7 Hacks for Decorating Your NYC Apartment

Signing the lease on an NYC apartment rental is just the beginning. Once you’ve moved in, then you can finally start decorating it!

So maybe you have on your mind those floor-to-ceiling drapes or that 100% Merino wool carpet.  Before you start blowing your budget on the first items that catch your eye, here are a few tips you should keep in mind when it comes to decorating an NYC apartment.

1. Focus on things you really need.

Here’s a hint: it’s better to invest on large furniture pieces like beds, sofas, and dining tables than small accessories like carpets and curtains.

These items have several advantages. First, they are more likely to stay with you for a long, long time as they’re usually more durable than small pieces. Second, having just a few large pieces of furniture instead of a bunch of smaller ones can save you money when hiring a moving company as you go from one NYC rental to the next. They often charge based on number of boxes, which can add up with smaller items.

Moreover, staple furniture pieces like your couch and bed will serve as the foundation for decorating your new NYC apartment. Then, you can add up a few accessories here and there that don’t cost as much and still bring some pizazz to the place.

2. Buy things you can bring with you.

There is a high likelihood that the first NYC apartment you stay in may not be your last. As your life in the city progresses, you may wish to go from living with three roommates to living alone in your own NYC studio rental.

If that’s the case, it would be impractical to spend a lot of money on things you can’t even bring with you, much less use in the next place you live. Instead, invest in large furniture staples or even works of art that can add a little bit of character to your home, wherever that might be.

3. Lighting is everything.

Some people think that the lighting fixtures that come installed in their NYC apartment rental are off-limits because they are permanent features. However, it’s actually pretty easy to change these out to complement your apartment decoration, then change them back once you move out. Because you know what?

You’ll want to consider this option because lighting decoration in an NYC apartment can truly transform the place. Not only will it appear more spacious, but also these installed lights plus the temporary ones you purchase can complement the furniture.

4. Spend big money on the big things.

Fashion is dynamic, and so is your taste. That cute throw pillow you used to love may not be as cute as you once thought in two years. As a result, we highly discourage spending so much money on things you are likely to replace in just a few months as you decide to decorate an NYC rental a different way. Instead, spend money on things that are both durable and timeless.

5. Add a little bit of character.

Not only are antique and vintage furniture pieces usually far cheaper, but aso they add a bit of a personal touch to your living space. You can usually get these stylized items from thrift shops or estate sales, and are a great option for the smaller furniture pieces you shouldn’t be spending much on. Additionally, it’s nice to have a consistent theme for your NYC apartment decorations, especially ones that makes your home feel cozy and inviting. These used furniture pieces can be the items that bring your furnishings together and create a cohesive look to your home.

6. Unleash your creativity in the kitchen space.

It’s true that most NYC apartments don’t offer a spacious kitchen area. However, this shouldn’t stop you from making the most of the minimal space as you decorate.

For your kitchen, it’s a good idea to invest in basic tools like cooking pots, pans, and knives that you can use and take with you for a long time. And these utensils can be stylish, too: Seek out colorful mixing bowls or sleek saucepans. Additionally, you can decorate empty spaces with other kitchen items, like empty bottles of wine, fruit baskets, or spice jars.

7. Practice self-control.

It’s completely understandable if you immediately go on a shopping spree because you’re excited to decorate an NYC apartment with all the things that’ll make it a home. But sometimes, you might be spending money on things that you want but don’t necessarily need.

Before blowing your budget, consider what are the necessities you need right now, then save the rest. This way, you can buy better accessories to decorate your apartment later on or even the next time around!

If you want more room in your budget for the ultimate NYC apartment decorations, you should look for a deal as you search for the perfect place. Short Term Rentals NYC is the premiere NYC rental search platform to help you find the perfect spot to live that you can then decorate to make completely your own. Our unique search filters and expert support team are here every step of the way to find the NYC apartment that inspires and excites you.