27 First Apartment Decorating Ideas on a Budget (That Still Look Amazing)

You know that rush you get when you finally have your own place? 

You’re already picturing cozy nights in, plants in the corner, and a couch you’ll basically live on. 

But then… reality hits. Your bank account is like, “Sweetie, you can either buy that $400 rug or eat for the next two months.”

Look, you don’t need a designer budget to have a designer-looking apartment. 

With the right mix of creativity, bargain hunting, and a little DIY magic, you can turn even the plainest rental into a space that feels so you.

These are my favorite first apartment decorating ideas that’ll make your place look amazing without draining your savings. 

We’re talking thrift store gems, dollar store hacks, and quick projects you can knock out in an afternoon. 

Ready? Let’s make your apartment Pinterest-worthy — on a ramen noodle budget.

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Living Room

1. Thrift Store Treasure Hunt

Skip the overpriced big-box stores and head straight to your local thrift shop or flea market. 

You’d be surprised how many gems are hiding between the mismatched chairs and ceramic cat figurines. 

Think: vintage mirrors, unique lamps, chunky picture frames, and even solid wood tables you can refinish for a few bucks.

The trick? Go in with an open mind.

Don’t focus on what it is — think about what it could be with a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a little TLC. 

Bonus tip: weekday mornings are gold because the good stuff hasn’t been picked over yet. 

Your apartment will look one-of-a-kind, and no one will guess you scored it for less than a night out.

Also Read: First Apartment Goals

2. Swap Curtains for Sheer Panels

Heavy, dark curtains can make a small apartment feel like a cave — and not in a cute, moody way. 

Sheer panels, on the other hand, let in all that natural light and instantly make your space feel airy, fresh, and way more expensive than it is.

The best part? You don’t need fancy custom ones. 

Grab a couple of plain white or light-colored sheers from a discount store (or even Amazon) and hang them high and wide so your windows look bigger. 

Pro move: layer them over cheap blackout blinds so you still have privacy at night. 

It’s one of the quickest, cheapest swaps that completely changes the vibe of a room.

3. DIY Coffee Table Makeover

That scratched-up coffee table you inherited from your cousin? Yeah, it’s about to become the star of your living room. 

All you need is a little elbow grease, a can of spray paint, and maybe some new knobs or handles if it has drawers.

Go bold with matte black for a modern vibe, or try a soft pastel for something more playful. 

If you’re feeling extra, grab some peel-and-stick contact paper in a marble or wood pattern for the tabletop. 

The whole thing will cost you less than takeout, but it’ll look like you splurged at a boutique furniture store.

Also Read: First Apartment Checklist on a Budget

4. Layer Cheap Rugs

Big rugs can be ridiculously expensive, but here’s the hack — you don’t need one big rug. 

Grab two or three smaller, budget-friendly ones and layer them like you totally planned it that way. 

Think a plain jute rug underneath with a patterned or colorful rug on top to add personality.

This trick not only saves you money but also makes your space look way more curated. 

It’s the kind of “effortless” detail that people notice but can’t quite figure out why it feels so cozy. 

Bonus: if you spill something, you can just swap out one layer instead of replacing a pricey giant rug.

Also Read: First Apartment Tips No One Really Tells You

5. Statement Throw Pillows (On Sale)

Throw pillows are basically the magic wand of decorating — swap them out, and your whole couch feels brand new. 

But here’s the secret: never, ever pay full price. 

Clearance aisles, discount bins, and end-of-season sales are where the real gems hide.

Mix textures (think velvet, knit, linen) and play with colors or patterns that pop against your couch. 

You can even buy cheap pillow inserts and just switch out the covers when you want a new look. 

It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to keep your living room feeling fresh without replacing big pieces of furniture.

Also Read: First Time Living Alone Checklist for Women

Bedroom

6. Fairy Lights Overhead

Nothing makes a bedroom feel cozy faster than a warm, twinkly glow. 

Skip the expensive pendant lights and string up a set of fairy lights instead. 

Drape them across the ceiling, frame your headboard, or let them cascade down a wall for that dreamy Pinterest vibe.

Warm white bulbs feel soft and relaxing, while cooler tones give off a modern, fresh look — pick whatever matches your vibe. 

Pro tip: grab the plug-in kind instead of battery-operated so you’re not constantly swapping out AA batteries. Instant mood boost for under $20.

Also Read: 23 First Apartment Bedroom Decor Ideas

7. Milk Crate Nightstands

Forget pricey bedside tables — a couple of sturdy milk crates stacked together can look surprisingly chic with a little love. 

Flip them on their sides for instant storage space, give them a quick coat of paint or wood stain, and you’ve got a nightstand that’s as functional as it is cute.

The open cubes are perfect for stashing books, chargers, or that “I’ll deal with it later” pile we all have. 

And if you move or decide to redecorate, they’re super easy to repurpose around the apartment. Cheap, easy, and zero guilt if you spill coffee on it.

Also Read: First Night Apartment Checklist for Women

8. DIY Headboard

Headboards can be ridiculously expensive for something that’s basically just… a rectangle behind your bed. 

