Living in Apartment. small budget. Decorating Ideas!!!

Question

My name is Missy and I am living in an apartment complex that frowns on painting the walls, and or putting too many holes in the walls. Have been here over a year and am hating that it is not decorated. I have a somewhat large area that is our living room/ office area but no divider so desk is visible by all and is it a mess. Have one wall of windows with blinds on it mounted at ceiling height. Have two bedrooms. One is for us and the other is supposed to be craft/ guest room. Right now we have a full size bed in there that takes most of the room. I want to get rid of bed but my boyfriend wants to keep it in case we have company (have had overnight guest guests once since we moved in). I want to do something more crafty in there. Our kitchen is so small that only one person can be in there at a time. NO counter space. We have ample storage space but not using it to fullest. I need to re-organize everything. Have a few ideas after finding this site. My main problem is money. We live on my paycheck only and most times from paycheck to paycheck. Loved the wine bottle organizer idea from PVC. Have a few ideas using that. If anyone can suggest any ideas to help organize, decorate or make the place feel more like mine I would appreciate it. Don't get on here every day but you can email with ideas if you want to lostsheeep67@yahoo.com. I don't have a lot of money to spend on things but am willing to try to fit it into our budget. Don't have a vehicle so yard sale/ flea market finds are limited unless we pay someone to take us.

Rella Johnson · Answer

can u put a pic on?

Carole · Answer

I agree with Rella - a couple of photos of what you have to work with would be good. I do sympathise with your situation as I lived in rentals for 20 years and it is frustrating if you cannot hang stuff on the walls or decorate to your own taste. Budget is also a pain if you are financially stretched. However, the good news is that there is much you can do! If you want to hang inexpensive artworks on the walls - first use dollar store plain white canvas that are dirt cheap. Cover canvas (a staple gun is useful here) with tea towels - there are some great ones available now, fabric or even wallpaper or have a go at painting something abstract and easy. Use the stick on walls hooks to hang them. You could for instance do three in a row of the same pattern/fabric like a triptych. If you use the stick on plastic hooks that have the tab that you can pull to remove the hooks when you leave - they won't mark the walls. You can even re-use the hooks, if you buy spare sticky backs for them. You can also buy second hand picture frames, spray paint them if necessary - leave them blank or add some art work/chalkboard/pinboard or even a mirror and these can be hung in similar way if they are not too heavy or lean them against a wall. An old window frame is great for this purpose too - add your favourite photos or postcards and lean it against the wall. No marks - happy landlord! For your guest room/craft room - give the bed the heave ho and replace it with a sofa bed. The click clack ones are not so expensive or search Craigs List or ebay for second hand. More space for your crafting and hobbies. Get a cheap trolley for the kitchen that is on wheels and can be moved around. It will give you more bench space. You could even transform a piece of unloved furniture into a kitchen trolley by adding some casters to the bottom (use at least two locking casters with two normal casters to stop it rolling every time you lean on it). An old filing cabinet could do for this. You can paint it with spray paint and put a wooden top on it or whatever you like. Useful for putting a microwave on (we did this at one rental where there was no bench space) or as an extra work surface. I strongly urge you to visit thrift stores, Craigs List or ebay, road side throw outs etc as there will be much you can buy cheap that can be transformed with a bit of TLC and some imagination. A rug (does not have to be expensive) can also help to ground your furniture in the living area and add your own decorative stamp and colour theme to the room, along with some nice throw cushions or a lap throw over the arm of a chair or sofa. Jazz up your lampshades with fabric or paper (it is amazing what uses you can find for double sided tape - I have lampshades I have taped paper onto that are still going strong two years later, but you can easily remove the paper/fabric tape for a new look when you want to!). Buy plain cheap white lampshades (Kmart or Target) and jazz them up to look more expensive. Hope some of these ideas help! Good luck and have fun..

Deb · Answer

I live in an old house (130+ years old) and we've had a problem decorating but now that 3M has made those wonderful sticky things you can use instead of nailing I have several things hung up that I never thought I would. I had some beautiful wood and wire things that hold candles (they are shaped like church windows) that I bought about 12 years ago. I found some velcro things from 3M that you put on the back of them and stick to the wall. They now hang at the top of the stairs where I wanted them 12 years ago..lol. Then I bought a picture for my husband and had it framed at Michaels but didn't want to make holes in the wall..it is so hard with plaster and lathe to get the right spot. With the frame it is heavy but I found some of the velcro things that hold up to 16 lbs. They worked great. I hope this helps.

Judy.burton · Answer

Visit Apartment Therapy on Facebook. Visitors have posted some really great ideas.

Kathleen · Answer

Go to your local Harware store and they will direct you to hooks that can be removedeasily.I think Command makes thesticky hooks to hang pix on the wall and very easy to remove.

