How to Decorate Your Apartment (Cheaply)

First apartment decor - or first dorm room decor - doesn't have to be limited to beer posters and stackable storage crates. With a little imagination and some planning, you can put together a place you're proud of without going over your decorating budget.

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Instructions

Evaluate the Space

1. Take a look around your new surroundings, and make a list of its aesthetic pros and cons. Does it have big windows but low ceilings? Great wood floors but a boxy, square feel? While emphasizing positive qualities takes little or no effort, counteracting undesirable elements is a bit harder.
   
   With single-room living spaces, you have two options. You can either keep the room as spacious and open as possible, or you can divide it into areas of activity by using screens and/or large pieces of furniture that appear to "section off" one area from the next. Depending on the size of your place, the décor you choose and your lifestyle (whether or not you'll be doing a lot of work there, entertaining often, and so forth), you can decide which option is better for you. Either way, be sure to keep it simple. Limit your color palette, and avoid clutter and excess furniture. Consider getting a two-in-one piece like a sofa bed or a futon to save space.
   
   Brighten up dark rooms with light-colored walls, sheer curtains and plenty of plants. Mirrors also help by reflecting light and limiting the appearance of shadows. Opt for blinds instead of shades on your windows, and choose minimal lampshades with a translucent effect.
   
   If the place is small, go with pale, cool colors, and fill the space with as little furniture as possible. Instead of a free-standing bookcase, for instance, try a shelf that's mounted to the wall with brackets. Also, if your room is really small, avoid busy patterns on items like curtains, tablecloths and bedspreads.
   
   If you have a boxy space, the key is to create a focal point in the room. Paint one wall a different color than the rest, or hang up a funky mural or tapestry. Other focal point ideas include an attention-grabbing piece of furniture, or a ceiling covered with gauzy fabric and stick-on stars.
   
   If your place has low ceilings, use up-tilting lamps to cast as much light on it as possible. Paint the ceiling a shimmery, satiny, pale color, and do the walls a shade or so darker. Draw attention to the bottom half of the room with floor cushions, interesting rugs and low-to-the-ground seating.

Next: Decide on a Style

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on 10/28/2009 It's really hard to decorate on a budget, but this article has a lot of great tips, thanks!