Where to Save on Home Decor

Mirrors

Mirrors are a must have on our apartment list; they function like decor while creating the illusion of more space and providing a place to check out your reflection. The kicker? They're superaffordable, if you know where to look. Instead of splurging on a designer mirror, shop secondhand, look to affordable decor stores, or try a mirror DIY.

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Storage

Image Source: West Elm

Sure, you could spring for expensive built-ins or fancy storage systems, but we recommend against it. Odds are you won't be living in this apartment forever, which means you'll lose the financial investment when you move. Furthermore, there's an abundance of attractive, affordable options that work just as well.

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Throw Pillows and Blankets

Image Source: My Fabuless Life

Decorating with blankets and pillows is among our favorite ways to quickly and affordably update a space. Instead of getting chained to a few expensive items you'll feel obligated to keep for years, mix it up with affordable couch decor you can swap seasonally.

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Occasional Furniture

Image Source: Brittany Makes

As implied by the name, occasional furniture, such as side tables, stools, and chairs, is used infrequently. Don't invest a chunk of money in these accent pieces that are more eye candy than substance. There are plenty of trendy occasional pieces from affordable retailers that you can swap in and out of your apartment to mix up your style.

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Bed Frames

Image Source: Say Yes

When it comes to your bedroom, we can't encourage you enough to invest in a high-quality mattress — that beauty sleep doesn't come cheap! — but skimp on the bed frame. A stylish frame can be DIYed, scavenged, or purchased at an affordable retailer, while you get what you pay for with a cheap mattress.

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Area Rugs

Image Source: Justin Bernhaut via Domino

In a small space like an apartment, an area rug gets a lot of traffic. Don't blow an entire paycheck on a piece of decor that will undoubtedly get worn, become stained, and have to be replaced in a few years — and might not even fit in your next apartment. Your best bet is to balance quality and style for a moderately priced piece that works well right now.

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Hardware

Image Source: Victoria Solomon via Victoria Elizabeth Design

We often wax poetic about the power of new hardware to make what's old look new again. Perhaps most impressively of all, new hardware can do this at a low, low price. If you're itching to make updates in your apartment — think kitchen cabinets and dresser drawers — scoop up some new hardware from an affordable retailer like Home Depot or check out some of the hardware under $10 at Anthropologie.

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Everyday Dishes

Image Source: Zara

Think of your everyday dish set as accent decor for your table; it's fun, stylish, and easily swapped for something fresher. Our point? You should skip the expensive formal china, and buy cheap and trendy everyday dishes that don't break the bank — because odds are dishes are going to break regardless of how much you spend!

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Lighting Fixtures

Image Source: One Kings Lane

Is it just us, or are stylish lighting fixtures becoming easier to find at every price level? If you can't find one you love for sale, check out one of the many DIY pendant or chandelier tutorials on the web.

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