DcVelco Estate Sales · Answer

Missy, what I've done in the past is add fabric covered padded wall panels. I made mine around 18 inches wide and had 4. I got that out of one sheet of plywood. Cut them length wise and then measure your ceiling and cut the length one inch short. Put 2 inch foam wrapping the top and bottom and then the fabric and secure with a simple staple gun. You naturally can use any fabric you want, from solids to fun or bold prints. When the panels are done, place the bottom along the bottom edge of the wall then lean the top in.. it should fit snugly without damaging the ceiling. This adds color and architectural details. None of your friends will have this ... but they might after seeing it in your space. When you move... simply pull them away from the wall top first and take them with you for your next place. Want to change the look... just change the fabric. Get tired of them... they can become an awesome padded headboard when you buy your first place and can secure them to the wall... from pillow all the way to the ceiling again. That's a drama statement.

DcVelco Estate Sales · Answer

On the wall panel idea... if you don't have a saw or just not comfortable doing the cutting... when you buy your plywood, have your measurements with you and Home Depot or Lowe's will cut it for you for FREE.

Annette C · Answer

to add to the fabric post, I've used printed flat sheet on a dowel with waited or double sided sticky tape to keep it flush at the bottom as Mock wall paper.
 Try re-purposed shutters, doors & book shelves behind the desk to camouflage & create little hideaways. 
Check out your local .99 cent store for baskets & storage containers that can easily be customize to your tastes. 
Have you considered a convertible bed for your guest room? There are some very nice converted closets to craft/sewing rooms that can be closed off & the bed would give you work space. 
As bad as it sounds, check your local hardware & flooring stores Dumpster's & throw away piles they often toss out things that cant be sold & may have pallets you can re-purpose. Don't forget garbage day on the nicer sides of town, lol you never know what you will find on the curb, no charge & a little TLC one man's trash can be your new treasure. 
Good luck & think out side the box. try random web searches of items; like closet storage on a dime & you will be surprised at what kinds of things will pop up & add to your inspiration.

Jeanette S · Answer

Keep in mind that if you buy picture frame hooks, they use a very small nail to attach it to the wall but will hold a lot of weight. (In some cases you might need to use 2 hangers). The holes can easily be filled with a little spackling when you leave...just fill in the hole and wipe down. Your desk can be hidden behind a beautiful fabric wall made from a drop cloth. Simply fold over and add grommets through which a painted dowel can be run through and suspended from a small chain on each end and a cup hooks on the ceiling.

Chris aka monkey · Answer

rules in these places make me insane lol.... shopping yard sales and thrift shops for thing with pops of color prints from old books you find make good wall art displayed in dollar store frames you can paint any color you want and hang with those no damage sticky thingys heck dollar store have a lot of decorating items on the cheap also have fun with it and make your boyfriend get a job xx

Cynthia E · Answer

I agree with Chris aka monkey art is what you like and where you find or make it cheaply no rules it's your home. The 3m strips would be great for hanging with no holes. You can buy old paintings at garage sales or thrift stores and just use the canvases and frames--paint over orig. pictures to make your own (you forgot to say your style you like)-- You can make a room divider frame from old pallets or pvc and fabric can be sheets, curtains, shower curtains, chicken wire, drop cloth, burlap whatever works for your style. Craigslist is a great place to look for items to re purpose, maybe you could find a sleeper sofa or futon for guest room cheaply. I have see fabric (wallpapered) to walls by soaking in starch wringing out and using roller or squeegee to apply to walls (they also have those removable wall murals now cheaply at hobby lobby) again any will work. Also talk to your landlord they might agree to you painting the walls if you agree to painting back orig. white before moving. You really need to add pictures (or a drawn floorplan with room sizes) and what types styles you like , etc. Also show pieces that must stay same and can't/won't change in furniture. That way responses could be tailored to you.

Rachel Bivens-Rees · Answer

Room dividers are soo cool and have a fun look. Also in your spare room. turn the bed sideways along the wall and have it look more like a couch.But, until then it is a nifty daybed.

Lori J · Answer

Unless your rare guests come in pairs, why not switch to a twin?

Dee W · Answer

Even a futon would work as a guest bed or sitting area for an office or craft room

Rachel Bivens-Rees · Answer

Then in the guest bedroom as soon as you can afford it look for a trundle. Then it stores under the bed and easily pulls out and pops up. Or, you could sell the bed and buy an inexpensive ( $30.00-$ 40.00) I think raised or not Dbl or queen or what ever size you want air mattress. It stores deflated and out of sight when not in use and now you have an open room. guest comes that 1 or 2 times and you have a bed. WALLA!!!! As for the room divider, you could buy them new rather cheap or not. OR, if lucky enough watch coupons for Michaels they will have like %40 off entire purchase so on.

DcVelco Estate Sales · Answer

You're welcome. They also help take away the echo of bare walls... don't forget plants !! Best wishes.. and have fun picking out the fabric.

