Cheap Decorating Tips That Offer More Bang for the Buck

Decorating your apartment is the best way to make the place feel like it’s truly yours, and aside from furnishing, decorating can be one of the costlier processes you’ll encounter as you become situated. Be creative and get your money’s worth by utilizing some of these inexpensive decorating tips.

Look to the Walls First

When watching an interior design show with an emphasis on saving money, like Trading Spaces on TLC, have you noticed that the first thing the designers do is paint? That’s because nothing looks more uninspired than bare walls, and also because paint is the most effective and inexpensive way to breath life into a room. If you want to be especially thrifty without loosing impact, only paint one wall.

If painting isn’t an option, you can still add color by hanging a long curtain rod across the length of the wall and then hanging solid colored curtains up. The impact will be similar.

Incorporate Art

Carrying on with the focus on your walls, hanging pictures or artwork up is an effective way to add personality and depth to your rooms. You don’t have to spend money on pre-framed images or expensive artwork. Find a calendar with images you like and then purchase inexpensive frames at a store like Target or Walmart to place them in. If you decorate with calendar images, you can easily keep costs under $100.

If you want to be a little more creative, buy some frames of various sizes and types. Paint them all one color and then arrange them in a cluster on one wall so the wall shows through the empty frame opening. It’s an eye-catching way to add impact to your wall.

You can also visit stores like TJMaxx and Marshall’s, which typically have wall decor on clearance. Browse the stores to find mirrors and wall sconces to hang in addition to printed artwork.

Arrange What You Already Have

The cheapest way to decorate is by finding innovative ways to display what you already own. Arranging books on a shelf or side table in an interesting way can create visual interest in your room. Take empty vases or candle jars and fill them with rocks or other items of interest, such as wine corks, metal bottle caps, marbles or shells. Picture frames and trinkets you already own should be displayed among contrasting larger items like large candles or table lamps.

Add Color and Accessories

If you can’t have colors on the walls, you can certainly have it elsewhere. A vibrant slip cover can make a old sofa look sleek and chic. Pillows are also a cheap way to add color and texture to a room. A rich table cloth can make an ordinary table look stylized. Even window coverings can add pizazz to your room decoration. They say accessories make the outfit. Let colorful home accessories and furniture coverings do the same for your apartment.

Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. Start with the walls and focus on accessorizing to make the most of your money.

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Rachael Weiner: I’m a communications professional for a non-profit, which financially necessitates my status as an apartment dweller. Constantly “on-the-go,” I’ve resided in five different apartments across the United States over the past five years. Roommate issues, budgeting, organizing and handling problem neighbors are my specialty.