How to give your apartment swagger on the cheap
Five simple ways to give your space more style without breaking the bank or your lease agreement
Swap your mismatched glasses for mason jars. Surely I am not the only adult who could never keep a set of matching glassware. We started using only mason jars (before Pinterest BTW!) and I love that certain something that they add to our cupboards. We also use mason jars to store things like straws and colored pencils. Our collection is made up of jars in different sizes and designs. They are fun for entertaining too – Tie or hot glue a ribbon or other decoration to mason jars for parties and holidays.
Hang mirrors and tapestries. This tip comes from one of my best friends who makes any living situation look amazing. She had a place in low-income housing for awhile that was more stylish and inviting than anyone else’s home I’ve been to. We were actually bummed when she upgraded to a better place! (I did end up with a lot of her hand-me-down furniture though.) One of her tips for adding warmth and interest, especially to bedrooms, is lots of fabric. Hung straight vertically on the walls and pinned to the ceiling in gathers, lots of fabric can turn any space into a romantic haven. It is also a great way to bring color to an apartment where you aren’t allowed to paint the walls.
Most people know that mirrors make a space look bigger and brighter by reflecting light. Mirrors can be expensive, but you are likely to find a deal at yard sales and some thrift shops. Cheaper small mirrors can be tiled for a fun effect. Door mirrors from Target look more style, less dorm when arranged horizontally on the wall instead.
Create focal points with candles, flowers and figurines. Showcasing small collections is a great way to add personality to your space and flowers are an instant mood-booster. And well, I just like candles. 
Keep shiny objects polished and it will create the illusion that your entire home is cleaner.
Protip: If you have kids, consider keeping an arrangement of candles and knick knacks on a pretty serving tray. You can keep the tray up and out of reach while the kids are around and bring it down before guests come over, or just as something nice to look at after the children have gone to bed.
Just add curtains. Every apartment I have ever lived in has had the same sterile-looking white blinds. Installing your own curtains is fairly easy (just pin them up if you have to) and makes a big impact. You can sew your own or keep an eye out at outlet stores like Ross or TJ Maxx. Nothing has to match perfectly – In fact, sometimes it’s better if they don’t.
Choose everyday items with care. Our plaid dog bed was the perfect complement to our holiday decor this year, and I still love the warmth it brings to our living room. Toothbrush holders, coffee makers, that hook that you hang your keys on everyday… Those are your life, and choosing ones that you LOVE will make your life better. If you touch something every day, you shouldn’t feel bad splurging on it. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to splurge. My favorite places to shop for cheap housewares are Ross and IKEA, and I always take a stroll through the housewares aisles at thrift stores. It really is the little things.
Got your own thrifty apartment-decorating tips? Please share in the comments!
© 2012
I inherited a rug from my grandmother. It makes an amazing difference compared to cheap, old apartment carpeting.
Pic please!