Decorating a rental apartment can easily turn costly as you try to make the most out of the space you have and turn it into a home.
If you live in a rental apartment, it is possible to turn it into a home without spending too much money.
You can also make strategic decisions that save you some money along the way.
Regardless of the budget you have, here are seven ways to make the apartment feel like home without spending too much.
Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are easy to install as many of them come with instructions and everything you need to get them up.
You can use these shelves to add some personality to the apartment by hanging different types of decor, flowers, or art.
You can also use them to make it feel more welcoming by hanging pictures of your family.
The two main choices you have are metal and wood shelving.
Both of these options will go with almost any decor you have or that you want to display.
Your choice will be largely determined by the look of the rest of the apartment, as well as how low you want your spending to be.
Also, there are numerous options to choose from that only require a few holes, so you will not get into trouble with the landlord.
Make the Entryway Welcoming
Many apartments do not have a designated entryway and therefore you do not have the option of decorating it like you would a traditional home. However, you can still make the entryway more welcoming by using a few wall-mounted decor pieces.
Start by adding a shelf and a mirror right after the doorway.
Instead of a shelf, you can also go with a unit that has a shelf on top for placing various items including decor pieces.
Instead of the mirror, you can also add an interesting art piece that could be a conversation starter if you invite guests over.
Next, you can add some hooks for hanging purses, hats, and jackets.
If your landlord does not allow you to screw into the walls, you can opt for adhesive-back hooks that will do the job just as well.
Add Tasteful Artwork
In addition to the smaller pieces of work that you use as decor, you should also get some larger art pieces that add some personality to the space.
This option is great for apartments where you are not allowed to paint the walls but where you do not want yourself or your guests to focus on the walls.
Save on Bedroom Furniture, Splurge on Bedding
In a rental, a good bed frame and a side table from one of the big retailers will set you back a few dollars.
That said, you can save some money on these items, buy cheaper options that still look great, and then put a bit more money into your bedding.
What is on your bed will not only make it the focal point of the room it is in, but it will also make it more comfortable.
Get beautiful covers or duvets and then choose a better, more comfortable, and affordable mattress.
There are different types of mattresses to choose from, all with their pros and cons.
You will have to consider your needs, budget, and other factors as noted here and then see which one of the best mattresses would be right for you.
Add Some Candles
Candles can change the feel and mood of a rental apartment by providing sweet scents and warmth.
Light candles with specific scents to make your living space more inviting.
The caveat here is to be careful about the scents you choose as well as how you use the candle.
Some scents can turn people off while some can put you in the mood for cooking a fresh meal.
When using a candle to introduce scents and warmth into a space, ensure that you blow out the candles when you are done with them so that they do not become a fire hazard.
Update the Bathroom
You will use the bathroom a lot for the duration of your stay, therefore it should be comfortable and pleasing for you.
Because your rental agreement might not allow any permanent changes to the bathroom, you can find some non-permanent ways to update it.
You could add patterned peel-and-stick tiles that you can remove at any time.
To keep costs low, pick a small area to add the tiles to.
You could also add a stylish mirror to the bathroom.
The bathroom might already have hooks for an older mirror, and you can remove it and replace it with the new one.
If not, you can always hang a mirror using enough no-slip adhesive.
Add Some Greenery
Plants are always welcome because they make a space feel more inviting, spacious, and alive.
There are lots of cheap plant options to select from for your rental apartment.
Buy plants that do not require too much care so they do not take up much of your time.
Some species that do well in rental apartments include Ficus, English ivy, rubber tree, and aloe.
It is possible to make a rental apartment welcoming and comfortable so that you and your guests never want to leave, and so that it feels like home.
It will take some planning, creativity, and strategic decorating, but it can be done.
Accessories that can help with seasonal designs and decorations should also be part of the plan.