But with a little DIY magic, you can make one that looks custom-made for a fraction of the cost.

Grab a piece of plywood, some foam padding, and fabric that matches your vibe — linen for a minimalist look, velvet for something more luxe. 

Staple it all together (yes, literally staple) and mount it on the wall or attach it to your bed frame. 

You’ll have that “hotel room but make it home” feel without draining your bank account.

9. Mix & Match Bedding

Matching bedding sets are nice… but they’re also overpriced and a little too “catalog” sometimes. 

Instead, hunt for clearance sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in colors or patterns that work together. 

Think of it like building an outfit — you don’t have to buy the whole mannequin look to make it work.

Layering different textures and shades gives your bed that cozy, lived-in vibe (you know, the kind that makes people want to jump right in). 

Plus, swapping out just one piece — like a bold pillowcase or a chunky throw — can freshen up the whole space without spending more than a coffee run.

10. Wall Tapestry as Art

Big framed art can cost more than your rent, but a wall tapestry? That’s budget-friendly and a total statement maker. 

You can find gorgeous ones online for under $10 — everything from boho patterns to bold abstracts — and they instantly fill up a blank wall without making it feel cluttered.

Hang it with simple command hooks or a tension rod, and your space just got a focal point. 

Bonus: they’re super lightweight, so if you move, you can just roll it up and take your “art” with you. Way easier than hauling heavy frames.

Kitchen

11. Dollar Store Glassware Glow-Up

The dollar store is basically a hidden goldmine for plain glassware — vases, jars, candle holders — and all they need is a little makeover to look high-end. 

Grab some spray paint in metallic gold, matte black, or frosted white, and give them a quick coat.

Use them as chic vases for fresh or faux flowers, makeup brush holders, or even kitchen utensil jars. 

For a trendy twist, wrap some jute rope around the base or add a thin strip of washi tape near the rim. 

No one will guess you spent $1.25 — unless you tell them.

Also Read: First Apartment Kitchen Essentials

12. Removable Backsplash Stickers

Dreaming of a cute tiled backsplash but stuck with plain, boring walls? Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are your new best friend. 

They come in so many styles — subway tile, Moroccan patterns, faux marble — and they’re ridiculously easy to apply (and remove when you move out).

You don’t need fancy tools, just a clean wall and a little patience to line them up. 

In under an hour, your kitchen can go from “meh” to “whoa” — and you’ll spend a tiny fraction of what real tile would cost. 

Instant style upgrade without a single landlord freak-out.

13. Cute Mugs as Decor

Your coffee mugs deserve better than being hidden behind a cabinet door. 

If you’ve got a few that are too adorable to keep tucked away, put them on display. 

Stack them on open shelves, hang them from hooks under a cabinet, or line them up on a simple mug rack.

This little trick adds personality to your kitchen without spending a dime (unless you want to go thrifting for a few more to complete the look). 

Plus, it’s practical — you’ll always have your favorites within reach for those early morning caffeine emergencies.

14. Painted Mason Jar Utensil Holders

Forget the overpriced kitchen organizers — a few mason jars can do the job just fine. 

Grab some paint in your favorite color (chalk paint works great for that soft, matte look) and give each jar a quick coat. 

You can even distress the edges for a rustic, farmhouse vibe.

Pop in your wooden spoons, spatulas, or whisks, and suddenly your countertop looks way more styled. 

The best part… You can match them to your kitchen color scheme or switch them up whenever you want — it’s the cheapest “custom” decor you’ll ever make.

15. DIY Coffee Station

Why hide your caffeine obsession when you can make it a whole vibe? 

Dedicate a little corner of your kitchen (or even a small shelf) to create your own coffee station. 

Stack your mugs, add a jar for sugar, a canister for beans, and maybe a cute little tray to keep it all looking intentional.

If you’ve got space, a thrifted bar cart works perfectly — plus, you can roll it around when you’re feeling fancy. 

The whole setup feels like a little café moment every morning, and you don’t need to spend more than a few bucks to pull it together.

Bathroom

16. Matching Dispensers

It’s wild how swapping out mismatched soap bottles can instantly make your bathroom look more put-together. 

Grab a set of matching dispensers for your soap, lotion, or even shampoo and conditioner. 

You can find sleek, affordable ones at discount stores, dollar stores, or online.

Go for clear glass with pump tops for a clean, spa-like vibe, or choose matte ceramic for something more modern. 

It’s such a tiny detail, but it makes your bathroom feel like you actually thought about it — even if you decorated it in a single afternoon.

17. Shower Curtain Statement Piece

Your shower curtain is basically the biggest “canvas” in your bathroom — so why not make it a statement? 

Skip the boring plain white and go for a bold pattern, rich color, or even a fun graphic print.

It’s an easy, affordable way to inject personality into the room, and you can swap it out whenever you feel like a change. 

Pair it with a matching bath mat or a few coordinated towels, and suddenly your bathroom looks styled — without you spending more than a dinner out.

18. Basket Storage

Clutter is the fastest way to make a space feel messy, and baskets are the easiest (and cutest) fix. 

