9 Studio Apartment Decorating Ideas on a Budget

Decorating a studio apartment can be a challenge if you’re working on a tight budget. In reality, though, setting a cozy and chic tone within a tiny space without breaking the bank is far from impossible. With the right budget-friendly furniture and decor, you can create the home of your dreams. Read on to find nine great studio apartment decorating ideas on a budget.

How do you make a small studio feel bigger?

Your square footage shouldn’t stop you from creating the home of your dreams. Here are some ways you can create the illusion of a larger space.

Hang curtains to diffuse light

Some smaller studios might not have quite as much natural lighting as you’d like. This lack of lighting can make your space feel smaller.

To let in as much natural light as possible, hang sheer curtains over your windows. You’ll get the usual privacy of curtains without blocking any sun. Go for sheer white curtains for a modern aesthetic or a light blue or yellow to add a bit of character. You’ll instantly transform your space, making it burst with life.

Place furniture intentionally

Whether you’re just moving in or you’re redoing your longtime studio apartment, you should map out your living space. Think about where to put your furniture so your space will feel as uncluttered as possible.

For example, placing your desk and bed against the same wall can lead to a cramped feeling. Instead, spread your largest furniture pieces throughout your home to give your space a more open, airy feel.

Use hidden storage

Choosing furniture with built-in shelving or storage space is a great space-saving trick for small-apartment decorating. Find a couch or a bed frame with drawers underneath so you can store any extra clothing or blankets out of sight but within reach. This can make a world of a difference and add the illusion of more space.

Maximize your light sources

If you only have one window in your studio apartment, you can add mirrors on the wall across from it to fake natural light. Buying furniture with reflective surfaces is another way to add more dimensions to your surroundings. You can also add wall sconces or table lamps that occupy minimal space and transform your apartment into a glowing sanctuary.

5 ways to decorate a studio apartment on a budget

Try out the five below tips to transform your small apartment into a vast, luxurious space.

1. Set out fresh flowers

Adding fresh flowers on top of a dining or coffee table can quickly brighten up your space. For a modern chic appeal, choose white lilies, or for a pop of color, opt for pink or red roses. Once you choose your flowers, put them in a rustic vase to give them – and your space – more life.

2. Light it up

While a large chandelier or overhead light is glamorous, it can take up too much space in a small studio apartment. Instead, you should choose a compact light that works for every mood, whether you’re working in your home office, relaxing, or enjoying romantic lighting.

The BlissRadia can seamlessly transition through every color of the rainbow and fit snugly on your desk or nightstand. You can use the BlissHome app to change colors and effects, thus reimaging your surroundings with just a tap on your phone screen. You can also set your BlissRadia to Sun mode to make up for any missing natural light and bring the outdoors inside.

BlissRadia Smart LED Mood Light

$39.99

From desktop to bedside, light the way to concentration, stimulation, or relaxation.

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3. Add in some area rugs

Placing a few area rugs in your studio can help you separate your living room from your dining room. For your living room, choose a rug large enough to fit underneath your coffee table and couch. For your dining room, add a long vertical rug under your table. These fancy room dividers can add character and uncover new dimensions within your surroundings.

4. Hang a large mirror

To make the most of your small space, hang a large mirror (or a few small ones) against your wall. Place your mirrors on the wall across from your window so you can maximize your light and space all in one. When the sun reflects against the mirror, you’ll see your space in a whole new light.

5. Decorate your walls

A big part of making your small space appear larger on a budget is to focus on your walls. Try placing large statement pieces or an arrangement of photos high on a wall to make your ceiling appear higher. This can make your space feel less cramped and more like a modern, cozy space filled with life.

4 ways to make your studio apartment truly feel like home

Here are four ways you can make your studio apartment feel like a home you could stay in forever.

1. Thrift your furniture

You can find astonishing vintage furniture that elevates your surroundings at thrift stores. Thrifting is a great way to find eye-catching furniture that gives your space its own character. The more luxurious the furniture, the more you create a vast, immersive environment of opulence.

2. Add in aroma

A scented candle or an essential oil diffuser can awaken your senses and set the right mood. For example, a lavender-scented candle can spread coziness throughout your room, while a French cafe candle can take you overseas without you moving an inch.

3. Show off your keepsakes

Just because your home lacks space doesn’t mean your need to get rid of your favorite keepsakes. Instead, you should showcase your favorite collectibles atop a dresser or on a bookshelf. For example, you can set up a crystal display for visitors to admire. Add some lights underneath the shelf to truly bring your display to life.

4. Add soft finishing touches

A house isn’t a home without soft finishing touches that make your space feel more relaxing and comfortable. One way to make your space cozier is with colorful lights you can control from your phone.

The Sky Lite Evolve, for example, can imbue your home with a sense of pure bliss. With colorful floating nebula clouds and striking stars that move at whatever pace you set, you’ll immediately feel at ease. Control the colors and effects from your phone, or use voice control to set the mood. Just one tap on a phone screen, and you’ll drift off into a whole new world.

Sky Lite Evolve: Smart Galaxy Projector

$49.99$39.99

The latest evolution in smart galaxy lighting.

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Illuminate your studio with BlissLights