Give your apartment living room a style upgrade with these frugal but gorgeous renter-friendly decor ideas! There are plenty of ways to refresh a space without breaking the bank. Check out how to decorate an apartment on a budget and see over twenty inspiring apartment living rooms in this post!
You don’t need to put in massive amounts of effort or money to decorate your apartment living room. Don’t underestimate the change that simple things like a fresh coat of paint, peel and stick wallpaper, or a new piece of furniture can bring.
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How to Decorate an Apartment on a Budget FAQ
Whether you’re just moving into a new apartment or looking to refresh your current home, decorating a rental can be challenging, especially on a budget.
Here are my best tips for decorating a rental without breaking the bank:
- Collect inspiration pictures and figure out what you want the space to look like asthetically
- Evaluate whether you have furniture or decor that goes with your vision and keep those items
- Sell any of the furniture/decor you aren’t going to use and add the proceeds from those sales to your redecorating budget
- Make a plan for your space
- Install removeable light fixtures, wall treatments and window treatments
- Add statement furniture or art
- Consider adding greenery to each space
- Have fun!
How can I make my apartment cozy on a budget?
There are three main things that make a space feel cozy, and all of them are soft textures – curtains, rugs, and blankets.
Consider adding those three items to your apartment to increase its coziness!
If you aren’t allowed to hang curtain rods in the wall, check out this post that teaches you a trick for hanging the drapes from clear 3M hooks!
Already have carpet in your apartment? Consider putting a pretty area rug even over the basic carpet as a way of making the space feel a bit more elevated and cozy at the same time.
And finally, add a soft, fluffy throw blanket to every room. Drape one on the couch, hang one on a blanket ladder, toss one in a blanket basket, throw one over the end of your bed, etc. The more blankets the better! 😉
How can I make my basic apartment look better?
There are a few decorating “rules” that will always elevate a space from basic to stylish.
Arrange Furniture Intentionally
First, arrange your furniture around a focal point. In the living room, this could be a window, a fireplace, a TV, built-ins, etc. In the dining room this is typically around the dining room table. In a bedroom, it’s typically around the bed. But be intentional about using that focal point to create a space around it.
Don’t just put all your furniture against the walls and be done. Think about creative ways to arrange furniture OFF the walls!
Decorate the Walls
Second, put decor on the walls! This is one of the most under-valued steps in decorating and especially in a rental where you can’t change much and figure you’re just going to move again soon.
Using renter-friendly hooks, hang art on the walls above pieces of furniture and along hallways.
Adding fun wallpaper or wall sconces really elevates the style as well.
Scroll down for over twenty really great ideas for how to decorate an apartment when you’re renting!
20+ Budget Apartment Living Room Ideas
Whether your new apartment living room needs a major overhaul, a quick refresh, or hiding eyesores, there’s at least one frugal solution.
The ideas below are all rental-approved, which only shows there’s much you can do even when structurally altering your living space is not allowed.
We’ve broken these ideas up into 4 main categories:
- Inspiring Room Makeovers and Furniture Updates
- Renter-Friendly Wall Treatments
- Decor Ideas
- Easy Hacks
So whether you’re interested in just updating some furniture, trying some stick-on wallpaper, changing out your decor or hiding ugly carpet, there’s an idea in here for you.
I hope these ideas are inspirational for you as you learn how to decorate an apartment on a budget!
Makeovers & Furniture Updates
1. New Coffee Table In The Living Room
It’s worth taking the time to look at furniture discounts. The perfect piece might be there, waiting for you.
This elegant, farmhouse-style living room appears larger because the walls and ceiling are painted in light colors.
When you purchase a new piece of furniture for your living room, it’s also a good idea to make sure it’s something that you’ll want to take with you even when you move.
Credit: dearlilliestudio.com
2. Rustic Rental Sitting Room
It’s great when you can make the most of an empty space. There’s so much you can do besides adding your own furniture.
Decor items such as wall art, plants, vases, and in this case…..a gorgeous vintage clock, allow you to easily add a personal touch to your living room.
Credit: lizmarieblog.com
3. Moody Multi-Functional Living & Dining Room
When you have limited space at your disposal, it’s natural that your living room may also be used as an eating area, office space, and everything in between.
Don’t be afraid to go bold when it comes to the color of your walls. Painting them in a dark color will add a special moody atmosphere and it looks stunning for eclectic decor!
Credit: stylebyemilyhenderson.com
4. Apartment Makeover Reveal
Looking to refresh just the living room, or perhaps your entire apartment? Don’t neglect local thrift stores, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. This is one of the keys when it comes to how to decorate an apartment on a budget.
They are amazing places to find furniture and decor at very low prices. Some items might require a paint job, but that’s an even better way to customize and make them work with each other.
Credit: emilieeats.com
5. Renter-Friendly Living Room Update
Open shelves, a gallery wall, and plenty of greenery will warm up any space and make it more welcoming!
Your living room update might not happen overnight. This is one drawback when working on a low budget.
Envisioning the moment when it all comes together will definitely keep you motivated to get the job done!
Credit: thelovelydrawer.com
RELATED: STUNNING TRADITIONAL LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER
6. Rental-Friendly Living Room (With 80% Thrifted Finds)
A blue and clay color pallette with white walls is soothing and also classy.
It’s hard to image that most items in this living room are vintage thrift store finds, but perhaps this is what makes it so pretty and unique!
Large art prints and greenery accents perfectly complement this cozy and modern space.
