7 Tips for Decorating Your First Apartment in Your Unique Style

Personalize with Wall Art

Painting of a young girl in front of the globe and glowing lights.

Hopefully mom, dad, or The Bank of You already got you a bed and other furniture basics. So, that makes your first big step getting some eclectic wall decorations. Instead of the same lame photo of an egg your parents keep in their den, go for unique art prints, paintings, or photos that showcase who you truly are! These pieces may seem simple, but a pop of personality can instantly transform an otherwise bland space into something that you have an emotional connection with, which is certainly what you want for your new home.

Choose the Right Furniture

Framed watercolor painting of woman with white hair

Renting comes with space constraints that we want to keep cute and cozy - not cramped and stuffy. Choosing furniture that’s too big can leave you with less space to enjoy and an apartment that looks disproportionate. Unless oversized furniture is what you’ve been waiting all your life to buy, go for more compact and multi-functional furniture pieces that’ll be well suited to your space.

Say No to (some of) the Hand-Me-Downs

When you first move into your place, friends and family will be more than happy to offer you their old furniture or decor for free to help you get started. While this can save you money, you are likely to end up with a space that’s cluttered, inconsistent, and not at all a reflection of your glowing personality.

If you know when to say no to the freebies, you get the opportunity to curate your space to match your specific tastes. Select ready-to-frame artwork to put into new frames of your choice, or enjoy end tables and shelves that reflect your vision.

Maximize Your Vertical Space

To help with that aforementioned lack of space, don’t just move outward, move upward! Installing floating shelves or tall bookcase can optimize your vertical storage and decor display opportunities without taking up too much precious floor space. Try a raised bedframe for under-bed storage and furniture with drawers to hide away the ugly bits and bobs. By utilizing vertical space, you can keep your apartment organized and visually appealing while maximizing every inch of available area.

Bring Greenery into Your Space

Plant life can add texture and interest to your home’s rooms, so it’s often worth having a few of them to give the space a fresh feel. Place plants on shelves or hang them from the ceiling to give the room a more organic look. Plus, for those without a green thumb, pothos, succulents, cacti, and fake plants are all notoriously hard to kill.

Use Lighting to Create a Mood

Blue painting of a woman and roses on a salmon red wall

By carefully selecting and arranging different lighting sources, you can transform and uniquely create the atmosphere of your room to match your soul. Soft, warm lighting from lamps or dimmer switches can create a cozy and intimate ambiance. On the other hand, bright overhead lights or task lighting can enhance productivity and focus in your office room (or office corner). LED strip lights or colored bulbs allows for cool customization and add a playful or dramatic touch to your environment. Finally, consider wall sconces and lights to give your decor, mirrors, and wall art a bit of extra pop!

Create an Accent Wall

Prioritizing to have one wall for your favorite contemporary art prints and color of paint can keep the space from looking overly cluttered. It gives the eye somewhere to look (and your guests something to compliment you on). If you have a big statement piece, mount it on that wall and arrange your other pieces around it to create interest.

Embarking on Your First Home Decor Journey

Staying Authentic and Finding Your Style

It’ll take some trial and error to figure out what works in your space and what you should save for another time. Remember that decorating your first place is as much about discovering what you like as it is caring for yourself, so don’t stress if it seems it’s taking some time. Home decor can be swapped out for the season, year, or on a whim so you’re not tied down to anything you buy.

With time, you’ll find your own unique style that will come with you in any new place you move to. Kick off your collection with timeless pieces suitable for both your debut apartment and future picks, and explore unique and inspiring art prints available at Uncommon Canvas Co!