First Apartment Questions!

[Anonymous]

I am a career nanny so I have always either been a live-in or lived in a group house. Now with COVID I am finally taking the plunge into my own little studio apartment. I have never had a chance to actually control my environment like this and I don’t have any furniture or decor. What are your best cheap tips for decorating a small space? Any ideas to cover an ugly popcorn ceiling?

[Anonymous]

Don’t touch the popcorn ceiling. It could be asbestos so you don’t want to disturb it. Don’t worry, it’s fine as long as you don’t punch holes in it or something. So just learn to overlook that. Congrats on having your first place!

[Anonymous]

Purchase renters insurance (State Farm, Geico, etc.) If there is a flood, you are robbed, whatever, you'll be covered. It is cheap - something you cannot afford not to have.

[Anonymous]

You can do a lot cheaply with ikea hacks, facebook marketplace, etc. Also apartment therapy, but I find those solutions to be a bit more mid-budget. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

Check out free section on craigslist. Unique has quite a lot of furniture at give-away price, and sometimes even the building where you live.

[Anonymous]

Read Use What You Have decorating by Lauri Ward. It’s good even if you are buying all new things.

[Anonymous]

Facebook marketplace is great! Have an idea of what you are looking for and just continue to keep an eye out. Bargain to get a good price, be willing to snap it up right away.

I wanted something to store my record collection, the easy option would be ikea cube shelves but I wanted something different and it took me a few months, but finally found the perfect piece on marketplace - you just need to be patient.

There is also an area where people leave stuff outside my building when they move. I wouldn't take anything soft because bedbugs, but anything you can clean should be fine.

Don't try to do everything at once - get the basics but stuff like decor can wait, or if someone is offering you something for free take it until you can afford or find something better.

Lightning can make a big difference - lamps and things like string lights.

For small spaces, Ikea is great for organizing - i have a dish drying rack that attaches to the wall for example, and lots of hooks to hang stuff on.

[Anonymous]

Spend the most on the places you rest: couch and bed. I went for a super cheap IKEA couch for my studio during grad school and totally regretted it. Some IKEA couches are nice, so if you can’t sit on them in person assume that the cheapest one is in fact just cardboard and a slim pillow.

[Anonymous]

+1 on Facebook marketplace. Some fabulous finds- especially right now as people seem to be upgrading/purging old stuff.

Stay neutral with big items (bed, couch) unless you find something you truly love. My 4yo now sleeps in the bed I got for my first apartment- it’s white wood and goes with anything. I got it off of Craigslist, painted it, and now have used it for 15 years.

Look to your closet for inspiration. You probably will find that the colors you like to wear reflect those you may want in your house. Or like- if you love bright patterns with clothes, you may want to think about bright patterns for decor. You can do a lot with throw pillows and other accents

[Anonymous]

Forget the ceiling. In reality, you'll likely have a sense of accomplishment when you finally get around to hanging something on the walls.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the other PP, get a good bed ( mattress ) and sofa. Those will make a world of difference. Go to ikea and look at some room ideas. There are good finds to be had there.

Live in the space a bit and see how it works for you. Your first apartment is not usually long term, so have fun with color & patterns with cheaper items. Also, keep in mind when you buy your more expensive items, think of how easy it is to move in the future. For example, don’t get a 90” sofa, get two smaller pieces or a loveseat.

[Anonymous]

Ignore the popcorn ceiling. My best cheap tips are to think about how long you'll be in this place and buy accordingly, and don't be cheap on the mattress. Buy a loveseat rather than a sofa (smaller) on sale at Macy's, or Ikea. Do not buy any kitchen things that only have one use. Buy a lot of your kitchen things at Ikea or Target or Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I live alone and only have four forks, four spoons, four knives, and one sharp knife, one frying pan, and one pasta pot. Toaster oven is a great idea.

[Anonymous]

Check out Apartment Therapy website for all kinds of ideas on how to set up your apartment at a reasonable pace and price.

Also Style by Emily Henderson has some great resources.

Also, the early years of Young House Love.

[Anonymous]

Try Facebook marketplace for really cheap furniture. You can find some really good stuff for very little, especially tables and chairs.