Apartment decor doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg - there are so many affordable options to look into when you're decorating a new space, or simply want to spruce up your current surroundings!
I recently moved into a different apartment and wanted to have a completely new feel from my old space, so I'm going to give you all the tips and tricks that you'll need to make your own apartment look chic on a budget.
Use Accessories
My personal favorite way to decorate my room is using my accessories, specifically my shoes and bags, to spruce up my area!
When you use your accessories as decor in your space, you're also able to show off your favorite items which can always be interchanged, depending on what items you're loving the most. It's easy to switch up the aesthetics of your room when you use your accessories as decor because they bring different colors, patterns, and dimension to the room.
If you're shy on space in your living quarters, you can also use your bags as storage for smaller items and smaller bags as well. I often like to store my hair accessories and jewelry in my smaller bags and containers so that they have a place to live that's not so messy!
Bookshelves & Wall Shelves
When it comes to living in a smaller apartment, you have to get creative in how you store your belongings, especially if you like to keep a lot of clothes and accessories like I do!
I've found that bookshelves and wall shelves are the best way for me to knock out two birds with one stone - I get cool/unique decor and somewhere to store my belongings that can't possibly fit in my closet.
Shelves in general are just a great way to help you utilize all of the bare wall space that you have in your apartment/home, and they're typically not too expensive if you're looking at the right places. When looking for any type of shelf, I usually try to purchase from Ikea, or another cheaper retailer, because I like simple pieces that I can dress up with the decor I put on it.
Shop Secondhand
As we all know, shopping second hand is usually the most cost effective and environmentally friendly way to find goods! I also particularly love how I can find unique pieces for my space, that won't cost me an arm and a leg.
My favorite spots to shop second hand are OfferUp and antique malls near me - there's also Facebook Marketplace and local thrift shops that will likely have what you're looking for as well. Antique malls are definitely my go-to spots when I want unique decor or knick-knacks! When browsing for larger furniture, I typically gravitate towards OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace.
When shopping on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace, I highly recommend checking them every day if you want to score big! When I've found my biggest jaw dropping deals on OfferUp, it was because I was checking the app multiple times a day and I just so happened to catch the deals as soon as they were posted. It's definitely worth obsessing over if you want the good stuff!
Depending on who you're buying from, they might also offer to drop off the goods for a bit of extra money, or just out of the kindness of their heart. This is helpful when you're buying large items where you might not have a vehicle that can haul your items.
Matching Sets
Whenever I'm browsing furniture online, I am always pulled in by matching sets - they're super easy to decorate your space with and you're going to get a better bargain than if you have to buy separate pieces.
Matching sets are great for pulling your space together with minimal effort; after all, how can you not make a matching set match? Matching sets can be anything from coffee tables, chairs, couches, dinner ware, art, and everything in between!
Books, Clocks, & Knick Knacks
Although your larger furniture pieces are going to be your main attractions in your home, they'll definitely need some decor and knick knacks to spice them up a bit!
This is where you'll probably get to have the most fun - scouting for your decor pieces that you think will pull everything together. In our apartment, we've loved using magazines and other cool books to spruce up our coffee tables.
You could also search for cool coasters, clocks, decor bowls, candles, vases...the list is endless! When planning for your apartment decor, I highly recommend looking at Instagram accounts that post interior design inspo; they'll give you an overwhelming amount of inspiration for decorating your space!
Artwork
Lastly, one of the most unique interior accents that you can use to spruce up your space, is artwork! Having unique art in the home has been something cherished for generations upon generations.
When browsing for artwork, I highly recommend supporting your local artists or artists that you've found through social media. Personally, TikTok has brought so many incredible artists to my attention, and it is now easier than ever to support artists.
Even if you don't have the resources to support other artists, you can always make your own art and use it as decor in your home!
"(1) This is what the Lord says: 'Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. (2) Blessed is the one who does this - the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.'"
Isaiah 56:1-2
-- Faith Blackshear