Does anyone have any good ideas for decorating an apartment on a budget?

Question

Please keep in mind that any changes made cannot be permanent, since I rent. I'd also like ideas for creating more storage space, if possible. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

check the yahoo groups in your area for a "free-cycle" group in your area. people give away things or post what they need. as a general rule you need to give something away before you post a need or want ad, but you can respond to posting if there is something you are interested in.

Estate sales and auctions are good places to go, I got an end table for $.50.

If it isn't exactly what you want, deal with it, sand down the front of the dresser drawers and paint them with a color, and use that color throughout the room. Cover the tops of end tables and dressers with scarves from second hand shops or tablerunners.

You'll end up with a true bohemian look.

Scarves can be tied together over pillows to decorate throw pillows.

Slipcovers or chenille throws can mask odd patterns on sofas and chairs.

for more storage space, place your bed on cement/cinder blocks, it give you room to place seasonal decorations, seasonal clothing, etc.

Decorative hat boxes stacked can be used as lamp stands, usually between $6-12 a piece, great for storing hobby supplies

don't try to decorate all at once, take your time. if you use free-cycle, pick up stuff you need, and if you find something better, pass along what you are replacing.

Answer 2

You could get some of those "cylinder blocks" like the kind they use to frame a foundation on a house and lay two on the floor, place a long & wide board on top of them and two more blocks and another board, so on & so on, to make a bookshelf. Or if you own alot of books, stack them in a nice square and place a board or a piece of round glass on top for an end table. Also go to some stores and ask if they have any boxes you could have that have NOT been flattened, look for some that are nice and square or oblong ones, store out of season clothing in them or holiday decorations and cover them up with a towel or a throw and put some plants or any decorative items on them and you have a another table.as well as storage!! Good Luck & have Fun!

Answer 3

You can get throw pillows, curtains or valances, framed prints and vases and other knickknacks at Family Dollar or Dollar General stores or that type of store without spending too much. Throw rugs too. I once wanted throw pillows made from a certain fabric I saw at Walmart. I didn't have access to a sewing machine so I got the little pillows that you cover and the fabric and covered the pillows using my glue gun in place of sewing. If you don't have a definite idea in mind look at magazines and kind of figure out what you'd like and what you can do with your place that's similar. Then look around in the stores just to get more ideas. When you're ready go shopping. You don't have to get everything at once either. You can get a little at a time till you have it like you want it. Tag sales, yard sales and garage sales are also good places to find things on a budget.

Answer 4

Check thrift shops for inexpensive furniture, area rugs and window treatments. Throw rugs will add color and can be taken with you when you move, as can drapes/curtains. Storage space can be added by using totes that will fit under your bed. Also, garbage cans covered with a round board and then draped with a circular table cloth will give you more space.
Simple and inexpensive shelves can be created by placing boards across upright concrete blocks. Not the the prettiest thing in the world but in a closet or pantry, who cares? Baskets make attractive storage spaces as well.

Answer 5

Try to develop a theme or colors for your apartment and then shop at Garage or Yard Sales. You can find items in good condition that are relatively inexpensive.

Answer 6

Bricks and boards make good shelves. Shop at Goodwill or other thrift stores. Sheets give yoy a lot of fabric for the money, and you can make curtains and/or slip covers,
bedspreads, bed skirts, etc.

Answer 7

Your Room:

Bed:
http://www.us-mattress.com/serta-edgewood-pillowtop.html

Wall paint:
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/03/08/photos/homes-FOYER.jpg (Rowan Berry)

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&N=2984+4453&cm_mmc=hd_Over-_-SearchRedo-_-D-24-_-bid21220618-paint_supplies&ysmwa=dBWxydwPbtnEIXFGzPcIOE8PPHO9ydqnoCyjSAe2BAV0QT2cPkOmn-xnKoyIOvbA

dressers:

http://www.bizchair.com/sonoma-dc-6330-6-pp.html?productid=sonoma-dc-6330-6-pp&channelid=BIZRA

http://www.the-furniture-superstore.com/catalog/shopping/Azura_5606_Alegria_Natural_Maple_6_Drawer_Double_Dresser?cm_mmc=Shopbots-_-NexTag-_-5606_Alegria_Natural_Maple_6_Drawer_Double-_-897342

curtains:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/CottonSheer-66059_121640_-1.html?sid=0797156256108102190&cm_ven=BizRate&cm_cat=&cm_pla=&cm_ite=data_feed

Answer 8

IKEA.