10 Cute and Easy DIY Apartment Decor Ideas

Cute and easy DIY apartment decor ideas! Make your space cozy, stylish, and totally you with 10 fun, budget-friendly ideas to zhuzh up your home. 🏡✨
OMG, so you’re finally ready to decorate your apartment… What’s the vibe? chic chaos or cozy clutter? I’m SO here for it. I mean, who doesn’t love a cute, cozy space that screams “I have my life together” without actually needing to have your life together? It’s like the ultimate dream.
Anyway, I’ve got you covered with 10 ridiculously easy DIY decor ideas that are so cute they’ll make your neighbors jealous, and all your ex question every decision they’ve ever made.
1. Washi Tape Wall Art
Listen. Washi tape is the well-known magic secret of the DIY world. Think polka dots, metallic stripes, or even little cactus prints – it’s like stickers for grown-ups. You can slap it on anything: walls, notebooks, even boring old plant pots.
Instant personality, zero regrets.
It’s cheap, comes in a million patterns, and doesn’t ruin your walls. (Just read the instructions lol). Use it to create geometric shapes, funky stripes, or even a fake “frame” for posters you’ve been too lazy to hang.
It’s like instant art without the price tag… or effort. Plus, when you get bored of it? Peel it off and start over.
Genius!
2. The “I Can’t Kill This Plant” Shelf
Okay. Fake plants. I know, I know, but listen: Target’s faux greenery game? Strong.
Mix in a few real elements, like a pretty planter or a handful of pebbles on top of the soil, to make it look less “straight-out-of-the-box.” Cluster a few at varying heights for a chic little plant family moment.
Pick up a couple of those little $5 succulents, throw them on a thrifted shelf (that you can totally paint if you’re feeling ambitious), and suddenly you’re a person who “loves plants” without ever having to remember to water anything. Win-win!
3. Thrifted Gallery Wall
Speaking of thrift stores, let’s talk art. Hit up your local Goodwill and grab any random frames or art prints that vaguely match your vibe. Don’t overthink it. Then, arrange them on your wall in a way that looks like you tried, but not TOO hard.
Mix sizes and styles. And throw in a cute mirror or random tchotchke for texture… Instant Pinterest board!
4. Tea Towels as Wall Hangings
You don’t need to buy “real” art when you can just… repurpose tea towels. Anthropologie and World Market sell these ridiculously cute printed towels, and they’re like, $10 or so.
Hang one on a wooden dowel or clip it to a pants hanger, and suddenly you’re an artsy genius.
Go for tea towels with fun prints like cute florals, funky abstract shapes, or those quirky food patterns Anthropologie is always pushing. It’s artsy but make it relatable.
Who knew?
5. Fairy Light Magic
Fairy lights are like the sweatpants of decor: comfy, effortless, and everyone loves them!
Drape them over your headboard, wrap them around a mirror, or stuff them in an old wine bottle for a bougie-looking lamp situation.
And no, it’s not just for dorm rooms. They are that magical!
6. Renter-Friendly Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is amazing! It’s like giving your walls a glow-up without the commitment, or the landlord drama.
Go bold with a wild pattern, or keep it chill with a subtle texture. You can even use it to line the back of bookshelves if you’re fancy like that. Just remember: patience is key. It’s basically a giant sticker, so…
Take your time… Trust me.
7. Mason Jar Everything
Let’s be honest… mason jars are just basic, but there’s a reason they’re everywhere. Use them as vases, candle holders, or even a place to stash your makeup brushes.
Want to be extra?
Paint them with chalk paint and distress them for that farmhouse chic vibe.
Joanna Gaines, who?
8. DIY Rug Wall Hanging
Rugs aren’t just for floors, okay? When picking one for your wall, go for something small-to-medium size so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Look for bold patterns or interesting textures, like those funky boho ones at Target or anything with fringe. And hey, if you’re not sure about colors, stick to neutrals or something that ties in with your existing decor.
Easy peasy, and so chic.
Grab a cute, small-ish rug (Target’s Threshold line has options), and hang it on your wall like a tapestry. It adds texture, warmth, and a “Wow, you’re so creative” vibe without much effort.
Use those Command hooks, though. We’re not ruining walls here.
9. Book Stack Nightstand
Got too many books and not enough furniture? Stack them up and call it a nightstand. Stabilize the stack with a wide, heavy book at the bottom, and keep the covers in the same color family for a chic, cohesive look.
Top it with a cute tray and a lamp, and it’s like, “Oh this? I’m just casually intellectual.”
10. Fancy-Looking Candles That Aren’t
Candles make everything feel fancy. For a cozy vibe, try warm scents like vanilla or sandalwood.
Want something fresh? Go for eucalyptus or citrus.
And for maximum drama? Black candles… they’re edgy and surprisingly chic.
You don’t need Diptyque-level cash to fake it. Just hit up TJ Maxx or Walmart for some bougie-looking candles at broke-girl prices. Arrange them on a thrifted tray with some random trinkets, and suddenly your coffee table is Instagram-worthy.
Pro tip: Light them before guests come over. Smells fancy, too.
Cute and easy DIY apartment decor ideas
Okay, so there you have it. Ten cute and easy diy apartment decor ideas to make your apartment look like a million bucks without spending it.
Decorating doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Just throw some washi tape on a wall, stack some books, and call it a day.
Your space, your vibe.
Own it.