Annette C · Answer

People are going crazy over the Gypsy Junk or Shabby cheek right now & it's so easy to do & you don't even have to be that great at painting because it's suppose to be a little sloppy & if your working with rusted metal you don't even have to paint just knock off the rust with a brush & slap a clear coat, boom done. 
I found a pair of tables on the curb, tightened up the joints & started to redo the fish, my neighbor saw me bring them out to spray them off & asked it they where for sale. Wasn't even finish yet & sold as is & free to me, cost me 20 minuets. 
Behind the thrift shops too they often through out things they don't think they can sale or have sit in the store too long, I've found some workable supplies there too. I even found things at schools and half the time these things aren't even in the bin just next to it waiting for someone to take them home.
how do you feel about thumbtacks? they can be covered with tooth paste if the walls are white. I used the sheets & tacks to create folds & swags in the fabric, for a head board once, now it's card board wrapped in batting & fabric and hung on the wall like a picture. Love using flat sheets for bulk fabric, you can get wider pieces & the higher quality fabrics are cheaper than in the Sewing shops. If you don't sew no problem, they have iron fusible tape & hot glue works too. 
Hope you have a Great New Year!

Dana · Answer

I had a storage problem and didn't want to rent a storage unit, so I boxed up things I wasn't using but didn't want to get rid of (antiques, heirlooms, etc.) In my dining area there is a long wall, no windows, so I bought 4 lightweight panels, 1/2' dowels, curtain clips, and cup hooks. I screwed the cup hooks into the ceiling and hung the dowels from them, and voila! It looks like a window at the end of the dining room. It looks neat and tidy and no one knows there's boxes behind it!

Katt · Answer

I lived in apartments for many years. If you patch the holes when you leave you'll be ok. I have even hung bolt hangers in the ceiling to hold a bicycle up off the floor to have more floor space. Repairing holes isn't difficult. For decorating it sounded that a room divider would be useful. An inexpensive way would be to hang fabric to act as a divider, if that doesn't appeal, you could hang fabric on the wall like a large pice of art.

Peabutton's Mom · Answer

I had to downsize from a 5 bedroom house to an efficiency apartment. Yes, I have a storage unit :) I've learned several tricks over the years. Fabric hung from the ceiling is a good idea for a tight space needing a divider. However, I am a stickler for light and am somewhat claustrophobic. I have used dressers, bookshelves, and filing cabinets as dividers. I face them to the side needing the storage. The back side can be 'covered' by using furniture like chairs and tables, with plants and lamps. If it is set where you can't cover up with furniture then a twin sized sheet, tablecloth, quilt, or even fancy shower curtain can be draped over the top and down the back, anchored in place with whatever is set on top. The desk/table can be set either with the long side against the wall or one end against the wall. This can help free up space if you don't need access all the way around the table/desk. I've actually used chairs for file storage! Depending on how your chairs are shaped you can hang file folders from the rungs and set fabric or rope covered boxes on the chair seat. Oh! Another idea for a ceiling suspended divider is to use the bigger hooks, like what might be used for a bicycle, and hang an old baby bed rail. You can use rope or chain to hang it at a length that works. This way you have light but also have rungs that you can hang all kinds of things from. I have used this idea also in front of door windows and kitchen windows. I hang baskets, flowers and green plants/vines, vintage kitchen accessories....anything really. Lots of times you can find old baby beds that people are throwing away. Ask friends, etc. Listia.com is a freebie web site for nearly everything too! It's the closest thing to dumpster diving I've ever found online! Hope my ideas help! I have LOADS more ideas too! Good luck! I'm looking forward to some pix :)

Tamara · Answer

Something that might be easy for you to handle on the bus and have multiple uses in your home are the large 4' x 8' sheets of insulation at the home improvement store. It's kind of like a giant sheet of styrofoam although sometimes it is pink, blue or green. If you bring or buy a yardstick and a box cutter, you could cut it up yourself in the parking lot. It is so lightweight that you could pop them all into a box or large trash bag and they would be easy to carry on the bus. Then you can make things like a fabric covered bulletin board or a variety of fabric covered square or rectangles as artwork on the walls. You could spray paint them and layer various shapes and colors and make sort of a collage for the wall. If you do some measuring and cut a bunch of same size squares you could cover them with fabric, burlap or even fake fur and arrange them on the wall as a headboard. A modern twist to suit the boyfriend would be those squares covered with aluminum foil (be messy and make it all crinkly) then paint it black and wipe off most of the paint with a rag. Oh, since those Command hooks won't work for everything, also consider poster putty since it doesn't damage walls. You may have to think hard and scour the internet but there are lots of ways to spruce things up with very limited means. Also consider bartering. Maybe you can bake or cook? A loaf of nice homemade bread can be traded for a ride to and from the store, etc. Oh, and look up online the neat things you can do with sheets of corrugated cardboard. Good luck!

Peabutton's Mom · Answer

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ This is a wonderful web site that can offer all kinds of DIY and inspirational ideas. Hope you enjoy!

Annette C · Answer

I just thought of the silliest thing but it worked, hot glue; I have a room with lath & plaster that is so old it's like a cement wall, I used hot glue to hold a small painting & it worked and the hot glue pealed off relativity easily when it turned out to be lop sided, lol

Libby Yuewhoo · Answer

To hide your desk, you might try moving your sofa away from the wall and use your desk as a sofa table behind it. Place a nice lamp on your desk, providing light when working at desk and adding light to the living room area. From the far end of the room, your desk would be concealed and you would simply have a cosy conversation area in your living room.

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Living in Apartment. small budget. Decorating Ideas!!!

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