Do you dream about having the perfect apartment with all the latest decor, like it was taken directly out of an interior design magazine, only to realize your budget isn’t going to allow that? That’s okay, because you don’t have to give up style simply because you can’t afford it; read below for alternatives to classic apartment items that will save you money but will keep your space trendy and up to date:
Living Room
Living room furniture can be costly, especially when purchasing a couch. You have a wide range of choices, from a sofa with chaise, sofa-bed, long, short, and so on, so first decide what type of couch you want for your space. This tip goes for all furniture, too, including tables, accent chairs, and more. Look at Amazon, Sears, Overstock, Wayfair and other similar places to get an idea for cheaper alternatives to designer brands. These stores offer great quality at a much more reasonable price that won’t break your budget.
When choosing which pieces of furniture to buy, prioritize what you need the most and when you’ll need it. If you have just moved in, you might want to buy a couch and wait to buy an additional chair or table until you can purchase it with less strain on your budget.
Bedroom
The bedroom offers a little more versatility when finding furniture. Besides your mattress, most furniture in the bedroom can be made or re-purposed from yard sales or antique stores. Finding a cheap piece, stripping the stain or paint, and adding your own personal touch will allow you to save on some money, all while making sure you have just the look you want. Headboards, nightstands, dressers, bookshelves and more can be handmade or salvaged for your bedroom decor.
Decorations
Similar to the bedroom, decorations around the house can be handmade or saved from a yard sale. Instead of going for the large, abstract canvas painting you saw at the store, buy a large canvas and some paint and create your own. Again, this will allow you to save money and customize the piece to fit into your space perfectly. Not an artist? No problem! You can support a small business on sites like Etsy and buy a personalized piece. Many sellers offer items at a lower price than their department store counterparts.
Furnishing an apartment can be stressful, and money shouldn’t add to that stress. Get creative and make little updates as you continue to live in your space. What are some ways that you’ve been able to update or furnish your space without breaking the bank? Share your tips in the comments below!
