How to Make a Cheap Apartment Look Nice: 10 Budget-Friendly Ideas

Have you ever wondered how to make a cheap apartment look nice? Are you tired of looking at the same dull and boring walls in your apartment? Craving a little change, but not interested in spending a ton of money to do so? You have come to the right place!

Don’t worry – there are plenty of inexpensive ways to revamp the look and feel of your home! In this blog post, we’re going to share 10 smart and cost-efficient methods for making your apartment look better without breaking the bank.

From incorporating pieces from nature to utilizing wall decals, these creative tips will help add vibrancy and personality throughout your rental space. Let’s get started!

From simple changes like adding new artwork, curtains, rugs, or flowers to your space to bigger projects like repainting the walls or overhauling your furniture arrangement, we’ve got you covered. So read on and get inspired to give your rentals a cozy and fresh look!

Have you ever been on a budget so tight that decorating your apartment doesn’t really seem to be workable?

If so, don’t worry. I have been there. I have some amazing inexpensive and FREE ways to make your apartment look nice. Styling your apartment the DIY way will create a lot of conversations about your unique decor when you have people over.

Arts & Classy is all about proving that you do not have to have a large budget to get the room of your dreams! This includes problem-solving when in an apartment. I am a renter and I have to work around limiting rules to still achieve the look I want!

With all of that said, here are 10 tips on some cheap ways to make your apartment or home look nice!

This post contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through one of these links. See more information in my full disclosure policy.

1. Reuse items you have around your house for other useful things.

Anyone who has ever tried to improve the appearance of their home on a budget knows that it can be a challenge. But with a little creativity, it is possible to find stylish ways to reuse the items you already have around your house.

For example, an ugly lampshade can be transformed into a chic pendant light with some fabric and wire. Old newspapers can be used to make paper-mâché bowls or vases. Even something as simple as rearranging your furniture can give your home a whole new look.

So before you go out and spend money on new decor, take a look around your house and see what you can recycle into something beautiful.

Here is a great example of making a cheap apartment look nice by reusing an Amazon Prime cardboard box:

• A cardboard box cut off flaps on the top.
• Use a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, & rope, and wrap the entire box row by row.
• Create a liner for the interior.
• Use it as bathroom storage, blanket storage, or shelf storage.

Related: My Top 6 Apartment Decorating Ideas to Class Up Your Home

2. Create a coffee & tea station

One of my favorite apartment decorating ideas is creating a coffee & tea station. It’s the perfect way to make good use of all those half-used boxes of tea and bags of beans from trendy cafes around town.

Not only does it clear some much-needed kitchen counter space, but it also serves as a sweet reminder that it’s nice to treat yourself every now and again! And trust me, with all the compliments you’ll get from visitors when they spot this setup, it’ll be worth every penny.

Creating a coffee and tea station is a great way to make your apartment look more organized and put together.

Plus, it’ll save you time in the morning when you’re trying to find what you need. To get started, clear off a shelf or section of the countertop.

Then, arrange your coffee and tea products in an attractive way. If you want to get really creative, you can even add some decorations around the station. A few candles or a vase of flowers would look great. So go ahead and give it a try – your morning routine will thank you!

Creating a simple station for you and your guests gives off a sophisticated and homey feel. Make your apartment look more sophisticated with a station like this one, or you could also use a small part of if you don’t have enough counter space.

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SHOP COFFEE BAR ACCESSORIES

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If you are looking for a fun DIY project, you may enjoy my wooden tray repurpose DIY for my coffee station in my apartment.

3. Create some wine bottle crafts instead of spending money on expensive vases.

Looking for apartment decorating ideas that won’t break the bank? Crafting your own wine bottle vases is a great way to give your apartment a whole new look! All you need are some empty wine bottles, paint, and a bit of creativity.

You can go for solid colors or be daring with some fun patterns. And why not add some beautiful cut flowers or colorful greens to get an extra pop of color in the room?

With just a few inexpensive supplies and a lot of imagination, you can easily make your apartment feel like home at an affordable price.

Not only will your vases be unique, but they’ll also add a touch of elegance to your decor. So save your money and get creative with your wine bottle crafts.

Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you made them yourself.

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SHOP WINE BOTTLE CRAFT SUPPLIES

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You can do a lot with this idea. Here are a few examples of the route you could take.

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4. Organize your bathroom with cheap containers.

If you’re looking for how to make your apartment look better or a room feel more cohesive without spending a lot of money, one easy way is to organize your bathroom with cheap containers.

You can find containers of all shapes and sizes at your local dollar store, which means you can get creative with how you organize your space.

Plus, using containers to organize your bathroom will help keep things clean and tidy.

So if you’re looking for some inexpensive apartment decorating ideas, organizing your bathroom with containers is a great place to start. Storage space is everything!

Organizing your bathroom storage or closet storage and linens doesn’t have to cost a lot. You just need to create a system in your organization for a couple of bucks.

Yeah, I know… The Container Store has a lot of pretty stuff. But if it isn’t in your budget, Dollar Tree will work splendidly for this vertical space.

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SHOP HOME ORGANIZATION

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5. Shop at TJmaxx, Ross, & Marshalls for really inexpensive accent pieces

Another way to make a cheap apartment look nice is by shopping at the right stores. Head to your local TJmaxx, Ross, or Marshalls. These stores are known for their inexpensive home decor, and they always have a great selection of accent pieces.

Whether you’re looking for new throw pillows, an area rug, window treatments, or a vase to fill that bare spot on your coffee table, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.

And who knows? You might even find a few things that you can’t live without. So next time you’re looking for some apartment decorating ideas, be sure to check out these stores – your wallet will thank you.

