How I Furnished My Apartment for (Almost) Free: Budget-Friendly Ideas You’ll Love
Photo credit: Maine Homes Magazine, 2022
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So, you just moved into a new place and you’re on a budget. Maybe you just moved out of your parents’ house or a college dorm, or perhaps you’ve recently gone through a breakup or divorce and are starting from scratch. Or maybe you’ve had the same furniture for too long and your style has changed thanks to one of life’s inevitable transformations.
You’ve created all the Pinterest boards, saved gorgeous home photos on Instagram, and now… reality hits. When you start looking at price tags from stores like West Elm, Pottery Barn, or CB2, you realize your dream apartment makeover could drain your entire savings account. And if you’re renting, the restrictions on major renovations make things even trickier.
The good news? You don’t need thousands of dollars (or even hundreds) to create a space you absolutely love. When I moved into my current apartment, I transformed it into a cozy, stylish home for less than $150 out of pocket—and you can too! Here’s exactly how I did it:
1. Obviously, Paint: The Instant Makeover
It sounds basic, but a fresh coat of paint changes everything. Paint is the easiest and most affordable way to make a rental feel like your space.
Since my apartment was a basement unit, my priority was brightness. I walked into Lowe’s and said: “Give me the brightest white you have!” White is my go-to recommendation for small spaces and rentals because:
It reflects light and makes rooms feel bigger and brighter.
It pairs well with any décor style.
Landlords often approve white paint even if they have strict color policies.
Pro Tip: Ask your landlord if they’ll cover paint costs in exchange for your labor—I scored my paint for free this way.
For my walls, I used Sherwin-Williams Infinity Eggshell in Ultra White (find it here)
2. Score FREE Furniture & Décor
Yes, free! People are constantly giving away perfectly good items—you just need to know where to look.
Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace: Search “curb alert” or “free.” When you find something you love, message the person immediately and ask them to hold it for you.
Buy Nothing Groups: These local Facebook groups are gold! Members post items they’re giving away and draw names from interested commenters. You are also able to request an item you are looking for.
Curbside Finds: Yard sales often leave unsold items on the curb when they wrap up, especially Sundays after 4 PM. Drive around or plan a “curb alert” route.
I’ve scored everything from this bamboo coffee table and rug to plants and kitchen gadgets, all for free!
Free coffee table found on Facebook’s “Buy Nothing” Page
3. Gently Used Beats New
If you are going to pay for items, thrifting and yard sales are where you will get the cheapest items. When I say cheap, I mean cheeeeap. Most of my favorite finds were under $10 from Goodwill and local yard sales. While Facebook Marketplace is often pricier, people who are desperate to move will usually negotiate down.
My best deal? My $50 sleeper sofa with like new mattress from Facebook Marketplace that was originally listed for $250.
4. Show Your Freebies Some Love
This is where the magic happens: upcycling. Don’t skip an amazing piece because of a scratch or ugly upholstery. Often, all it takes is:
A can of spray paint (grab one of my favorites here)
A staple gun and new fabric
Fabric cleaner
In less than an hour, that outdated piece of furniture can look like a whole different piece.
Above: Two of the many furniture flips I’ve completed.
5. DIY Your Dream Pieces
If you see something online and love it, ask yourself: Can I make it for less? Often, the answer is yes. Some of my favorite projects were simple enough for beginners and even fun to do with kids.
Easy DIY ideas:
Floating shelves
Wall art options using Lowe’s paint samples
Light fixtures
No-sew curtain panels using fabric and fusible tape
Macrame plant hangers
Bonus Tip: Declutter Before You Decorate
Before bringing in anything new, do a big declutter. Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark are great for selling old items and adding cash to your décor budget.
I used the money from what I sold to get bins and a label maker to organize my space.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Huge Budget to Create a Home You Love
Designing your dream apartment doesn’t require maxing out your credit cards. With creativity, resourcefulness, and a little DIY spirit, you can make your space beautiful without breaking the bank.
Which of these tips will you try first? Tag me on Instagram @adandyline so I can share your deal scores!
