How to Decorate an Apartment on a Budget

Whether it’s a cozy studio, large loft or itty-bitty apartment, we all want to infuse our space with some personal style. Adding a little attitude to your ambiance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag thanks to these simple apartment decorating tips on a budget from your friends at Ebates. Here’s how to decorate an apartment easily and affordably.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall – Particularly useful if you’re in tight quarters, a wall mirror can create the illusion of space while adding interest to plain walls. Your local thrift store is the perfect place to start. Refinish an old frame with paint or glue on accents like shells, tiles or rope to achieve your perfect look. Mix and match tall rectangular mirrors with ovals and other shapes to bring any room to life.

Bye, Bye Bare Walls – You don’t have to be an artist to add a little flair to your lair. Grab a pack of affordable canvases from a local craft store like Michaels and dress them up while saving with Cash Back at Ebates. Find interesting fabric swatches that speak to your style from places like Joann.com and wrap the canvas for instant art. Simply glue the fabric to the back of the wooden frame and you’ve got statement pieces perfect for living room decorating ideas. Use fabrics with funky texture for some fun, go monochromatic or perk up your place with pretty prints. No Picasso painting skills required.

Make a Splash With Shower Curtains – Not finding the curtains you want to cover windows or boring blinds? Shower curtains come in a variety of daring designs and materials and make a fun alternative to expensive window treatments. Plus, you can use them as affordable room dividers to create separation in style. Remember our canvas tip from above? Create a huge statement piece by wrapping an oversized canvas with a shower curtain. They’re super versatile and easy to clean!

Lighten Up – String lights can easily and affordably brighten up any space. Hang strands sparingly from wall to wall for a simple ceiling accent or cluster them together and hang them from the ceiling for a whimsical look. Perfect for adding interest to a wall, above a headboard or draping on a shelf or mantel.

Perk Up With Paper Lanterns – If you’re on the hunt for affordable apartment decorating tips, paper lanterns are the perfect answer! With lanterns in an array of sizes and colors, they’re ideal for everything from living room decorating ideas to adding adorable accents to a kitchen nook or office space. Cluster an array of your favorite shades or hang monochromatic paper lanterns from your ceiling for some elegant ambiance. Perfect for kids’ rooms too! Little ones love choosing their favorite colors for some fun flair.

Oldies But Goodies – You can find tons of hidden treasures at local used book and music stores. Peruse old record bins for eye-catching album artwork featuring unique designs, artists and colors. Frame the album sleeves or adhere them directly to walls for some fun and funky wall décor. Grab a bunch and arrange them in a symmetrical layout for a bold way to liven up plain walls. Old books can add a vintage accent to shelves and tables. Visually appealing covers and various sizes will combine to create interesting decorations with a classic twist.

Serve Up Style With Plates – Decorating on a tight budget means getting creative! Plates don’t just belong in the kitchen cupboard. Create a wall collage by mixing and matching colorful plates in different sizes and adhering them to an accent wall. Use adhesive or attach wires and hang plates in an interesting configuration for a simple yet fun way to refresh a wall. Use plates with different prints and textures or stick with one style for a bold piece of DIY wall art.

Make Any Room Bloom – Simple accents can add up to chic style. Use clear containers or extra mason jars from your kitchen cupboards as small vases, which are perfect for your favorite petite petals. Line a window, shelf or create an easy DIY centerpiece when you cluster jars together. Bonus: faux flowers add an affordable, lasting touch. Get extra decorating leverage by using glass jars for easy candleholders, too. Just drop in a tea light and add a glow to your space.

Cut a Rug – Got funky floors you can’t permanently update? No worries. Fabric remnants are an easy way to add a rug without blowing your budget. Clean up the edges and cut the fabric to whatever size fits your space. Glue on an anti-slip rubber backing (that old yoga mat you have hanging around will work wonders!) and voila — an affordable DIY rug perfect for your bathroom, kitchen or living room floor.

Whether you’re searching for living room decorating ideas, want to beautify your bedroom or kick up your kitchen, these easy and affordable ideas will transform your space in no time. What are some of your favorite apartment decorating ideas?

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.