Many websites, like Craigslist or Freecycle, advertise free furniture all the time.

Do the Handy Work Yourself

If you need to paint the walls or take up the carpet, why not cut out the middleman and make it your own DIY project? That way, you half the costs and tap into your newfound independence.

Upcycle

If you find good quality, unused furniture but it isn’t exactly what you are looking for, why not try upcycling to make your furniture unique, original and exactly to your taste? There are plenty of quick and easy ways to spruce up drab looking pieces.

Shop at Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are the perfect place to find antique trinkets and almost new additions to your apartment. And, of course, they will be super cheap too.

Jazz Up the Walls With Photos

There’s no point in taking all these photos and hiding them away on your laptop. Print them out to brighten your walls. If you don’t want to damage paint with blue tac, use some crafty ideas to display your photos safely.

So there you have it. Decorating your first apartment doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By spending smart, you can cut the costs and still live in your dream apartment. Just remember to get your hands dirty and get stuck into your own DIY projects too. That way you can make your home exactly how you want it.

How did you decorate your first apartment?