6 Ways to Decorate Your First Apartment

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

If you have just rented or purchased your first apartment, and feel overwhelmed with the prospect of furnishing and decorating it, don’t worry because you are not alone.

Whether you are on a budget, figuring out your style, or even pressed for time, we are here to guide you through the process by ensuring that you don’t miss out on the essentials or forgo the little details. After all, what makes a house a home is your personal aesthetic coupled with meaningful decor choices.

We have compiled a list that covers all the bases to make your transition a smooth-sailing experience. So read on for the best ways to decorate your first apartment.

Add Some Wall Art To Your Personal Collection

While painting your walls may be the customary advice given to those embarking on the journey to decorating their apartment, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. It can be messy and time-consuming or even go against the guidelines for those renting rather than buying their own place.

That is why our top suggestion is to invest in timeless wall art pieces that reflect your style. Not only is this a solid purchase that will stay with you forever, but it can also serve as a great conversation topic between friends and family.

Wall hanging tapestries, posters, digital art, photographs, and paintings are a few worthy candidates. The flexibility in building a personal wall art collection allows for the perfect expression of your unique taste and enables you to explore your style as you learn to grow and cherish each piece.

Take Your Time In Getting The Right Furniture

Most people are in a rush to furnish and decorate their new home as soon as possible. This may pose a couple of problems, some of which include splashing money on the wrong item.

We suggest practicing mindfulness and making every purchase with intention. This has come to be known as slow decorating. What works for others may not work for you, so don’t buy the first piece of furniture to fill the space up. Instead, ensure that each item reflects a little of who you are, and is practical yet stylish. This takes time, and most of all, patience!

As you survey the market, you will realize that your taste and preferences will change and develop. Buy things that are going to last you, even if it delays the buying process. Good furniture may be heavy on the pocket, but the saving up and the waiting is well worth it.

Some ideas include investing in a statement piece such as a wooden mid century coffee table or a contemporary modern sofa and building your room around it over time.

Get Organised

One of the most overlooked aspects of decorating a place is organization. It can truly make or break the vibe in your home. First and foremost, all of us have to deal with the pressing issue of cables and wires creeping the floor or hanging from the table. Always consider hiding cords and wires for a neat and organized looking room.

Secondly, organize your bedroom, lounge, kitchen, and bathroom while maintaining functionality and appearance alike. Consider getting a coat rack for the entryway, cane baskets for lounge storage, storage canisters for the kitchen, a laundry basket and extra storage for the bathroom, and hanging shelves for the room or living room. These items can make a world of difference in bringing a space together and reducing clutter.

Other suggestions include a dedicated space for cleaning supplies, creating a medicine cabinet, getting closet organizers, arranging a pantry space, and a bookshelf for your favorite reads.

Add A Little Greenery

Photo by Skylar Kang from Pexels

House plants such as bird’s nest fern, spider plants or succulents are a great way to decorate your space and add a hint of color to the surroundings. In fact, there are many benefits to indoor plants as they help reduce stress levels and act as air purifiers. After all, humans do have a natural tendency to affiliate and connect with nature.

Adding greenery also suggests a certain level of maturity and responsibility on your part. And who knows, you might even develop a passion for indoor gardening with time. Just remember to water your plants and keep them in a spot where they can get ample amounts of sunlight.

Get A Rug Or A Carpet

Photo by Sina Saadatmand on Unsplash

A great way to spruce up your place is by choosing the right rug or carpet. In case you decide to go with a minimal aesthetic, you can break the monotony with a beautiful Persian rug or silk carpet. On the flip side, if you have an eclectic style, go for neutral rugs in jute or bamboo to draw attention away from the floor.

Before you invest in a rug, make sure you get most of your furniture and measure for dimensions. Secondly, use the rug to balance your space and bring out character in the room. For example, you can make a hardwood floored room feel immensely warm and cozy with a wool rug. You can also use rugs or carpets to divide your room into separate spaces, such as a living room or dining area.

Invest In Good Lighting

Lighting is a mood-setter and has the ability to either lift or dampen the spirits. When deciding on lighting, consider adding different layers so that the room feels balanced and well-lit.

You can add table lamps or floor lamps in the bedroom or living room to brighten up dark corners. You can even use accent lights to illuminate wall art and add depth to your room.

A usually overlooked aspect of lighting is investing in task light. Whether it's a desk lamp for your study table or a fixture for your bathroom, remember that a little goes a long way.

Parting Thoughts

Designing and decorating your first apartment will be a ride that you will cherish forever. You can add final touches with a beautifully scented candle, hanging or tall mirrors, and layering your sofa with comfortable cushions and throws.

With these suggestions in mind, we hope that you feel ready and energized to curate your place with love and affection. The process of working on a blank canvas may be daunting, but it is also exciting and full of possibilities.