11 Low-cost Items To Spice Up Your Apartment Or Dorm

Are you moving into your first apartment/dorm-room by yourself? Moving in with some of your best-friends? Or are you making the big step and moving in with your significant other? Whatever it may be, the place you are moving into should feel like home… because it is. Although I am no interior designer, I love to decorate and honestly, so should you! Even though the place might not be entirely your own (and if it is, go you girlfriend!), incorporating some pieces around your new home will help bring your style and personality in to the atmosphere and that’s important. Not only will it help you feel comfortable and more relaxed, but other people will feel the same way when they walk into the door. If you’re not sure where to start with decorating or what items to purchase, don’t fret. I have here 11 Low-cost items to spice up your apartment or dorm. 

Find a fun rug

Not only will purchasing a rug help decrease the noise at your place, but it’s quieter to walk on and more comfortable for your feet. If you want to add warmth into your apartment or dorm, then a rug is one of the most perfect Low-cost items to purchase. Rugs are also a wonderful way to add a decorative touch, even if you don’t think you have one because of the color and texture that they bring into a room or area. Not sure where to purchase one? Try Wayfair, Target, Amazon, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Rugs.com and Walmart. Check out this colorful rug below from Rugs.Com. Price: $129.00 – $499.00. 

7′ x 10′ Hyacinth Rug

Want a rug that is more on the simpler side? I gotchu girl. It’s also from Rugs.com and is on sale right now for $79.00. 

5′ x 8′ Solid Shag Rug

Statement lamps are a must

Truthfully, I have never been the biggest fan of lamps, but I I can see how they can make a bold statement in any place. Not only can day lamps be beneficial in preventing damage to our fragile eyes, but overall, they’re a great way in adding the smallest touch of decoration in even the smallest area like a bedroom. If you want people to focus on a certain area of your living when they walk in, purchase a lamp. They not only give a warm glow, but can ultimately make a room complete. Check out this lamp from Wayfair. It includes a built-in table with a 3.0 USB charging port, perfect next to your sofa or recliner in the living room. Price: 134.99. 

Leeward 66″ Tray Table Floor Lamp

You NEED a mirror

I grew up with mirrors all around my house because my parents loved them. They were in the bathrooms, living room, basement and bedrooms. Not only do they help make a place look bigger, but they can reflect the open space that is left in the room and they are one of the best Low-cost items to purchase. They can also brighten up a room and are a great way to hide that hole in the wall if there is one. What’s great about mirrors is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so whatever your taste may be, there are tons to choose from. Check out this one from Wayfair. It’s on sale for only $48.95.

Hub Modern & Contemporary Accent Mirror

To fill open spaces? Vases

Not only can vases fill empty spaces or weirdly shaped corners in your living space, but they also can draw attention to other important places or objects , such as paintings or furniture like a chair. Leave them empty or put dried/real flowers in them to add a more decorative affect. I love vases because their one of the Low-cost items that you can find almost simply anywhere, and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Check out this this vase from Target for $13.99. 

7″ Hanging Glass Teardrop Rooting Vase – ACHLA Designs

String Lights

Not only do string lights provide another light source, but they can make an apartment/dorm feel cozy and magical. Cascade your lights over the kitchen table, along your bed frame, near windows or along the top of your deck, and you will be ready for social gatherings or just a laid back night at home. Purchase this set from Walmart for $14.87. 

Mainstays 20-Count Indoor Outdoor Incandescent String Lights, with White Cord, AC-powered, 6 Volts

Blankets, blankets, blankets

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE blankets. I am not a pillow girl, I am a blanket girl and I have zero regrets about it. They are a great decoration for the living room on places like a couch or chair, and in the bedroom. Not only are they functional, but they bring a cozy feel into the room. Have a stain on the edge of the couch that you can’t go out, but have guests coming over shortly? Disguise it with a blanket and no one will know. Check out this blanket from HomeGoods for only $24.99. 

50×60 Tufted Stripe Tassel Edge Throw

Optimize space with drawers/baskets

If you have ever watched The Home Edit, then you know that it’s crucial to optimize large spaces (or really any space) so that you can use it to the best of its ability and room for other items in other places. That’s why I love small drawers and baskets–especially baskets. They’re great for the shelves on closets and the rims of the space. My favorite place for both of these items is HomeGoods. Not only are they one of the best Low-cost items on this list, but they’re durable and last long. Check out this basket set from my favorite store (HomeGoods) for only $19.99. 

2pk Woven Rectangle Bins

Hang Curtains

One of the most significant places in any apartment/dorm are the windows. They let in light and are a prominent feature that you can easily dress up. If you’re not able to drill holes in the walls, then there are plenty of other options like Command Hooks which are an easy way to not damage the wall. Purchase this Curtain set from Target for only $54.99. 

84″x52″ Star Blackout Window Curtain Panel Navy – Lush Décor

Use Nature

Nature is right outside our windows and if you truly want to feel more homey in your space, then bring in some plants. Plus, out of all the Low-cost items on this list, you might have some beautiful flowers right outside your door. Put some flowers on your kitchen table, on your desk in your dorm or some plants near the window sill and you will have a more comfortable place. Try out succulents, the snake plant, aloe vera plants or simply, a bouquet of flowers. If these options don’t work, there are hundreds more out there that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. 

Photo: Erika Raxworthy

Throw on some pillows

I love pillows and so should you. Not only do pillows add more of your personality into a place, but they can make a place feel more homey. You can also change up the pillows based on what season or holiday it is. Did you have a long morning studying and just want to take an afternoon nap? Make sure you have extra pillows on your bed and you will sleep like a baby until you have to wake up and study a tiny bit more. Not only do they have to go on your bed, but throw some on your couch or chair as well and when friends and family visit, they will be as comfortable than ever. If you’re a Walmart fan like me, check out this pillow for only $6.88. 

Mainstays Plushy Faux Fur Round Decorative Pillow, 23″ x 23″, Blush

Lastly, make your bedding set look pretty!

Your bed is the place you will be sleeping in at the end of the night, so why not only make it feel comfortable, but look pretty as well? Yes, I know, bed sets are not truly one of the most Low-cost items in the world, but it’s one of the largest places in your apartment/dorm that you will be decorating. Your bed set should feel homey, comfortable and relaxed. Plus, it’s easy to decorate it more with pillows and throw blankets. If you don’t need a comforter, but want a new sheet, simply just purchase a sheet, which will be a more affordable for your pocket, instead of spending money all at once. Check out Bed Bath and Beyond for all of your bedroom needs, like this set for only $49.99. 

Under the Canopy® Italian Hem Stitch Organic Cotton 2-Piece Twin Duvet Cover Set in White/Grey

What are some of your favorite Low-cost items to spice up your apartment/dorm? Tell us below in the comments.