Ever wonder how you can personalize your apartment without spending a fortune or ruining your chances to get your deposit back?
Lots of our tenants have! Â That’s why we have put together a list of simple decorating tips to help you make your apartment feel more like home. Â Whether your taste is traditional, eclectic, minimalist or kitschy it is possible to create a desirable living space on without spending a fortune when you use a little bit of
creativity. Here are some ideas on how to decorate your rental property on a budget.
Bring in area rugs to add more color. If you are decorating on a budget, an area rug  is a big purchase. Look for bargains online and at discount stores like IKEA, thrift stores or resale sites like Ebay or CraigsList. Once you find the right rug that fits in with your color scheme, place the rug in the middle of the room to frame your space.
Brighten up standard walls and ceiling lights with DIY artwork ideas!
- Add soft lighting throughout the apartment with inexpensive lamps with lamp shades rimmed with ribbon for a personalized designer look.
- Tack a scarf or square of neat fabric to the ceiling over a drab boring light fixture. The fabric hangs far enough down that it won’t heat up or scorch, and the pretty colored light shines through below.
- Staple fabric over a bulletin board. Hang on the wall and pin your favorite pictures on it.
Choose light and functional furniture (if possible). Chances are, you probably do not have a budget to buy all new furniture. For many of us apartment dwellers, our furniture chooses us when we inherit pieces from our family members. Despite popular belief, you don’t need as much furniture as you think.
- Remember- what you move in, you will eventually need to move out. So go light and stick with the essential pieces- a few living room pieces for seating and storage, a dining room table, a bed and a dresser is really all you need to get started.
- You can find great deals on used furniture at thrift stores or resale sites like CraigsList.
- If you get a thrift store sofa, consider covering it with an inexpensive slip cover in a soft or muted color that blends with your accent colors.
- Repurposing furniture from a thrift store is also great way to go green.
- If you must buy new furniture, find some that you can assemble yourself (IKEA is a great place to find this). This will make moving in and moving out easier.
- Make your own throw pillows in the same color scheme as your curtains to pull together the look in your living room and bedroom.
- Go to the local discount store or dollar store for more basic items like kitchen utensils, trash cans and more.