How to Make Your Apartment Look Luxurious On a Budget

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a life of luxury—or at least look like you do. Trick guests into thinking a high-end socialite lives in your apartment. Below, we share 10 affordable ways to create an expensive-looking apartment!

Making your apartment look luxurious doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We believe that style should be affordable. That’s why we offer designer furniture and décor for the lowest prices possible.

Still, refreshing an entire room can get pricey—even if you’re a bargain shopping expert. Start by adding small, luxurious accents. Subtle changes, like adding an area rug, can have a huge impact on any space. Keep scrolling to discover 10 simple ways you can make your apartment look more luxurious on a dime!

1. Set Out Fresh Flowers

A $5 bouquet of Trader Joe’s flowers can do wonders for your space. Not only will they make your apartment look fancy, you’ll also enjoy the sweet scent of fresh blooms. Plus, you can switch out your flowers each month for a mini décor refresh.

2. Decorate Your Walls

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to live with bare walls. Hanging wall art makes any space look more refined. It can also be a great conversation-starter when guests are admiring your luxurious (or so they think) apartment. Mirrors also make great wall hangings. They bounce light throughout a room, making any space appear brighter and more open.

3. Style Your Surfaces

Whether it’s a coffee table, bookshelf, TV stand or bar cart, styling your surfaces will instantly make your apartment look more luxurious. Mix shapes, patterns and textures to add visual interest. Start with our coffee table styling tips, and then apply those helpful décor pointers to every surface in your home!

4. Add Faux Fur

Nothing is better at faking fancy than faux fur. It gives you the look of an expensive home, except no animals were harmed in the making of this décor. A faux fur area rug, blanket or pouf will instantly give you a more luxurious looking apartment.

5. Choose Your Own Lighting

There’s something undeniably elegant about well-lit spaces. We’re not just talking bright places. We’re referring to homes that make smart lighting choices, like placing table lamps close to walls in order to bounce light off the wall surface. Find out what works for your space. Add a variety of table lamps, floor lamps and candles for a warm, cozy glow. It’ll definitely look more flattering the standard apartment ceiling lights!

You can even take your lighting outdoors by winding a string of weatherproof Christmas lights around your balcony railing. Just make sure you look into these DIY, mosquito repelling candles before spending the evening outdoors.

6. Stock a Snack Bowl

Add a little luxury with a snack bowl on your bookshelf or coffee table. You can fill it with nuts, candy, mints or other treats. If you’re really feeling fancy, go for a bowl of mouth-watering French Macaroons. We doubt they’ll last long, but they’ll certainly make an impression on your guests!

7. Create a Pleasant Scent

A luxurious apartment requires more than just good looks. Real estate agents have used the scent of fresh cookies to sell homes for decades. Why not use the same trick in your space? Make your rental smell like home with your favorite Woodwick candle, oil diffuser or a homemade potpourri mix. A pleasant scent is sure to set a luxurious tone. You can even hang eucalyptus from your shower head for a spa-like upgrade.

8. Lay Down Area Rugs

A soft rug underfoot can instantly enhance your living space. Area rugs create luxurious, welcoming appeal. They anchor the look of an entire room, and offer an affordable way to protect your carpet and personalize your apartment.

9. Make Your Bed

Unmade bed < made bed.
It’s no secret: making your bed looks nicer than a disheveled pile of sheets. If you’re looking for an even fancier upgrade, get that 5-star hotel feel with a new bedding set. Top it off with a few accent pillows and your bedroom will become your favorite room in the whole apartment.

10. Embrace Minimalism

Let’s not complicate things. Less is more, especially when you’re working with limited square footage. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Decluttering your home will create a clean, airy look that says, “I’m fancy and I know it. “

How do You Make Your Apartment Look Luxurious?

Do you have clever tricks for making your apartment look luxurious? Use the social sharing icons below to enlighten fellow readers! And make sure you check out our How to Furnish your Apartment Under $500, $1500, and $2500. guide for more tips on a grown-up living space.