11 Decorating Tips To Make Your First Apartment Feel Like a Home

First impressions matter, and your entryway is the first thing your guests will see when they enter your home. Things like decor, coat hooks, a mirror, or tasteful storage space all make a big difference – and a big first impression.

Good lighting isn’t just key for snapping Instagram shots of your new place – it makes a huge difference in the coziness and feel of the room, too. Many apartments only come with basic, flush mount ceiling lights, so picking up a few cozy table lamps is a must. Bonus: they double as decor!

Plants are one of the easiest, cheapest ways to breathe life, literally, into a space. Houseplants are affordable, adorable, and come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, textures and even smells. Plus, they improve your indoor air quality, and their pots are a great way to add color to a room.

Rugs are maybe one of the most overlooked elements in a room. If you have hard floors, they’re a necessity for coziness and warmth. If you have carpet, they’re still a great way to add color, style and texture into a room. The cost of rugs can add up quickly, but this investment piece is worth it.

Whether it’s keys, jewelry or hair ties, we’re always settings things down and picking them up again, hoping they don’t get lost. Embrace that habit with gorgeous trinket trays that not only look like decor, but also organise clutter. Check out your local thrift store for a great selection, or perhaps repurpose old dishes that you love.

Even if you’re not an avid reader, a bookshelf is a great way to display odds and ends that you’ve collected over the years, or to show off your taste. It can also help fill an empty wall or make use of a small space.

Nothing makes a space feel cozy like throw pillows and blankets. There’s no need to go overboard here, especially if you’re working with a smaller couch. But, a few pillows and a blanket can go a long way in making your space – and your guests – feel cozy, comfortable, and totally at home. Plus, they’re a functional way to add patterns or color.

Even if your bathroom came with a shower curtain, buy one that you love. It’s one of the fastest, cheapest, and easiest ways to add personality and transform your bathroom, no matter the size.

The likely fact is that if you’re in your first apartment, storage space may be an issue for you. That’s why seeking out functional furniture with built-in storage space like an ottoman is key.

Mirrors are a must in the bathroom, for sure, but they also double as lovely decor that gives the illusion that any space is bigger than it is. Score!

Your bed sets the stage for your entire bedroom (or entire apartment, if you’re living in a studio), so you’ll definitely want to invest in decorating this centerpiece. Whether you’re looking for a statement duvet or something neutral that you can decorate around, choose something you love. After all, you’ll be using it every night!