Grab a few woven baskets from discount stores or even thrift shops, and use them to corral extra toilet paper, rolled-up towels, or all those random beauty products you don’t want on display.

They instantly make your shelves look organized instead of chaotic, and they add texture to the room without breaking the bank. 

Pro tip: stick to one or two basket styles so everything feels cohesive, even if you bought them months apart.

19. Framed Printable Art

You don’t need to drop $200 on a print to make your walls look styled. 

There are tons of gorgeous, free art printables online — from minimalist line drawings to colorful abstract pieces. 

Just download your favorites, print them at home (or at a local print shop for a few bucks), and pop them into inexpensive frames from the dollar store or thrift shop.

You can switch them out seasonally or whenever you’re craving a new vibe. It’s like having an endless art collection without the endless price tag.

20. Plants in Recycled Jars

Greenery instantly makes a space feel alive, but plant pots can be weirdly expensive. 

The fix… Rinse out old jars — pasta sauce jars, candle jars, even pickle jars — and turn them into plant homes.

You can leave them clear for a simple, airy look or paint them in soft pastels or earthy tones to match your space. 

Pop in some easy-care plants like pothos, succulents, or even fresh herbs for the kitchen. It’s eco-friendly, practically free, and adds a little life to your apartment.

Entryway / Misc

21. Command Hook Gallery Wall

Landlords and nail holes do not mix — but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with blank walls. 

Command hooks (or similar damage-free hooks) are a total game-changer for hanging lightweight frames, canvas art, or even wall baskets.

Pick a theme — travel photos, thrifted art, or a mix of prints and mirrors — and arrange them into a mini gallery wall. 

The best part… You can rearrange or swap things out anytime without spackling and repainting like a home renovation pro. 

Zero damage, all style.

22. Repurpose Old Ladder as Shelf

Got an old wooden ladder lying around — or spotted one at a thrift store for cheap? 

Stand it against a wall, and boom: instant rustic shelving. 

You can use the rungs to hang blankets, display plants, or stack a few baskets for storage.

Give it a quick sanding and a coat of paint or stain to match your space, and it’ll look like a designer piece you spent way too much on. 

It’s functional, it’s unique, and it’s the kind of thing guests will ask about the second they walk in.

23. DIY Chalkboard Wall

Want a fun, functional, and totally Instagrammable wall? 

Grab some chalkboard paint (or peel-and-stick chalkboard sheets if you’re renting) and turn a small section of your wall into your own creative space.

You can use it for grocery lists, doodles, inspirational quotes, or even as a rotating art display. 

Keep a little jar of chalk nearby so friends can leave notes when they visit. 

It’s budget-friendly, super customizable, and way cooler than a plain white wall.

24. Contact Paper Counter Glow-Up

Hate your countertops but can’t replace them? Peel-and-stick contact paper is about to be your new BFF. 

You can find it in marble, granite, butcher block, or even funky patterns, and it’s shockingly easy to apply.

Just clean the surface, peel, stick, and smooth it down with a credit card or squeegee. 

In under an hour, you’ll have “new” counters without spending more than $20. 

And when it’s time to move out, it peels right off — no security deposit drama.

25. Floating Shelves from Scrap Wood

Before you spend big on store-bought shelves, check your local hardware store’s scrap wood bin — you can usually grab pieces for just a few bucks (sometimes even free). 

Sand them down, give them a coat of paint or stain, and mount them with inexpensive brackets.

They’re perfect for displaying plants, books, candles, or whatever little treasures you’ve picked up. 

Plus, since you’re making them yourself, you can customize the size and color so they actually fit your space — and your style — perfectly.

26. Mix & Match Picture Frames

You don’t need a perfectly matched frame set to make your wall look cohesive. 

Hit up thrift stores, dollar stores, or yard sales for cheap frames in all shapes and sizes. 

Then, give them a unifying touch — spray paint them all the same color (black, white, or gold always looks chic).

Once they match, you can create a gallery wall that looks intentional and expensive, even though you spent next to nothing. 

Bonus: this trick works for mirrors too, so you can mix in a few reflective pieces for extra light and dimension.

27. Repurpose Wine Bottles as Vases

Before you toss that empty wine bottle, think decor. 

Peel off the label (a soak in warm soapy water usually does the trick), and you’ve got a sleek, minimalist vase for fresh flowers, dried stems, or even fairy lights.

You can leave them clear for a simple look, spray paint them for a pop of color, or wrap the neck in twine for a rustic touch. 

Line a few along a windowsill or cluster them on your dining table, and you’ve got a centerpiece that cost… well, technically, the price of the wine.

One Last Thing Before You Go…

Don’t let the “I’ll decorate when I have more money” mindset keep you from loving your space right now. 

Your apartment doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive to feel like home — it just has to feel like you.

Start small. Add one cozy corner, hang one piece of art, or bring in one plant. 

Over time, all those little touches will come together into a place that makes you smile the second you walk in.

And remember — the best homes aren’t the ones that look like a showroom. They’re the ones that tell your story, no matter the budget.