Credit: stylebyemilyhenderson.com
7. How To Hang Floating Shelves In A Rental Apartment
Floating shelves are excellent for both storage and decor. The problem with rentals is you can’t drill holes in the walls.
However, there are special shelves designed to be used on drywall and installing them is a breeze!
Credit: bybrittanygoldwyn.com
8. Renter Friendly Built-Ins
Like I said, there’s a solution to every problem. This tutorial will show you how to take some basic IKEA built-ins and make them easy to move.
The method used also ensures the built-ins are not built into the wall and they’re easy to take apart when you need to move!
Credit: pmqfortwo.com
9. Bright & Happy Rental Living Room Makeover
Adding a statement couch to your living room is nothing to be afraid of. It can have a huge impact, for the good, of course!
This living room makeover was definitely an adventure and worth checking out. You’ll find brilliant solutions for all sorts of issues, including what to do with a TV unit that’s off center.
Credit: stylebyemilyhenderson.com
YOU WILL ALSO LOVE: YOUNG BOY BEDROOM MAKEOVER REVEAL
Wall Treatments
10. Preppy Living Room Reveal
A quick wall treatment can completely change your living room.
As a renter, you can always rely on wallpaper and it can look great even when used sparingly.
This living room has a cute striped accent wall around the fireplace that really catches the eye!
Credit: thehomesihavemade.com
11. Renter-Friendly Washi Tape Wall Art
Creating an accent wall with Washi tape is definitely a frugal wall treatment.
You can go for any pattern or color to match your existing decor and it’s super easy to make, especially if you’re working on a small area.
Credit: uptodateinteriors.com
12. Renter-Friendly 3D Paper Mountain Mural
If you’re willing to fold some paper, you can easily recreate this brilliant wall treatment idea.
Everything is secured with masking tape, so there’s no need to drill holes or do any kind of lasting changes. This is one of the best decor projects for a rented home!
Even more, it’s just as easy to take down when you’re moving to a different home.
Credit: thehomesihavemade.com
RELATED: 10 DIY KITCHEN BACKSPLASH IDEAS ON A BUDGET
Decor Ideas
13. Damage Free Renter Friendly Draperies With Black Tassel Trim
Window treatments are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your living room.
No need to go through the pain of hanging a rod when there’s a much simpler solution. 3M clear hooks are perfect for this purpose and installing your draperies will be quick and painless.
Credit: dorseydesigns.com
14. Easy DIY Living Wall Art
Thinking of going for a unique greenery accent? Try this wonderful craft and make living wall art.
Of course, you’ll be using artificial greenery, so other than the occasional dusting, no maintenance is needed.
The panels are lightweight and can be attached to the wall using command strips, making this project 100% renter-friendly.
Credit: abeautifulmess.com
15. How To Decorate A Rental
This post is full of amazing advice for those who want to personalize their rental home.
There are great ideas for all aspects, from walls and furniture to dealing with ugly floors, lighting and everything in between!
Credit: athomewithashley.com
16. DIY Floral Paper Lantern
Just like wall and window treatments, or adding a rug, lighting is another area of your living room that can get an easy update.
Make a floral paper lantern using Dollar Store supplies as a simple way to restyle a plain one.
This project is easy to customize for any season or theme. It would look gorgeous at weddings and birthdays!
Credit: uptodateinteriors.com
17. How To Hang A Perfect Gallery Wall Without Nails
There’s no limit to the versatility of 3M command strips. They’re just the right tool for hanging wall art on your walls without using nails.
Creating a gallery wall is such a fun task, it’s ok if you’ll want to do it for every room of the house!
Credit: prettyprovidence.com
TAKE MY WORKSHOP: HOW TO HANG A GALLERY WALL
18. DIY Copper Ladder
Decorative ladders are such a trending storage idea. Mixing beauty and function, you only need copper pipes, tees, and caps to make one!
It’s easy to connect the parts and they can be reinforced with Epoxy, if you need it.
Credit: abeautifulmess.com
Easy Hacks
19. How To Cover Ugly Carpet In A Rental Home
Even if it’s in good condition, it’s ok if there’s a carpet in your rental home that’s not to your liking.
If you’re willing to go through the trouble of changing it, at least make an informed decision so it will be worth it.
This is what this post will teach you!
Credit: myweeabode.com
20. How To Hide Cords Without Drilling Through The Wall
These days we have cord cover kits available so we can hide cords all over the home, rental approved!
This handy tutorial explains in detail how to use a cord cover kit so your cords become truly invisible.
Credit: thehomesihavemade.com
21. Renter Friendly Wall Sconces
Lighting is incredibly important for decorating a home, and often overlooked.
As a renter, your options might be limited, yet there are still some great ones if you know what to look for.
Battery powered wall sconces exist, and there are some good-looking choices available.
Credit: thehomesihavemade.com
RELATED: 26 EASY DIY WALL DECOR PROJECTS FOR A LIVING ROOM
How to decorate an apartment you are renting?
As you’ve seen from these amazing ideas, there are lots of ways to make an apartment cozy and stylish on a budget.
The key take-aways are:
- Shop second-hand
- Use removeable items that elevate the style, like wallpaper and sconces
- Hang art on the wall (with hardware that doesn’t damage the walls)
- Add greenery
- Include area rugs (even over carpet!)
- Try a statement piece of furniture
And don’t forget – there’s almost always a way to achieve the look you desire in a rental-friendly way! So don’t shy away from making your apartment the home you’ve always dreamed of when it comes to the decor.
I hope this post has given you ideas and inspiration for how to decorate an apartment on a budget!
As always, reach out to me with any questions you may have.
