If you’re living in a teeny space, and looking for small apartment decorating ideas on a budget, you’ve come to the right place.
It may feel like you’re working with limited space and a tight budget is double the effort, but don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to make your small space feel like home without breaking the bank. And the cherry on top? Lots of these contribute to reducing waste.
Here are some small apartment decorating ideas on a budget to get you inspired. And don’t forget to browse Soho’s lifestyle page for ideas to create your dream home.
Shop secondhand or at discount stores
One of the easiest ways to save money on home decor is to shop secondhand or at discount stores. You can often find gently used furniture and home decor items at thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. Not to mention Facebook market and Gumtree for online browsing, all these for a fraction of the cost of new piece.
You can also check out stores like Ikea or Target for budget-friendly options and sign up for email alerts so you know when they have season sales.
Use removable wallpaper or wall decals
Adding some colour and pattern to your walls can make a big difference in the look and feel of your apartment. But if you’re not allowed to paint or don’t want to deal with the hassle and expense of traditional wallpaper, consider using removable wallpaper or wall decals instead.
These are much cheaper and easier to install, and you can easily remove them when you’re ready for a change.
Bring in some plants
Small space living shouldn’t be lifeless. Plants not only add life and greenery to a small space, but they can also help purify the air and improve your mood.
Choose low-maintenance options that thrive in indirect light, such as spider plants, pothos, or snake plants. You can find pots and planters at thrift stores, discount stores, or online marketplaces like Etsy.
Buy multifunctional furniture
When you’re working with a studio apartment or small space, it’s important to make the most of every inch.
Consider using multifunctional furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, a coffee table with storage space inside, an ottoman with a tray top that can be used as a coffee table, or a bench with drawers.
Look for pieces that can be easily moved or tucked away when not in use, like a folding table or a set of nesting tables.
Get creative with cute storage
In a small apartment, it’s essential to keep clutter to a minimum. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your belongings or live in a sparse, minimalist space. Instead, get creative with storage solutions.
Use under-bed storage containers, storage baskets or bins to tuck away out-of-season clothing or extra linens.
Use a ladder as a bookshelf or a vintage trunk as a coffee table for more storage space. The more you can keep off the floor, the more open and spacious your apartment will feel.
Lastly, don’t neglect your vertical space. Taking advantage of empty wall space for shelving is one of the vital storage space saving tricks. Install wall-mounted shelves or hanging baskets to store items like pots and pans or cleaning supplies. As long as you’re keeping the shelved items neat, your space won’t feel cluttered.
Use light colours
Light colours can make a small space feel more open and airy. Consider painting the walls, floors, and ceiling in light shades like white, cream, or pale blue.
You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to let in natural light and create a sense of openness.
Use mirrors to reflect light
Mirrors are amazing for reflecting light and creating the illusion of extra space. Place a large mirror opposite a window to help brighten and open up a room. You can also use smaller mirrors throughout your apartment to add visual interest and reflect light.
Use furniture with thin, clean lines
Avoid chunky, oversized furniture in a small space. Instead, opt for slender, streamlined pieces with thin, clean lines. This will help your small apartment feel more open and spacious.
Add some budget-friendly personality to your small apartment
Just because you’re looking for small apartment decorating ideas on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personality. Here are five of our favourite inexpensive items when decorating ideas on a budget.
String lights or fairy lights
These are awesome for adding a bit of festivity to your apartment. Place your string lights around your mirror, along your bed frame or the ceiling or even in a tall, transparent vase.
Throw pillows and blankets
These are inexpensive and give your space personality and a cosy feel.
Area rugs
To give your floor space a little love, one of the best apartment decorating ideas is to invest in rugs and carpets.
Small or big, they can be used to line a narrow corridor or be placed under furniture like your bed, couch or dining table.
Wall art or posters
Here’s where you can let a little creativity into your apartment even with a low budget. Do a little research on Instagram and Etsy to find local artists that you like. You can also look into temporary wall ideas which you can take down when you leave.
You’ll also be able to find art on the same platforms where you find your second hand furniture like Facebook Market and Gumtree. Couple your favourite pieces with picture frames from Ikea and you’ve got yourself some beautiful framed art!
Candle holders or vases
One of the classic items used to style and decorate a living room, bedroom or even bathroom are candles and vases.
When lit, candles gives a sense of warmth and invitation. You can opt to buy ornate candle holders and fill them with small, one-use candles from Ikea. This is a cheap way to get the look without splurging on expensive candles.
And when it comes to vases, you can fill them with fake plants or flowers as well. Fresh flowers are always preferred, but that can really add to your decorating bill.
Looking for your dream home?
Soho can help you find it. Set up your profile on Soho to find properties for sale and properties for rent in your favourite suburbs. But don’t just stop there, download our app to get access to more features. Just remember to shortlist or swipe left on our listings so we can send you others that better match what you’re looking for.
