Best ways to deck up your 1BHK on a budget

One-bedroom (1BHK) or studio apartments are the preferred rental choice for young professionals nationwide. These apartments offer easy maintenance, sufficient privacy, and affordable rent. However, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of such compact spaces may seem challenging. Can you decorate a 1BHK or studio without compromising space? Is it difficult to strike a balance between aesthetics and spatial constraints? Set aside your concerns because we've got you covered. Read on to discover how to transform your 1BHK or studio into a cozy home without breaking the bank.

Things to keep in mind while setting a budget

When embarking on a budget-conscious project, it's essential to be mindful of certain factors to prevent unexpected expenses. Here's a straightforward guide you can consult while establishing a decoration budget for your 1BHK or studio, ensuring a seamless process:

Define your priorities

When you opt to enhance your space, the initial step involves identifying the critical areas that require your focus. Ensure that you prioritize expenses for essential items like furniture, bedding, and kitchen essentials before allocating funds for decorative items primarily for aesthetic purposes.

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Determine a total budget

Set an upper limit for the expenses by taking into account all the factors that would require expenditure, including furniture, decor, lighting, painting and makeover expenses. Try not to exceed the set limit once you start with the decoration process.

Break down the budget

After determining a total budget, break it down into smaller, more manageable categories for a clearer understanding. This not only aids in more efficient fund allocation but also serves as a checklist to verify that all aspects of your decor project have been addressed.

Research prices

To gain a more realistic grasp of the budget, ensure you have an understanding of the market prices for the goods and services you intend to acquire. Research the prices of furniture and decor items as you establish a budget, facilitating a more informed decision-making process.

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Prioritise quality

While on a budget, it is recommended to prioritise quality over quantity. Go for durable pieces instead of investing in low-quality items available in plenty at a lower cost. While prioritising quality might incur initial expenses, they are beneficial in saving money in the long run as they do away with the need of frequent replacement.

Consider DIY projects

DIY projects are a good way to get creative while also saving money. Moreover, it adds a personal touch to your space. Nevertheless, it is important to assess your skills and the time and effort required for such projects before deciding to take them up.

Contingency funds

No matter how meticulous you are when establishing a budget, unforeseen expenses are likely to arise. Therefore, it is wise to allocate a small portion of your budget as a contingency fund to address unexpected costs. These may encompass repairs, extra supplies, or last-minute changes to your plans.

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Shop smart

While shopping, keep an eye out for sales, discounts and available second hand options. Go for thrift stores, online marketplaces and clearance sections to bag some deals on trendy stuff that are easy on your pockets.

Plan in phases

With a limited budget in hand, it is best to plan the decor in phases instead of doing it all at once. Focus on one area at a time to ensure more efficient allocation of funds and avoid large and unaffordable upfront costs.

Best ideas to decorate your 1BHK on budget

Wondering where to get started on your journey to decorate your 1BHK or studio? Here are some simple ideas you can try out on a budget:

DIY artwork

Here's a creative way to express your artistic side and craft something unique for your space! Obtain canvases and use acrylic paint to create artworks featuring simple geometric designs and patterns. Alternatively, consider repurposing old fabric by framing it to craft distinctive textile art in a DIY fashion.

Thrift store finds

Explore thrift stores to discover old furniture pieces that are still in usable condition and can be revamped with minimal modifications. Items like old dressers, coffee tables, and bookshelves from such stores can impart a stylish touch to your space with just a fresh coat of paint.

Upcycling furniture

Old wooden chairs and tables can be sanded and painted to achieve a fresh and modern look. Go for mismatched furniture and unify them using a cohesive colour palette to retain the rustic charm of old furniture with a boho feel.

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Curtain magic

Instead of purchasing curtains, go for the more affordable option of buying pieces of fabric in colours and patterns of your choice. You can then sew them into curtains or use fabric glue or iron-on hemming tape for the desired results.

Creative lighting

Hang string lights from the ceiling or drape them across walls to create a dreamy and cosy ambience. Additionally, buy some lamps from thrift stores and modify them with a fresh coat of paint for a new shade and a personalised touch.

Temporary wall decals

In smaller spaces, it is advisable to opt for removable wall stickers that align with the aesthetic of your space, particularly in rented apartments. Decals provide a cost-effective and customizable solution for murals, accent walls, and faux headboards.

DIY shelving

Use wooden crates or cinder blocks and planks to build unique shelves for an aesthetic and functional storage option. You can easily paint the wood to match your colour scheme and arrange them on your walls in an artistic way.

Multi-functional furniture

Invest in smart and space saving furniture options such as sofa beds for guests and coffee tables with hidden storage for books. Such pieces of furniture serve more than one purpose to maximise space and functionality.

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Greenery

Succulents, snake plants and pothos are some affordable and low-maintenance indoor plants you can purchase for a fresh feel to your space. Additionally, you can easily find a host of pots, containers and planters in thrift stores that you can paint or personalise according to your decor.

Personalised textiles

You can make your own throw pillows by repurposing old pieces of fabric. Combine your sewing skills with a dash of fabric paint and markers here and there for a boho and personalised result. Similarly, if you are up for a larger project, you can consider making a rug from repurposed fabric.

Gallery wall

Buy some frames of various shapes and sizes from thrift stores and paint them in a unified colour. You can now use them to make a unique gallery wall displaying a mix of personal photographs and other prints.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper

Want to refresh your wall colour but budget holding you back? We might have something for you. Go for peel-and-stick wallpapers to add a stylish touch to your walls and accents. These are available in a variety of colours and textures to choose from and can be easily replaced without damaging the wall structure.

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