Apartment Decor: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
It’s easy to make your apartment home feel high-end while staying smart with your resources. Our Insider Guide gives you apartment decor ideas that prove creating a gorgeous and functional living space is something everyone can achieve.
Be a Smart Saver
Wall Decor: Go Gallery-Style
Original artwork can be a significant expense, but rest assured — there are numerous ways to decorate your walls without overspending. A gallery wall is a great way to achieve this.
By incorporating a mix of affordable prints, personal photos, and DIY art pieces you already own, you can personalize your walls for almost pennies. Consider checking out local thrift stores and flea markets, which can be treasure troves for unique, inexpensive wall decor and super affordable used frames.
Accent Furniture: Mix High and Low
When it comes to side tables, ottomans, and other accent pieces, you can economize your style by aiming for a balanced blend of high-end items and budget-friendly finds. Modular pieces, in particular, are a great option — they’re easier to switch out as your style evolves, so there's less pressure to invest heavily.
Textiles: Refresh on a Budget
Incorporating pillows, throws, and curtains is an excellent way to infuse color and texture into your space while still being budget-friendly. These items are relatively inexpensive and easy to change out, allowing you to update your decor seasonally or as trends evolve. Opt for affordable options from big-box stores or online retailers, and buy the pillow separately so you can keep the interior even as you change the cover.
Plants: Bring Life to Your Space
Lastly, greenery can add a fresh, vibrant touch to any room, and it can be done without too much investment. Start with low-maintenance, affordable plants like pothos or snake plants, which also help level out the air quality in your space. As your green thumb develops, you can gradually invest in larger statement plants. There are even many faux-plant options that give all the warmth of a real plant for a fraction of the cost.
Splurge-Worthy Investments
The Sofa: Your Living Room's Centerpiece
Your sofa is likely going to be the most used piece of furniture in your apartment, making it a worthy splurge. Select a high-quality, wood-frame 3-seater or sectional with durable and easy-to-clean upholstery to get the most out of your investment.
A well-crafted couch can last for years, serving as the anchor for your living room's overall design, so be sure to look for timeless styles and neutral colors you’ll love years down the road.
The Mattress: The Foundation of Good Sleep
A good night’s sleep is invaluable, so skimping on your mattress simply isn’t worth the headache (and other potential aches). While it may be tempting to opt for a budget option, investing in a supportive, comfortable mattress will pay off in the long run.
Lighting: The Ultimate Mood-Maker
Lighting can make or break the entire ambiance of your apartment, putting it squarely in the splurge category. Consider a cool statement lamp for your main living area or dining space, which provides essential illumination but also serves as a focal point and conversation starter.
Area Rugs: Define Your Space
Though many modern apartments already have designer hardwood-style flooring or cushy carpeting, the addition of an area rug makes a major aesthetic impact. Investing in a well-made piece can transform the entire feel of the space.
In high-traffic areas, look for a durable rug that’s easily cleaned. Not only can area rugs and runners add warmth and texture, but they also help define spaces in open-plan layouts, adding to that elevated feel.
Find the Right Balance
Overall, the key to successful apartment decorating is to find a balance that feels good to you. By investing in a few key pieces and saving on others, you can create a cohesive, cool space that reflects your personality.
