Barely any money to spend decorating your apartment? Do you have NO money to spend on decorating?
It might seem impossible to design an interior that doesn't look like your budget was zero, but you can be creative and decorate in a way that still looks great despite a small (or nonexistent) budget.
Focus on the layout first
Really work on the design of your spaces to optimize the flow and feel of each room. If your spaces are small, consider tricks that will make a room look bigger than it is.
Find a focal point (like the large piece of art shown above) and arrange your seating around it. Consider the views from each room and place furniture in a way that complements or contrasts the architecture.
Hide storage creatively.
Clutter will make your home look smaller than it is. Get rid of unnecessary bedroom accessories, magazines and books, and invest in furniture that pulls double duty, like poufs, trunks, or stacked vintage suitcases that look like a table.
Another good option is to place certain furniture - like chairs, tables, or cabinets - at an angle in the corner of the room to create a hidden built-in spot to stash extra things.
Work with what you have
Before you start spending your small budget on new purchases, see what you already have. Could any of your pieces have decorative elements removed to improve their look (since removal is nearly free)?
Sand down mismatched wooden furniture and use a similar paint to make it look a bit better. Give pre-mixed paint cans from your local hardware store a chance - it can be very cheap to add fun details to heavy or outdated furniture.
Be your own great abstract artist
A huge, colorful abstract painting will look impressive, even if you're the one holding the brush! Look for inspiration online, enlarge your own canvas to save money, and explore alternative ways to frame it so you can display art on your walls without spending much.
And while paint-chip art might be a little out of fashion, those things can still be bought at hardware stores.
Get creative with your plants
If you simply don't have the budget for large plants, start small! Grow plants from seeds or find smaller plants you can grow and transfer into bigger pots as they grow.
Ask friends if you can propagate cuttings from their amazing succulents. Disguise the fact that you don't have large plants by grouping several small plants and hanging or displaying them at different heights.
Always be on the lookout for cheap finds
Constantly browse the free section of local classifieds, join a local Facebook "giveaway" group, and take walks through neighborhoods in your city that always seem to have sidewalks full of free-furniture potential. You never know what looks like trash to someone else could become your new treasure.
Hang things up
Wall hooks can be very cheap (usually cheaper than shelves), and even though they're small, they have the ability to hold larger elements that can become part of your decor - like fashion items.
Don't be afraid to hang your functional clothes and accessories in ways that contribute to your decor (and save on storage).
Fabrics are really cool
From tablecloths to curtains and decorative tapestries to rugs, fabrics can be bought very cheaply, and with a bit of artistic talent, they can be used in almost any room in the house.
Make your room look bigger with a large mirror (or two).
A floor-length mirror can make a room look bigger and more open, especially in tiny apartments.
Position the mirror so it reflects a window and captures more light, adding dimension to the room.
Browse local classifieds or used furniture stores to find large mirrors at affordable prices.
Paint your old furniture.
When you get tired of your bed or other large pieces of furniture, consider painting over the existing finish instead of throwing your things away. A fresh coat of paint on an old dresser can dramatically transform a piece without costing much.
First, remove all the hardware and wipe the piece down with a cloth to get rid of dust. Use sandpaper to lightly buff the glossy finish, then use spray paint or add two regular coats of paint.
Once dry, add a layer of water-based lacquer, polyurethane, or a thin layer of clear paste wax to make the new finish last.
Show off your collections
If you're an avid collector or simply have lovely, unique items, there's no reason to keep them hidden behind drawers and closed cabinet doors. Bring out the decorative plates, bowls, jars, muffin tins, and rolling pins.
Bring out everything you collect and display it proudly, whether by hanging it up or grouping it on tables, counters, and bookshelves. Instead of having several candlesticks scattered around your home, gather them in one spot and display them together.
Pull the photo boxes out from under the bed
Dust off those old photos and display them proudly. Hang them on your most prominent walls - in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Create a gallery in a kitchen or mudroom. Display them on shelves and bookcases. Place them on tables, dressers, and desks. Photographs are a perfect way to personalize your space.
Bet on fruit
Fruit is a natural accessory. It adds a visual and textural element to a space. Place a collection of citrus fruits in large glass jars, vases, or bowls for instant, natural color.
Rotate the fruit and swap it out from time to time to remove any pieces that have gone bad. As the seasons change, swap the citrus for apples, pumpkins, and gourds. With all the natural resources already in your home, you can easily make your house a home without spending any money!
Now you know how to decorate your apartment even with little money. Like and share this post on your social media!
