How to Decorate Your First Apartment

Creating a personal and stylish space in your first apartment doesn't have to be expensive.

Moving into your first apartment is exciting---and can be a bit overwhelming. Finally, after years at home with your parents or sharing a tiny room in a dorm, you have your own space that you can decorate and make your own. Even if you have limited funds and limited space, you can create a space that is both stylish and reflective of your personality. Your first apartment is the place to experiment and find the decorating style that works for you.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Brushes
• Sheets
• Slipcovers
• Spray paint
• Photo frames
• Photos
• Shelves

Instructions

1. Shop at discount stores for furniture and accessories. Some stores offer furniture at rock bottom rates if you pick it up and assemble it yourself. Be sure to have furniture for sitting, socializing, sleeping, storage and eating.

2. Purchase furniture that does double duty. Look for tables with shelves, a bed with built-in drawers or ottomans with storage space.

3. Create your own accessories. Purchase plain throw pillows or curtains and embellish them with ribbon, beads or trim found at craft supply stores.

4. Raid your parents' or relatives basements for furniture and decorative items. Ask around; it's possible that your aunt has a sofa she isn't using or your mom has the perfect lamp for your end table gathering dust in the attic.

5. Use spray paint. Don't be afraid to make that thrift shop or yard sale find exactly what you want with a can of spray paint. Paint a traditional lamp a fun, bright color or coordinate several mismatched pieces by painting them all glossy white.

6. Display your collections. Whether it's a collection of shot glasses from all your favorite sports teams or teacups from your grandmother, give them a place to shine. Install inexpensive floating shelves or display your items on a side table.

7. Paint your walls, if your landlord allows it. Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to personalize and freshen up a space. Leave the bland, beige apartment walls behind and add a fun splash of color.

8. Use slipcovers to disguise mismatched or ugly furniture. You can find inexpensive slipcovers at home goods retailers or you can create your own with sheets. Add coordinated throws or decorative pillows to pull the look together.

9. Use photos to decorate your walls. Enlarge and frame some of your favorite shots and create a collage on one wall. Try to coordinate the frames to ensure a cohesive look.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to inject your own personality into your first apartment. Your first place doesn't have to look like a page in a magazine. Experiment and remember that you don't have to keep items forever if you don't like them.

• Before you decorate your first place, think about your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. Make the space work for you---even if that means leaving lots of space open for playing your video games.

• Large sets of matching furniture are expensive and look outdated. If you are investing in new furniture, look for individual pieces that coordinate. According to interior designers, it's completely acceptable to have multiple wood finishes and types in a room. When you purchase furniture, ask about special discounts for buying multiple pieces.

References

• Rental Decorating Digest: What Items Do I Need to Furnish My First Apartment or Home

Resources

• Apartment Therapy
• My First Apartment