Whether you\u2019re<\/span> living in a smaller <\/span>apartment in Brooklyn<\/span><\/a> or are looking to decorate an <\/span>apartment in Chicago<\/span><\/a>, you may put most of your energy toward getting all your belongings to fit. While this is important, you should carve out time to decorate.<\/span><\/p>\n Even with a small budget, if you add some creative thinking, you can decorate an apartment<\/a> to be functional, personal and, well, pretty.<\/p>\n With limited space to work with, it\u2019s important to have a vision or particular style for your decorations. Without it, you could end up making purchases you don\u2019t have room for or that end up not working with the rest of the space. This can lead to wasted time and money.<\/p>\n Craft a decorating plan by collecting fabrics and color inspiration from the internet. This helps ensure a design that\u2019s affordable and cohesive. As you begin planning, you may even find you have most of the pieces you want to display, saving even more money by repurposing and reusing.<\/p>\n When it\u2019s time to shop, follow the simple advice of Gabrielle Blackman at Real Homes<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t rush into buying the first thing you see to match your vision. Consider your budget, how something will work in a space and most importantly, if you really need it. If you don\u2019t love it, don\u2019t buy it!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Now, let\u2019s dive into 7 easy ideas for how to decorate a small apartment on a budget.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a long list of plants that need minimal maintenance<\/a>. Position them in the right spot, water occasionally and you have a simple and affordable bit of decor. Not only that, but houseplants come in every shape and size. Some flower and others don\u2019t. You have the variety to pick a plant or two you like to liven up your apartment.<\/p>\n Some plants even do double-duty, providing health benefits<\/a> besides looking pretty. The pot you put your plant in can add a pop of color, as well as creating an even more attractive decoration.<\/p>\n Terrariums, as well as cut flowers, also look great in small spaces. You can take a bouquet of fresh flowers and either display them as a large, single bunch or break down the blooms into multiple bud vases to stretch the decoration even further.<\/p>\n Terrariums can feature plants, as well as their own mini decorations. Organize one within a uniquely-shaped container, and it becomes a living knick-knack requiring minimal care.<\/p>\n With limited wall space in a small apartment, you want to be deliberate with what you put up. You may also need that vertical space for shelving and storage, but save some for a little decoration.<\/p>\n Vinyl wall decals come as pictures, inspirational quotes and even images of your favorite characters. Applying them doesn\u2019t require any holes in your walls, and they\u2019re easy to remove and re-stick should you want to change up your space.<\/p>\n Installation is no problem, either, and you can use them to decorate cabinets and doors, too. Anywhere you want to stick them, they\u2019ll hold on, providing you with an easy and affordable decorating strategy.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t want to make any permanent changes in your apartment since you\u2019re most likely a temporary tenant. You can, however, focus on things that are easy to change back should you want to add design elements that don\u2019t add to the footprint of your space.<\/p>\n One suggestion is to switch out the cabinet and drawer pulls<\/a> in your kitchen or bathroom. Replace what\u2019s there with something that reflects your own sense of style. With options under $10 apiece, it\u2019s not a costly change, and you get to bring the hardware with you for your next place.<\/p>\n The trick for this design idea is to match the footprint of the original hardware. You don\u2019t want to add new holes into your cabinet and drawer faces. If the current pulls attach with a single screw, don\u2019t buy ones that use two. Also, don\u2019t forget to keep your old hardware to switch it back before you move.<\/p>\n It\u2019s amazing how much a few throw pillows or a plush blanket tossed on the back of the couch can add to a room. They help create a feeling of comfort and relaxation. They can take a small space and turn it into a cozy haven. With a variety of colors, patterns, styles and materials, finding throw pillows and blankets in your signature color is easy.<\/p>\n Pretty to look at, these items are also functional. Larger pillows can create extra seating. Added to a daybed, throw pillows transform the furniture piece into a couch. Mix and match patterns and textures to add depth and style. You can even rotate out pillows<\/a> for special holidays or the changing seasons to keep things fresh.<\/p>\n Additionally, if you\u2019re tired of old, paint-faded pieces, Nathan Novick with <\/span>Alpine Outlets<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Denver <\/span><\/a>says, \u201cIf you have used or old furniture that needs a little love, you can breathe new life into it with a quick coat of paint or simple hardware updates.\u201d Using a color that reflects your style is a wonderful, budget-friendly decorating technique.<\/span><\/p>\n Mirrors are a perfect decorative piece in a small apartment because they help make rooms appear bigger. Rather than buy a large, more expensive mirror, try to find smaller ones in a variety of shapes and sizes to create a mirrored collage on the wall.<\/p>\n Their reflective power helps spread light through the room. More brightness in a small space gives the impression it\u2019s bigger than it looks. The extra light also makes a space feel more cheery and happy.<\/p>\n If comfort and simplicity are the keys to your heart, Peggy Holloway with <\/span>Holloway Home Design<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Tacoma<\/span><\/a> recommends integrating \u201cmulti-purpose furnishings, like stylish, storage ottomans.\u201d Peggy calls these pieces, a \u201csecret weapon to stash away cozy throws for a clutter-free look.\u201d For additional decorative options, she suggests, \u201cTop the ottoman with a simple wood tray to magically turn it into a coffee table for your latte or latest page-turner.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n If shopping for new items isn\u2019t in the budget, don\u2019t worry. You most likely have almost all you need at home to create your own decorations. Start with your own mementos. Pictures, postcards or dated art calendars can all transform into art pieces for your walls.<\/p>\n \u201cGetting a few favorite photos up on the wall is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a new place feel like home,\u201d says Forbes contributing writer, Laura Gaskill<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can even transform a series of pictures into a collage for a unique, framed print. If you have a little money in the budget for decor, pick out some stencils, paint and a small canvas or two and create your own art.<\/p>\n Jesus Del Carpio with <\/span>Buffalo NY Painters<\/span><\/a> says, \u201cThe most efficient and affordable way to decorate a room is by painting an accent wall. Adding a different color to a wall in your living room, dining room, or even bedroom could substantially transform the way it looks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Repurposing items can also provide unexpected decor pieces. Put a fresh coat of paint on a drab piece of furniture to make it like new. Get creative with things like empty metal tea tins, coffee tins or even food cans. Once cleaned out, they make great planters or cute storage for smaller items.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/pexels-koolshooters-6626987-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow to decorate an apartment<\/h2>\n
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1. Plant life<\/h3>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/woman_with_plant.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. Stick it<\/h3>\n
![\"wall](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/wall_decal.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Hardware update<\/h3>\n
![\"hardware](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/hardware.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Comfort in a signature color<\/h3>\n
![\"happy](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/signature_color.jpg\")
<\/p>\n5. Reflect your own style<\/h3>\n
![\"antique](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/reflect_own_style.jpg\")
<\/p>\n6. Personality the easy way<\/h3>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/woman_painting.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7. Don\u2019t forget the balcony<\/h3>\n
![\"balcony](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/balcony.jpg\")
<\/p>\n