Also, they have a killer clearance aisle where sometimes you can find the perfect piece of decor or furniture. I love to purchase candles from these stores. They always have super fragrant candles for just a couple of dollars!!

6. If you have outdated countertops, cover them with contact paper.

If your countertops are looking a little worse for wear, there’s no need to replace them entirely. A simple roll of contact paper can give your kitchen a whole new look.

Not only is it much cheaper than replacing your countertops, but it’s also a lot easier.

You can find contact paper in a variety of colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style. And if you get tired of the look, you can simply peel off the contact paper and start fresh.

So next time your apartment needs a makeover, don’t forget the power of contact paper. It just might be the easiest way to transform your space.

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SHOP CONTACT PAPER

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This DIY works for both your kitchen and bathroom countertops. You can easily buy contact paper in marble, granite, or even solid color to cover your countertops. This project doesn’t cost much to do, but makes a big impact!

7. Use or create your throw pillow covers.

Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to spruce up your living room or bedroom – and they don’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for a way to make your apartment look better without spending a lot of money, try making your DIY throw pillows.

It’s easy, and you can find all the materials you need at your local craft store.

Best of all, you can tailor the design to match your style. So if you’re looking for a simple way to add some personality to your apartment, grab some fabric and get started on your DIY throw pillows.

Accent pillows are great to use to add some class to your space and they are easy to trade out as the seasons come and go. Why not make cute custom throw pillows for your home? Or make a plush accent pillow? No sewing machine is required!

If you wish to purchase, you can get an accent pillow insert and just purchase new pillowcases as the seasons change. This is also a cost-effective way to add class to your rental.

8. Use washi tape to add some class to your walls and doors.

Washi tape is the perfect way to add a bit of style to your walls and doors. If you’re looking for how to make my apartment look better, washi tape is a great place to start.

There are so many ways to use this decorative tape, and the possibilities are endless. You can use it to create stripes, geometric patterns, or even words and phrases.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even use it to make murals or portraits. The best part is that washi tape is easy to remove, so you can change up your design as often as you like.

So if you’re looking for apartment decorating ideas, don’t overlook the power of washi tape.

With a little imagination, it can help you transform your space into something truly unique. Washi tape is a renter’s best friend.

I have seen it used in many ways in apartments I have seen on Pinterest. I used washi tape to spruce up boring white doors in my apartment.

With a little gold washi tape and some imagination, you can turn a boring white wall into a chic art piece. First, decide on the spacing of your stripes. For a more organic look, try varying the widths of your stripes.

Once you have your design mapped out, simply apply the washi tape to the wall in your desired pattern. And that’s it! In just a few minutes, you’ve created a unique and eye-catching piece of art that is sure to spruce up any space.

You can take black washi tape and create a chic striped pattern for a pillar candle to give this some pop!

Can afford frames? Just use washi tape to give the illusion of a frame to make a gallery wall in your apartment.

This DIY project goes hand in hand with the coffee station. Use washi tape on mugs with a little Mod Podge to seal your design and you will have some custom mugs to charm your home.

You can use thicker black washi tape to create a classy striped accent wall!

9. Create a formal entryway that works for your space.

Whether you’re trying to make a good impression on guests or simply want to create a more inviting space for yourself, a well-designed entryway is key. But if you live in a small apartment, like a studio apartment, creating an entryway that works can be a challenge.

Here are some tips for making the most of your space:

• Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. Placing a mirror near the door will help reflect light and make the space seem larger.
• Keep it organized. A cluttered entryway will only make your space feel smaller. Invest in some baskets or bins and perhaps a bookcase or table to help corral your belongings.
• Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes. A bench with built-in storage, for example, can be a perfect way to make use of a small space.
• Add some fresh flowers or plants. Not only will they add greenery and life to your entryway, but they can also help purify the air.

With a little effort, you can create an entryway that’s both stylish and functional – no matter how small your space may be.

Everyone needs a place to put their shoes and their stuff when they walk in the door. By creating an entranceway, you will instantly make your guests feel more at ease and you will have less clutter around your home.

I love how this blogger used command hooks for this mudroom.

10. Use pretty labels to organize your kitchen and bathroom.

If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to make your apartment look better, you can’t go wrong with pretty labels. No matter how organized you are, cluttered cabinets and drawers are always an eyesore. But with a few strategically placed labels, you can turn even the most chaotic space into a work of art.

In the kitchen, label drawers for different types of utensils, spices, or appliances. Use labels to organize your makeup, hair products, or towels. And don’t forget the medicine cabinet!

Take the time to label everything in your apartment.

You’ll not only make your space look more stylish, but you’ll also save yourself a lot of time. Not to mention the frustration when it comes to finding what you need. Everything needs a place. By labeling your storage and organization systems you can continue them.

However, it does have to be boring. You can make your labels really pretty. Chalkboard labels are always my go-to.

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I hope you feel that you have better guidance on how to make a cheap apartment look nice.

These easy apartment decorating ideas will help you stay within budget and will help you transform your limited space into something you will be proud of! Something you will want to show off to your friends.

If you like these ways to make a cheap apartment look fabulous, you may also like:

• 17 Unbelievable Home Organization Ideas For Small Spaces – Get Ready To Be Amazed!
• How To Make a #Chic DIY Washi Tape Christmas Tree for Small Spaces?
• Effortless Elegance: 15 Easy Ways to Make Your Apartment Look Lavish
• Cheap DIY Home Decor Projects
• Unbelievable: 13 Tried & Tested Ways to Transform Your Apartment on a Budget!